Rose Jacquenetta

‘Jacquenetta’ is a distinct and lesser-known gem from the early English Rose collections of David Austin, offering a light, informal presence in the garden that stands apart from the fuller, more formal blooms typically associated with English roses. Though technically classified as a shrub rose, its floribunda-like character - freely blooming, open habit, and clustered flowers, makes it ideal for use in borders or casual garden settings. Though not the most robust in terms of disease resistance, its charm and long flowering season make it a worthy addition to relaxed, romantic gardens.

FLOWERING

This rose variety 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.

‘Jacquenetta’ in its nature is a graceful, semi-wild English rose that balances elegance with simplicity. The blooms are semi-double to single, with petal counts varying depending on climate: in cooler regions, blooms often develop more than five petals, appearing semi-double while in warmer, more seasonal climates, the flowers usually remain true to their five-petaled single form, revealing a prominent spray of golden-yellow stamens at the center.

The flowers are large, the average diameter of the open flower is about 9 - 10 cm (3.5 to 4-inch). They open from pointed copper-tinged buds to apricot-blush coloured flowers, blending into tones of peach, shell pink, or even mother-of-pearl as they age. The reverse of the petals is typically a shade darker, adding visual depth.

The flowers are borne in loose, airy clusters of up to nine flowers, appearing at the tips of the flowering stems. The general effect of the flowering plant is light and romantic, flowers seeming to dance at the ends of their arching stems. Though individual blooms may fade quickly, the plant reblooms generously throughout the season, ensuring a continuous flush of fresh color.

One of Jacquenetta's most endearing qualities is its potent fruity fragrance, which carries hints of ripe peach, plum, and citrus, layered on a sweet floral base. The scent is strong and immediately noticeable, making this rose ideal for planting near paths, seating areas, or windows where its perfume can be enjoyed up close.

PLANT

The rose variety ‘Jacquenetta’ is classified as a Shrub rose and is part of David Austin’s English Shrub Roses collection. Its growth habit is relaxed and open, lending itself well to mixed borders where it can intermingle with perennials or other shrub roses. Forms rounded, spreading shrub, generally reaching about 125 - 150 cm (4 - 5 feet) in both height and width.

The foliage is dark green, sometimes with a slight gloss, and provides an effective contrast to the delicate-colored flowers. The foliage is medium sized, the number of leaflets on normal mid-stem leaves is typically 5, with 3 leaflets at base of the flower, including the terminal leaflet. New shoots emerge light green and sparsely covered with small red prickles.

It shows its best performance in temperate and mild climates; less reliable in extremely cold winters unless protected. Responds best to light, shaping pruning in early spring to maintain its informal shape and encourage flowering at cane tips

Unfortunately this variety can be susceptible to mildew and rust, especially in humid conditions or with poor air circulation. Preventative care and spacing are advisable to maintain its health and beauty.

Rose variety is recommended for growing in climate conditions similar to USDA 6 and requires winter protection in more colder climates.

Named after the lively country maiden Jacquenetta from Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost

English Shrub Roses

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

Rose variety ‘Ausjac’ / 'Jacquenetta' originated by David Austin by crossing female parent - an unnamed and unpatented rose seedling with the male parent (pollen parent) English shrub rose ’Ausfather’ / ‘Charles Austin’.

USDA 6