Rose Hayley Westenra

The modern Hybrid Tea shrub rose ‘Augusta Luise’ was bred by Hans Jürgen Evers in Germany in 1999. It is one of the most stunning modern rose varieties, captivating with its beauty and elegance. Orange-red buds open into lush, creamy-pink blooms with a soft salmon blush.

Flowering

The flowers are luxurious, very large (10-15 cm in diameter), and very full (over 50 petals) with a nostalgic, cup-shaped form. Their lace-like petals have slightly ruffled edges, showcasing a mesmerizing palette of colors that transition from creamy apricot and peachy-yellow to delicate pink and coral-pink, varying with light, humidity, and temperature. The blooms are borne singly or in clusters of 3-5 flowers, are rain-tolerant, but less heat-resistant. Known for its strong, sophisticated, and enchanting fragrance, this rose becomes the centerpiece of any floral arrangement or garden bed.

Plant

The shrub is medium-sized (70-120 cm tall and 80-100 cm wide), sturdy, and well-branched with upright, thick, and strong stems. The foliage is medium-sized, semi-glossy, dark green with serrated edges and prominent veins. The plant blooms almost continuously in flushes throughout the season until frost, with the first flush being particularly abundant. Later flushes are less intense but continue to provide decorative appeal until late autumn. Its exquisite, fully open flowers are a sight to behold, making it a true garden gem. ‘Augusta Luise’ is ideal for both single and group plantings, perfect for flower beds, borders, container gardening, and floral arrangements. Its cut flowers are long-lasting in vases, retaining their freshness and fragrance for an extended period, making this variety highly valued by florists and interior designers.

The rose thrives with vigorous growth. Spring pruning involves removing old, dead, or diseased wood, as well as branches that cross. In warmer climates, prune back by about one-third, while in colder regions, cut further to healthy green wood.

This variety is healthy and winters well, boasting high frost resistance suitable for USDA Zone 6b and warmer. It demonstrates strong resistance to common rose diseases, such as powdery mildew and black spot.

‘Augusta Luise’ is a symbol of refinement and beauty, capable of transforming any garden into a floral paradise. Its large, double, nostalgically shaped flowers are highly appreciated for their shifting colors, ranging from yellow-orange and creamy white to apricot-pink and coral shades. These hues change with weather, light, and flower age, creating a dynamic display of champagne, apricot, and rose-pink tones. The velvety petals are slightly wavy at the edges, with flower diameters reaching an impressive 12-18 cm. Its sweet, fruity fragrance with notes of raspberry is both intense and delightful.

The vigorous shrub grows to 100-150 cm tall and 80-150 cm wide, with sturdy, upright canes and large, glossy, leathery dark green leaves. It blooms in waves from May to autumn, providing continuous visual interest. The lush, abundant blooms make this variety ideal for landscaping, offering vibrant colors and large flowers throughout the season. While generally undemanding, it benefits from regular watering, fertilization, and pruning for optimal decorative impact. It prefers sunny locations with well-drained soil, and mulching is recommended to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.

Preferred position: Full sun. Ideal for mass plantings, borders, or creating bright focal points in the garden.

Cold hardiness: USDA Zone 6b and warmer (down to -23°C). In northern regions, it requires proper winter protection.

‘Augusta Luise’ is a breathtaking addition to any garden, offering a perfect balance of beauty, fragrance, and resilience.

It was introduced for Goethe's 250th anniversary. The variety was named in honor of Countess Augusta Louise (1753-1835), who was the muse of the young Goethe. The flower of this rose has something aristocratic and refined, something flirtatious and exquisite. Looking at the flowers of this variety, it seems that this rose partially embodied the essence of the great Countess.

Nostalgic

Baden-Baden Bronze Medal, Baden-Baden Rose Trials, 2002;

Australia - Silver Medal, Australian National Rose Trials, 2004;

Australia - Best Hybrid Tea, Australian National Rose Trials, 2004;

Gold medal of the Glasgow rose competition, The UK, 2005,

Gold Standard Rose Trials - Gold Standard, Gold Standard Rose Trials, 2006;

Rose Hills - Most Fragrant Variety, Rose Hills International Rose Trials, 2008;

Hamilton - Most Fragrant Rose, New Zealand Rose Trials, 2009;

Hamilton - Best Hybrid Tea, New Zealand Rose Trials, 2010;

Hamilton - New Zealand Rose of the Year, New Zealand Rose Trials, 2010;

Information about the parantage of this rose is not available or commecrically protected.

USDA 6 and warmer