Rose Mary Rose

‘Mary Rose’ is one of David Austin’s landmark introductions and a cornerstone of the English Rose renaissance. Released in 1983, alongside ‘Graham Thomas’, it helped popularize the English Rose category worldwide. This variety remains a favorite among gardeners for its nostalgic bloom form, exceptional continuity of flowering, and historically resonant name. Named to honor the recovery of Henry VIII’s warship, the Mary Rose, this rose bridges heritage with horticultural excellence.

FLOWERING

‘Mary Rose’ is celebrated for its prolonged and continuous bloom; it is often among the earliest to flower and one of the last to finish, blooming nearly uninterrupted from late spring until frost. Its flowering performance is one of the most consistent in the English Rose group.

The blooms are medium-sized, averaging to about 7 cm (2.8 inches) in diameter, and appear in loose, cupped rosettes of classic Old Rose style. Each flower is full, features ruffled, slightly reflexed outer petals and a soft, undulating form. While not formally symmetrical, the blooms possess an old-fashioned charm evocative of Damask roses.

The color is a rich, warm rose pink, often more vivid in early summer and softening toward pale pink with cooler weather. The petal reverses are typically paler, and in autumn or lower light, the blooms may display subtle variation or streaking.

Flowers are borne in clusters of 3 - 7, held on moderately long stems with ruby-toned buds that open gradually. While excellent for cutting, the petals tend to drop once the bloom has fully matured, so it is best to harvest when half-open for vase use.

The fragrance of ‘Mary Rose’ is light to moderate with a distinct Old Rose character. In warmer climates or high summer, the perfume intensifies and reveals subtle notes of honey, almond blossom, and musk. Though not as powerful as some of Austin’s later introductions, it remains pleasantly noticeable in the garden.

PLANT

The rose variety 'Mary Rose' is classified as a Shrub rose and is part of David Austin’s English Shrub Roses collection. Forms a medium-sized, bushy, twiggy shrub with a balanced, rounded outline and good vigor. Growth is upright yet informal, and the plant maintains a well-branched, leafy habit without being unruly. It reaches approximately 120 - 150 cm (4 - 5 ft) in height and about to 90 - 150 cm (3 - 5 ft) in width, performing well as a freestanding shrub, in groups, or even as a low hedge.

The foliage is mid-green, matte, and somewhat rugose, reflecting the influence of Rosa rugosa in its ancestry. The leaves are typically composed of five leaflets and are held densely along the thorny stems. New growth emerges pale green before darkening with maturity. Stems are notably prickly, with reddish thorns that contrast nicely against the foliage.

In warm climates, the plant may reach slightly taller dimensions and benefit from summer shaping. Hard pruning in early spring encourages a denser form and improves flower production.

'Mary Rose' is excellent as a medium-height background plant or is ideal when planted in groups of 3 or more. It pairs beautifully with perennials and other English roses and can be used in cottage gardens as a staple for heritage-style plantings and informal beds. The blooms of 'Mary Rose' provide traditional blooms with nostalgic form, however they are rather short lived in vase and it is best to enjoy them where they grow.

Thanks to its Rosa rugosa heritage, ‘Mary Rose’ displays moderate to good disease resistance, particularly in well-ventilated, sunny positions. It is largely resistant to mildew and rust, though it may show some susceptibility to blackspot in damp or shaded conditions. Overall, it is considered a low-maintenance and resilient rose, suitable for both novice and experienced growers. The pest resistance has not been tested.

Rose variety is recommended for growing in climate conditions similar to USDA 5 and requires winter protection in more colder climates.

Deadheading encourages continued bloom, and the shrub responds well to both light and hard pruning styles. It is suitable for mass planting, especially when grouped in threes to enhance floral impact and create an old-world aesthetic.

Named in 1983 for the historic warship Mary Rose, flagship of King Henry VIII, which was recovered from the seabed of the Solent after over 400 years. The name was chosen in collaboration with the Mary Rose Trust to commemorate this monumental archaeological and cultural event.

English Shrub Roses

Modern Shrub Rose, Austin Rose Society Show, 1999;

Modern Shrub Rose, El Paso Rose Society Show, 1999;

Modern Shrub Rose, First Capitol Rose Society Show, 1999;

Modern Shrub Rose, South Metro Rose Society Show, 2000;

Award of Garden Merit (RHS/RNRS), Royal Horticultural Society Show, 2001;

Modern Shrub Rose, Arapahoe Rose Society Show, 2001;

Modern Shrub Rose, Penn - Jersey District Show, 2001;

Shrub (ARS), Glendale Rose Society Show, 2001;

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

Rose variety ‘Ausmary’ / 'Mary Rose' originated by David Austin by crossing female parent (seed parent) - English shrub rose ‘Ausbath’ / ‘Wife of Bath’ with the male parent (pollen parent) - English shrub rose ‘The Miller’.

USDA 5