Rose Mary Webb

‘Mary Webb’ is a quietly elegant English Rose not overly showy, but profoundly elegant. Its generous bloom size, rich lemony fragrance, and repeat-flowering nature make it a prized choice for gardeners seeking soft yellow hues in a structurally strong shrub. Though no longer in the front rank of modern introductions, it remains a classic selection, particularly for those who value historical names, poetic character, and fragrant gardens.

FLOWERING

‘Mary Webb’ offers a recurrent blooming habit, rewarding the gardener with successive flushes from late spring through fall.

The blooms are exceptionally large, averaging to about 12 cm (4.7 - 5 inches) in diameter, and are among the most substantial of all English Roses. Each flower emerges from globular buds tinged with red, unfurling into deeply cupped, very double blooms that resemble glowing yellow peonies. The petal formation is often described as spheroid or chalice-shaped, with inner petals densely packed and outer ones gently curving away.

The coloration is a serene, soft lemon yellow, occasionally infused with pale apricot or buff tones on opening. As the flowers age, they gracefully fade to creamy white, often retaining a delicate hint of fawn or lemon at the center, creating a sophisticated, multi-toned effect. The form is elegant yet relaxed, never rigid, always romantic.

Blooms are typically carried singly or in small clusters of 3 - 5 blooms together on long, arching stems, making them ideal for cutting gardens and floral arrangements. For lasting bouquet performance, harvest when blooms are half-open.

One of the standout features of ‘Mary Webb’ is its strong, fruity fragrance, often described as having sweet lemon, citrus zest, and ripe fruit overtones. The scent is persistent and noticeable both in the garden and in indoor arrangements. In warm climates and full sun, the fragrance becomes especially rich and enveloping.

PLANT

‘Mary Webb’ is classified as a Shrub rose and is part of David Austin’s English Shrub Roses collection. Grows as a vigorous, upright shrub, slightly taller than it is wide, with a bushy yet well-structured form.Mature and well-established plants have typically 120 - 140 cm (4 to 4.5 ft) in height and 90 - 110 cm (3 to 3.5 ft) in width. Its habit is compact enough for smaller borders, yet the impressive bloom size and form allow it to hold its own in larger plantings.

Canes are smooth and polished green, with fine red-tipped prickles, and new growth emerges bronze, creating attractive seasonal interest. The foliage is large, rounded, and matte in texture, appearing light green and bearing seven leaflets per stem. This foliage complements the blooms beautifully and provides a lush backdrop.

This rose is known to respond well to pruning, particularly hard pruning in early spring, which encourages both stronger repeat bloom and bushier growth. In warm climates, ‘Mary Webb’ can also be trained as a short pillar rose or low climber to add vertical display.

While not impervious, ‘Mary Webb’ offers moderate resistance to common rose diseases, especially in well-aerated, sunny positions. It may show some susceptibility to mildew or rust in humid or shaded conditions, but with good care and spacing, it remains a reliable garden performer. The pest resistance has not been tested yet.

This rose thrives particularly well in hotter climates, where its blooms open cleanly and fragrance intensifies. In cooler, wetter regions, care should be taken to prevent balling during damp weather.

This rose variety can be used as a border centerpiece in rose borders or in perennial beds for vertical accent. Planting it in groups of 3 or more plants creates a full, glowing display or pairs well with apricots, whites, and blue-toned perennials. Its long stems and peony-like blooms make it excellent for vases.

Named in honor of the Shropshire-born poet and novelist Mary Gladys Webb (1881–1927), this cultivar echoes the literary grace and subtle strength of its namesake. Her novels such as Precious Bane and Gone to Earth earned literary acclaim in early 20th-century Britain; this rose pays homage to both the local Shropshire landscape and the cultural richness of English literature.

English Shrub Roses

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

Rose variety ‘Auswebb’ / 'Mary Webb' originated by David Austin by crossing an unnamed and unpatented rose seedling with the yellow Floribunda rose ‘Chinatown’.

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