Rose Charmian

‘Charmian’ is a richly fragrant English rose with a wonderfully romantic character, this variety bridges the gap between shrub and climber, offering remarkable flexibility in the garden and one of the strongest Old Rose fragrances in the English Rose family.

The blooms are large and full, about 7 - 8 cm (2.8 to 3 inches) in diameter, filled tightly with numerous petals that form a deep rosette shape. The color is a rich, warm pink, occasionally touched with peach or deeper rose hues as the flowers mature. As the blooms open, they flatten slightly, and eventually the petal edges reflex gracefully, creating an elegant, slightly ruffled effect. The fragrance is a truly wonderful, very strong, sweet, and intensely Old Rose, with heady notes that fill the air even on warm, still days. It is a superb rose for cutting and bringing indoors, where the scent can be fully appreciated.

The rose variety ‘Charmian’ repeats flowering well, blooms in flushes throughout the season. When hard-pruned, it produces massive terminal clusters of blooms, often with 20 or more flowers per stem, making it a dazzling focal point.

‘Charmian’ has a naturally arching and somewhat floppy growth habit, which can appear sprawling if left unsupported. In cooler climates, it behaves as a medium-sized shrub, of about 120 cm (4 feet) tall, best planted in groups for structure and support. In warmer regions, it becomes a lax climber, sending out long, flexible canes that can be easily trained over trellises, arches, or low walls. Mature and well-established plant has a height of about 120 - 300 cm (3' 11" - 9' 10") and the width of about 90 - 125 cm (2' 11" - 4' 1").

Foliage is large, dark green, and sometimes semi-glossy, with new growth tinged in bronze. The plant is moderately prickly and, while generally vigorous and healthy, it may be somewhat prone to mildew or black spot in damp or crowded conditions. Good air circulation, regular feeding, and thoughtful pruning help maintain its form and performance.

This variety is especially charming when trained along a support, allowed to sprawl over a retaining wall, or placed at the back of a border where its flowing, fragrant blooms can shine. Like its namesake, ‘Charmian’ possesses a quiet strength and enduring beauty.

Named after Charmian, Cleopatra’s attendant in Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra

English Shrub Roses

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

Rose variety ‘Ausmian’ / 'Charmian' originated by David Austin by crossing female parent (seed parent) ‘Ausli’ / ‘Lilian Austin’ with the unnamed and unpatented rose seeding.

USDA 6