Rose Chaucer

‘Chaucer’, holds a special place in rose history as one of the early foundational English Roses. Bred from the once-blooming heritage roses ‘Duchesse de Montebello’ and ‘Constance Spry’, rose ‘Chaucer’ was a significant achievement: a repeat-flowering rose from non-reblooming parents. This pioneering quality, along with its rich myrrh scent and Old Rose form, made it a stepping stone for many of Austin’s later, more famous and favorite varieties.

The blooms of ‘Chaucer’ are large, approximately 11 cm (4.3–4.5 inches) in diameter, and display a deeply cupped, rosette shape, evoking the essence of historical garden roses. Each flower is packed with numerous petals, richly rose-pink in color, with subtle shading, darker reverses and paler edges. Occasionally, flowers may reveal golden stamens or a charming button eye at the center. They appear in small clusters of 3 - 7 blooms together, and held on long stems ideal for cutting. This rose variety repeats the flowering well from summer through to autumn.

One of the most endearing qualities of this rose variety is its strong, distinctive myrrh fragrance, a signature scent that would later define many English Roses. This sweet, slightly spicy perfume adds great value to garden borders and arrangements.

The plants of rose variety ‘Chaucer’ are upright and bushy, of medium vigor and height. The new foliage and shoots have a bronze tint, maturing to a light, matte green; the leaflets are large and have a rounded shape. A mature and well-established plant has a height of about 90 - 120 cm (2' 11" - 4' 1") and the width of about 90 cm (2' 11").

While attractive, the plant is not particularly dense or robust, and it is notably susceptible to mildew and rust, particularly in damp or poorly ventilated growing conditions. Despite these drawbacks, the flower quality and scent are so rewarding that many gardeners still value ‘Chaucer’ in their collections, especially in dry or temperate climates.

Over time, ‘Chaucer’ has been somewhat eclipsed by more disease-resistant Austin introductions, but its role as a foundation variety and the beauty of its flowers continues to make it a nostalgic favorite.

Named after Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343 – 25 October 1400) a prominent English poet, author, and civil servant best known for his The Canterbury Tales.

English Shrub Roses

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

Rose variety ‘Auscer’ / 'Chaucer' originated by David Austin by crossing female parent (seed parent) Old rose ‘Duchesse de Montebello’ with the pollen parent - English rose ‘Constance Spry’.

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