English roses have risen to prominence as one of the most popular classifications of roses.
In this article, we will briefly explain English roses as a whole, and introduce you to 8 specific varieties of English roses along with some interesting facts.
What Is An English Rose
The English group of roses originally stemmed from the famed horticulturist, David Austin, who has been dubbed the “father of English roses”.
His goal was to breed roses with the purpose of blending the qualities of old and modern rose cultivars.
He aimed for roses that were fragrant like old-fashioned roses, but with the repeat blooming and color variety that modern roses had.
Contrary to popular belief, “English rose” is not actually an official classification of rose, as opposed to other common classifications such as floribunda or hybrid tea.
As detailed by the American Rose Society, the English rose is just a subgroup of the shrub classification.
Shrub roses are noted for their vigorous, bushy growth and sprawling habit.
Regardless, English roses are so popular that many gardeners consider them to be a classification in their own right.
What Do English Roses Look Like
Common qualities amongst the English roses are large, full flowers with an abundance of petals.
English roses come in a variety of pastel hues, though some varieties can come in yellow or even deep red.
David Austin yellow roses are some of the best in the business, known for their strong fragrance and beautiful blooms.
The plant itself is often classified as a shrub, however, there are certain cultivars of English roses that can be grown as climbing roses.
How Long Do English Roses Live
The lifespan of an English rose plant can vary greatly. Some varieties can live up to 100 years old with meticulous care.
However, most varieties begin to decay after 10-20 years.
How To Take Care Of English Roses
Are English Roses Hard To Grow?
English roses are considered to be a beginner-friendly classification of roses.
They’re forgiving of a wide range of climates and most varieties are resistant to diseases.
Some people have a preconceived notion that caring for rose bushes is incredibly difficult and only left for the most seasoned gardeners, but this is simply not the case.
English roses require a degree of care and dedication, yes. But we’re sure that you will find that English roses are very easy.
English Rose Care Must-Knows
While all English roses are diverse and varied in their peculiarities, there are some essential care tips you must know when caring for an English rose.
Soil
Never let its soil dry out completely.
On the contrary, you also do not want the soil to be soaked in water.
It is important to find a happy medium when watering roses. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the top few inches of soil have dried before rewetting the soil.
While most roses are not finicky with their soil preferences, you will get a higher quality rose with a well-draining soil that is amended with compost or manure.
Planting
We recommend working in the compost a few weeks prior to transplanting your rose bushes.
Place a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of your rose bushes.
Mulch not only retains moisture but also helps regulate soil temperature and deter pests.
Mulch can be made of many different materials, but the most common include leaves, straw, and bark.
Keeping your plants spaced apart is an important, yet often overlooked aspect of planting new rose bushes.
There’s nothing more visually appealing than a full, lush rose bush, but it does not mean you have to crowd your plants together.
In most cases, it is recommended to space your rose bushes apart 2 to 3 feet.
Spacing your plants not only increases air circulation, but it allows each individual root system to develop fully without the overlapping of another plant’s roots.
Good spacing will give you better-quality rose bushes and reduces the odds of fungal diseases.
Roses require an abundance of nutrients and fertilizer is a must-have if you expect to grow luscious, fortified rose plants.
Selecting the right NPK ratio can make or break your plant’s development.
Nitrogen is helpful for developing the growth of leaves and branches, but it completely hinders the plant’s ability to develop flower buds.
Phosphorous, on the other hand, is better suited if you want a surplus of healthy roses.
We definitely suggest that you read the labels on the fertilizer packages carefully.
As always, follow the directions according to the specific fertilizer you purchase. Improperly used fertilizer could be a hindrance rather than a benefit.
8 Varieties Of English Roses
Now that we’ve become familiar with the history of English roses as well as some must-know care tips, let’s introduce 8 varieties of English roses.
Each rose may have its own peculiarities, but they are all tied together under the English rose classification.
1. Cardinal Hume Rose
Cardinal Hume rose was bred by Harkness in United Kingdom, before 1982.
| COLOR: Violet | BLOOM SIZE: Small – Medium | FRAGRANCE: Strong, Cinnamon, Fruity Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 6ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
Unlike most other English roses, the Cardinal Hume can be susceptible to blackspot when improperly cared for.
The easiest way to avoid blackspot is by reducing as much unnecessary moisture as possible.
We recommend watering your rose plant as close to the base as possible to avoid wet foliage.
In addition, regular pruning can help increase the air circulation that keeps the blackspot at bay.
2. Huntington’s Hero Rose
Huntington’s Hero rose was bred by Huntington Trustees, 1995.
| COLOR: Pale Creamy Pink, With Peach Tones | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Showy Fragrant |
| PLANT SIZE: 3ft – 4ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
Huntington’s Hero rose is a perfect selection if you’re looking to breed English roses for bouquets or floral arrangements.
Their fragrance is considered to be moderate. Not too overpowering, yet not undetectable.
When you are cutting your roses, be wary of any thorns!
3. Bibi Maizoon Rose
Bibi Maizoon rose was bred by David C. H. Austin in United Kingdom, in 1989.
| COLOR: Pink | BLOOM SIZE: Large | FRAGRANCE: Strong fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 2ft – 4ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
While most English roses are tolerable of a wider range of soil pH levels, the Bibi Maizoon rose has a preference for more acidic soils (pH levels 5.6 to 6.5).
We highly recommend doing a pH test on your soil to determine its acidity.
If your soil errs on the side of alkaline, adding elemental sulfur to your garden bed is an effective way to lower the pH.
4. Cressida Rose
Cressida rose was bred by David C. H. Austin in United Kingdom, in 1983.
| COLOR: Apricot | BLOOM SIZE: Large | FRAGRANCE: Strong, Myrrh, Sweet Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 5ft – 13ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
If you live in a more moderate climate, you can grow your Cressida roses as a climber if you prefer.
Related post: 9 Great David Austin Climbing Roses.
Growing your roses as a climber will require some training, however.
Fasten your roses’ canes to a climbing structure (trellis, archway, fence, etc) using gardening tape.
Continue to attach the canes to the climbing structure every 12 inches until the rose bush starts to naturally climb.
5. English Elegance Rose
English Elegance rose was bred by David C. H. Austin in United Kingdom, in 1985.
| COLOR: Apricot | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Strong Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 5ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
English Elegance roses were discontinued by David Austin due to their finicky propagation, though this beautiful rose variety can still be found by rare rose breeders and collectors.
The flowers on the English Elegance rose bush is known to attract pollinator insects, specifically bees and butterflies.
Bees are amazing for the ecosystem of your garden because they help increase the production value of all plants, not just your flowers.
Butterflies, on the other hand, are absolutely stunning and you’ll love sitting in your garden and seeing how many species of butterflies you can find!
6. Lilian Austin Rose
Lilian Austin rose was bred by David C. H. Austin in United Kingdom, in 1973.
| COLOR: Pink Blend | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE: Moderate Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 4ft – 5ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
For gardeners living in climates that are prone to spring freezes, the Lilian Austin rose will need some extra protection.
Springtime is when roses begin to develop new foliage growth in time for the blooming season.
An unexpected spring frost can kill the delicate new growth that had just formed, rendering the progress completely useless.
The most common way to protect your plant from this is by delaying the pruning process until you are absolutely certain all threats of frost have passed.
We recommend checking with your local weather authority to determine when the last spring frost is for your particular area.
7. Hilda Murrell Rose
Hilda Murrell rose was bred by David C. H. Austin in United Kingdom, in 1984.
| COLOR: Pink | BLOOM SIZE: Medium | FRAGRANCE Strong Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 4ft – 5ft | FLOWERING: Once-Blooming | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The Hilda Murrell rose is a “once blooming rose.”
As their name implies, once-blooming roses will only bloom once during their growing season.
Since you only get to have a small window of time where your roses bloom, you’ll certainly want to preserve the roses you do have so that you can fondly remember their blooming season.
You can preserve a few of your roses to use as a keepsake.
Because the Hilda Murrell roses have a strong fragrance, they can also double as potpourri as well.
After deadheading, your roses, hang them in a location of your house where it is dry, cool, and dark.
It takes a few weeks for the roses to become completely dry, but once they are complete you can keep them in a jar or crush the petals for a room fragrance.
8. Mary Webb Rose
Mary Webb rose was David C. H. Austin in United Kingdom, in 1984.
| COLOR: Yellow | BLOOM SIZE: Large | FRAGRANCE: Strong Fragrance |
| PLANT SIZE: 5ft | FLOWERING: Repeat Flowering | PREFERRED LOCATION: Full Sun |
The Mary Webb rose plant can tolerate a wide variety of climates, ranging from USDA zones 5 and above.
You don’t have to sacrifice owning this beautiful rose cultivar just because of where you live.
While the Mary Webb rose is typically grown as a shrub to be kept in the garden, the longer stems on these roses make this a great flower for cutting.
The fragrance of the Mary Webb rose is said to be strong, so this is a perfect gift for loved ones who adore the scent of roses.
Conclusion
English roses are one of the most iconic groups of roses on the market.
While the father of English roses has passed away, many rose breeders are continuing with his legacy.
The combination of classic roses’ beauty and fragrance with the repeat blooms and disease resistance of modern roses make for a delightful marriage of both worlds.
