Rose Grace

‘Grace’is a refined English Shrub Rose by David Austin, known for its elegant apricot rosettes and graceful arching habit. Its slender, fluted petals create unusually domed blooms with a soft button eye, deep apricot at the center and fading to near-cream at the edges. A warm, sensuous tea fragrance adds to its charm, making it as fragrant as it is beautiful. The shrub is vigorous, healthy, and repeat-blooming, forming a compact, rounded shape that fits effortlessly into borders or mixed plantings. A standout in the Leander Group, ‘Grace’ brings both classic style and modern reliability to the garden.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

FLOWERING

This rose variety ‘Grace’ has a recurrent flowering habit. Blooms in flushes with short breaks from summer until frosts. The number of blooms per plant during the growing season is profuse, but there are too many to count.

The blooms of rose variety ‘Grace’ are perhaps its most defining feature. They are medium to large, very full rosettes averaging about 7 - 8 cm in diameter (about 3 inches) with a very high petal count, typically averaging to about 75 - 80 petals per flower. The form is initially cupped; buds open as shallow cups and gradually reflex to perfect, circular rosette form. The outer petals are somewhat narrow and reflexed back, an unusual trait that gives this rose a very different appearance compared to other English Roses. Each bloom is densely packed with petals arranged in neat concentric whorls. Notably, the petals are slender and uniformly arranged, which contributes to the bloom’s refined, almost dahlia-like rosette structure. The petals are also thick enough to withstand rain without shattering; growers report that the blooms hold up well in adverse weather but not so much in heat. Spent blooms drop petals cleanly or can be deadheaded to encourage new flushes.

The color of rose variety ‘Grace’ is a rich apricot with tonal variation across the bloom. Flowers are lovely pure apricot with darker in the middle, paler towards the edges. In just opened blooms, the heart of the flower can have deeper apricot or peachy-orange tones, while the outer petals are a softer, pastel apricot that may fade to a blush cream at the tips. This creates a gradient effect: with petals that captivate in a delicate light apricot toward the center they take on a stronger hue. The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart positions ‘Grace’ in the apricot range (often described as a soft orange-yellow group). Petals may also show hints of pink or salmon under certain climates. Blooms generally maintain good color in moderate heat, though under intense sun they can lighten. Overall the apricot hue of ‘Grace’ is clear and strong, blending well with both warm - and cool-colored companion plants. The color does not exhibit striping or pronounced bicolor effects; rather it’s a self-colored apricot with subtle tonal depth.

Fragrance:

Rose ‘Grace’ has a medium-strength Tea fragrance, often experienced as quite pronounced and pleasing. The fragrance is deliciously warm and sensuous with the classic Tea character, reminiscent of freshly brewed tea and hints of spice. The scent intensifies in warm weather and at peak bloom openness. Some noses also detect fruity undertones - a touch of apricot or honey, mingled with the base tea scent. It’s worth noting that fragrance can fluctuate with conditions: cooler weather can subdue it slightly, and very hot midday sun may cause rapid volatilization of scent compounds.

PLANT

Rose variety ‘Grace’ is classified as a Shrub rose and is part of David Austin’s English Shrub Roses collection. Taxonomically, the rose variety ‘Grace’ is a complex hybrid not assigned to a specific species. It falls under the Shrub rose category in horticultural classification. It forms a medium-sized, bushy shrub with a broad, arching growth habit. A mature plant reaches approximately 120 cm in height with a similar spread (about 4 ft by 4 ft), creating a gently mounding profile. The canes are well-branched and clothed in abundant foliage, giving a full, leafy appearance.

This rose is ideal for mixed borders, shrub beds, and hedges. Fits well in informal or cottage gardens due to soft color and form. Suitable as a cut flower - it has long stems with clusters of flowers which have a vase life of up to 5 - 7 days. It also can be grown in large containers, at least 40–50 cm deep, given its compact size. Often placed near path edges or mid-border to appreciate fragrance. Combines beautifully with perennial salvias, lavender, and blue or purple flowers (color-complimentary). Also effective as a standalone specimen or in groups of 3 for mass impact.

Best pruned in late winter or very early spring (e.g., March in UK/US Zone 7, earlier in warm zones). The general pruning method is - cut back by about 1/2 to 1/3 of plant height, shaping to a rounded form. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing canes. ‘Grace’ can also benefit from summer deadheading: after each major flush, spent blooms are removed just above a five-leaflet junction to encourage rebloom. It responds well to pruning, reshooting vigorously on pruned stems. For hedging use, can be trimmed lightly to maintain desired size after flowering.

‘Grace’ lives up to its name. It brings a touch of grace and elegance to gardens large or small, while remaining grounded in robust growth and practicality. Whether grown as a focal shrub, a fragrant hedge, or a beloved specimen by the front door, this rose has proven itself as a modern classic. Gardeners who plant it can look forward to decades of enjoyment, the rose’s defining characteristics - grace, beauty, and endurance - on full display with every flush of bloom.

Foliage:

Foliage is deciduous, medium-sized, pinnate leaves that are a light to mid-green color. The leaves have a semi-glossy finish, less glossy than typical Hybrid Teas, providing a distinct contrast to the dense, medium-green foliage. The foliage of ‘Grace’ is composed of classic rose pinnate leaves, The number of leaflets on normal mid-stem leaves varies from 5 to 7, including the terminal leaflet. The edges are serrated, the type of serration is mainly medium sized and double.

Young leaves emerge lighter green, maturing to a slightly deeper hue, though overall the foliage is on the lighter side for a shrub rose. Leaves are of medium size and fairly dense along the stems, giving a luxuriant look. Importantly, ‘Grace’ has shown above-average disease tolerance in many gardens.

Prickles:

Young stems of this rose have a normal quantity of prickles, they have mostly straight, slightly hooked shape. While not completely smooth the stems of ‘Grace’ are not excessively armed and manageable to prune or train without gloves.

Disease resistance:

The rose variety ‘Grace’ has above average disease resistance. It exhibits high tolerance to black spot - only mild occurrences in bad years, often remaining clean when other varieties defoliate. Powdery mildew is seldom an issue except perhaps late fall. Rose rust and dieback are rare. Considered a very healthy rose by trial and gardeners. It requires normal preventive care in very humid climates, but generally less spraying needed than for susceptible hybrid teas. Foliage stays on the plant well into autumn if untreated.

It is also somewhat tolerant of rain - blooms don’t ball up easily in wet weather due to the reflexed petal form, but not really heat resistant - bush can handle warm summers; blooms fade slightly but persist, but in very hot weather the flowers tend to shutter very quickly.

In terms of cold-hardiness, ‘Grace’ is considered to be suitable for growing in climates similar to USDA Zone 6 or even Zone 5 with protection. The RHS assigns it Hardiness rating H6 (hardy to −20 °C), corresponding roughly to Zone 5. Stems may experience some tip dieback in severe winters, but the plant can rebound from the crown. It does not require winter lifting or special care in temperate climates beyond normal mulching.

Climate-specific Tips:

In temperate/oceanic climates (e.g., UK, Pacific Northwest), ‘Grace’ thrives with minimal fuss - just ensure it’s in a sunny spot as overcast conditions can reduce blooms (though it will still flower in part-sun, just fewer). Its petals are rain-tolerant, so no special shelter is needed. Deadhead to prevent balling of any spent blooms in continuous wet weather. Watch for black spot in late season; otherwise enjoy its long bloom season often up to the first frosts. In warm-summer continental climates (e.g., Midwest US, central Europe), ‘Grace’ appreciates spring and early summer conditions and will handle heat, but provide deep mulch and irrigation July - Aug to keep roots cool. Because nights may stay warm, fungus can proliferate - space plants apart, and consider an organic fungicide (like copper or bio-fungicide) as a preventative monthly. Winter care in zone 5: after the first hard frost, mound compost or mulch about 20 cm (8 in) high around the base for insulation. In zone 6 and above, winter protection is less critical but still mulch the root zone. In Mediterranean climates (dry-summer, e.g., California, Italy), Grace does very well. The key is to irrigate regularly since rainfall is low in summer - a deep soaking 1 - 2 times weekly is ideal. The dry air means fungal disease pressure is lower (except possibly rust), so ‘Grace’ often remains nearly spotless; just avoid overhead watering in the evening. Provide afternoon shade in extremely hot inland areas to prevent sun-scald on blooms (morning sun + dappled afternoon shade can work). Also, in such climates, ‘Grace’ might go somewhat semi-dormant in the peak of summer if it’s very hot (above 35 °C); flowering may pause, then resume in fall when temperatures moderate. This is normal. Support ‘Grace’ with an extra compost top-dress in fall to help its bloom renewal. In tropical/subtropical climates (zones 10–11), Grace can be grown but may not be at its best - it prefers some winter chilling. If attempted, give it partial sun, excellent ventilation, and be rigorous on fungal prevention (black spot is relentless in the tropics). It might bloom less frequently without a distinct cool season.

The cultivar name ‘Grace’ was chosen by David Austin to evoke the elegant character of the rose. According to the breeder, the rose variety ‘Grace’ was named to celebrate the defining characteristic of the English Roses, their gracefulness in bloom and habit. The simplicity of the name “Grace” aligns with Austin’s practice of bestowing short, evocative names to many of his roses (Wife of Bath, Heritage, Pat Austin, etc.), making them memorable.

English Shrub Roses

RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), awarded in 2012 (published 2013) for outstanding garden performance.

Additionally, Grace has won or been shortlisted for fragrance awards in some rose trials (e.g., a fragrance award in 2017 at a U.S. regional trial - unofficial report).

In 2004 ‘Grace’ also was awarded with ‘Best Shrub Rose’ and a Bronze Medal in Australian National Rose Trials.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

Rose variety ‘Auskeppy’ / 'Grace' originated by David Austin by crossing the English rose variety "Ausleap" / "Sweet Juliet" with the unnamed Austin’s seedling (unreleased, unregistered; details confidential).

COMPARISON WITH PARENTS

The ‘Auskeppy’ / 'Grace' may be distinguished from its seed parent "Ausleap" / "Sweet Juliet", by the following combination of characteristics:

 "Ausleap" / "Sweet Juliet" is an apricot English Rose bred by Austin in 1989, known for its strong tea fragrance and cupped rosette shape while the flowers of ‘Auskeppy’ / 'Grace' variety have more informal rosette shape with more pink and peach tones. The use of "Ausleap" / "Sweet Juliet" likely contributed many of ‘Auskeppy’ / 'Grace'qualities (color, form), since "Ausleap" / "Sweet Juliet" itself is an apricot rose bred from ‘Ausmas’ / ‘Graham Thomas’ × ‘Ausmira’ / ‘Admired Miranda’ - those bring in strong yellow and pink genetics, respectively.

COMPARISON WITH THE CLOSEST COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE CULTIVAR

It is sometimes informally grouped with other apricot or tea-scented Austin roses for comparison. A closely related cultivar in look is rose ‘Ausmira’ / ‘Golden Celebration’ a yellow, larger shrub, interestingly, early sources mistakenly suggested ‘Golden Celebration’ was a parent of ‘Auskeppy’ / 'Grace', but breeder records clarify the parentage is different.

Among Austin’s apricot roses, ‘Auskeppy’ / 'Grace' is distinguished by its narrow-petaled rosette form versus the broader, quartered form of, say, Floribunda rose ‘Apricot Nectar’ or the cupped rosettes of ‘Charles Austin’. Also, ‘Auskeppy’ / 'Grace' rarely nods its blooms despite their fullness; the flowers are held at medium stature on the stem. The combination of Grace’s color, form, fragrance, and plant habit is fairly unique, though gardeners may compare it to variety ‘Port Sunlight’ (another Austin apricot) or ‘Buff Beauty’ (a hybrid musk) for color. However, ‘Auskeppy’ / 'Grace' has a more compact form than many, making it versatile for smaller gardens.

USDA 6