Current roses in the collection
83
Confirmed current roses in the collection.
Rose collection
Breeder collection
Active
English Shrub Roses
A rose collection by David Austin Roses Limited (UK)
The foundational shrub collection of David Austin Roses Ltd. in Albrighton, Shropshire - cultivars bred for a bushy, self-supporting habit that blends Old rose flower form, signature fragrance, and repeat bloom.
- Cultivars
- 156
- Introduced
- 1969
- Historical
- 73
About this collection
The foundational shrub collection of David Austin Roses Ltd. in Albrighton, Shropshire - cultivars bred for a bushy, self-supporting habit that blends Old rose flower form, signature fragrance, and repeat bloom.
Collection facts
- Company
- David Austin Roses Limited (UK)
- Breeder
- Carl Bennett , Sir David Austin
- Official name
- English Shrub Roses
- Collection type
- Breeder collection
- Includes classes
- English climbing rose, English rose, English shrub rose, English Shrub rose, Hybrid Musk, Modern Shrub rose, Shrub rose
- Introduced
- 1969
- Status
- Active
- Confirmed by Roses ABC roses
- 156
- Editorial source
- Roses ABC
- Editorially reviewed
- Sept. 12, 2026
Sources
Official collection source opens in a new tab — checked Sept. 12, 2026
Structured data summary
Collection DNA
Short overview of the collection's DNA.
Historical roses in the collection
73
Confirmed former roses from the collection included in this summary.
Introduction years
1961 - 2026
Based on 156 of 156 actual roses in collection.
Fragrance strength
1%
1 of 155 roses rated 1 out of 5 in total.
Fragrance strength
10%
16 of 155 roses rated 2 out of 5 in total.
Fragrance strength
37%
58 of 155 roses rated 3 out of 5 in total.
Fragrance strength
39%
61 of 155 roses rated 4 out of 5 in total.
Fragrance strength
12%
19 of 155 roses rated 5 out of 5 in total.
Health rating
2%
3 of 156 roses rated 1 out of 5 in total.
Health rating
31%
48 of 156 roses rated 2 out of 5 in total.
Health rating
65%
102 of 156 roses rated 3 out of 5 in total.
Health rating
1%
2 of 156 roses rated 4 out of 5 in total.
Health rating
1%
1 of 156 roses rated 5 out of 5 in total.
USDA hardiness zone 4
4%
6 of 156 roses rated USDA zone 4 in total.
USDA hardiness zone 5
63%
98 of 156 roses rated USDA zone 5 in total.
USDA hardiness zone 6
33%
51 of 156 roses rated USDA zone 6 in total.
USDA hardiness zone 7
1%
1 of 156 roses rated USDA zone 7 in total.
Black spot resistance
2%
3 of 156 roses with Weak resistance to Black spots in total.
Black spot resistance
26%
41 of 156 roses with Medium resistance to Black spots in total.
Black spot resistance
72%
112 of 156 roses with Strong resistance to Black spots in total.
Mildew resistance
2%
3 of 156 roses with Weak resistance to Mildew in total.
Mildew resistance
36%
56 of 156 roses with Medium resistance to Mildew in total.
Mildew resistance
62%
97 of 156 roses with Strong resistance to Mildew in total.
Botrytis resistance
10%
15 of 156 roses with Medium resistance to Botrytis in total.
Botrytis resistance
90%
141 of 156 roses with Strong resistance to Botrytis in total.
Rust resistance
10%
15 of 156 roses with Medium resistance to Rust in total.
Rust resistance
90%
141 of 156 roses with Strong resistance to Rust in total.
Heat resistance
3%
5 of 156 roses with Weak resistance to Heat resistance in total.
Heat resistance
88%
138 of 156 roses with Medium resistance to Heat resistance in total.
Heat resistance
8%
13 of 156 roses with Strong resistance to Heat resistance in total.
Rain resistance
1%
2 of 156 roses with Weak resistance to Rain resistance in total.
Rain resistance
8%
13 of 156 roses with Medium resistance to Rain resistance in total.
Rain resistance
90%
141 of 156 roses with Strong resistance to Rain resistance in total.
Mixed border
85%
132 of 156 roses suitable for Mixed border.
Shade
36%
56 of 156 roses suitable for shade.
Cut flowers
31%
48 of 156 roses suitable for cut flowers.
Containers
37%
57 of 156 roses suitable for containers.
Rose borders
88%
137 of 156 roses suitable for rose borders.
Hedges
43%
67 of 156 roses suitable for hedges.
Pergolas
17%
26 of 156 roses suitable for Pergolas.
Attracting bees
28%
44 of 156 roses suitable for attracting bees.
Landscaping
13%
21 of 156 roses suitable for landscaping.
Large structures
12%
19 of 156 roses suitable for Large structures.
Cut flowers
31%
48 of 156 roses suitable for Cut flowers.
Climbing Roses
17%
26 of 156 roses suitable for Climbing Roses.
Used in rose breeding
22%
35 of 156 roses used in rose breeding.
Horticultural identification
The synthesis of old-world charm and modern repeat bloom
The commercial designation English Shrub Roses is the foundational core collection developed by David Austin Roses Ltd. While English Roses is the broad trademarked umbrella, English Shrub Roses specifically designates cultivars selected for a bushy, self-supporting shrub habit designed to integrate gracefully into mixed landscape borders.
Canonical name
English Shrub Roses
Singular: English Shrub Rose
Breeder / company
David Austin Roses Ltd.
Origin: Albrighton, United Kingdom
Roses ABC type
Breeder collection
Classification confidence: High
Collection status
Active / current
Continually expanded in breeder catalogues
Every release is evaluated against multi-year trial criteria: old-rose flower architecture, reliable repeat flowering, shrub-scale proportions, and a distinctive perfume drawn from one of five official Austin fragrance families. The collection spans more than six decades of introductions, from the 1961 prototype Constance Spry to contemporary shade-tolerant releases such as Emma Bridgewater (2024) and The King's Rose (2025).
Use the Cultivar explorer tab to filter confirmed Roses ABC members by colour, fragrance, hardiness, and membership status. DNA metrics on the summary tab summarise aggregate traits across linked cultivars.
Historical milestones
From mid-century crosses to modern disease-resilient shrubs
Explore key eras in the development of English Shrub Roses — from the first nostalgic old-form blooms to today's health-focused breeding programme in Shropshire.
-
1940s - 1961 · The prototype
Foundational precursor era
David C.H. Austin began breeding in Shropshire to combine Old Garden Rose form and fragrance with modern repeat bloom. The landmark result was Constance Spry (1961): a large pink shrub with strong myrrh scent. Although once-blooming, it proved public demand for nostalgic rose aesthetics.
-
1969 · First repeaters
Repeat-flowering English Roses
By crossing Constance Spry back to modern floribundas and Hybrid Teas, Austin achieved repeat-flowering shrubs with old-style blooms. In 1969 he introduced Wife of Bath and Canterbury, establishing the groundwork for the modern collection.
-
1983 · Chelsea breakthrough
Commercial turning point
At the 1983 Chelsea Flower Show, Austin presented Graham Thomas (unfading yellow) and Mary Rose (rich mid-pink). International acclaim transformed David Austin Roses from a specialist nursery into a globally recognised brand.
-
2000s–2010s · Health & lineage
Genetic formalisation
As the portfolio expanded, Austin formalised four internal genetic lineages (Old Rose Hybrids, Leander Group, English Musk Roses, English Alba Hybrids). Selection shifted toward fungal disease resilience — landmarks include The Mayflower (2001) and Lady of Shalott (2009).
-
2020s - present · Modern era
Contemporary innovation
Recent introductions prioritise self-cleaning petals, shade tolerance, extreme health, and novel colour transitions - exemplified by Bring Me Sunshine (2022), Emma Bridgewater (2024), and The King's Rose (2025).
Genetic lineages & scent profiles
Breeding philosophy and olfactory classification
Every English Shrub Rose is evaluated against strict multi-year trial criteria before commercial introduction. David Austin categorised shrub introductions into four genetic groups based on pedigree and growth habit, while requiring signature perfume from one of five fragrance families.
The four internal genetic lineages
Old Rose Hybrids
Closest in form to historic Gallicas and Damasks. Dense multi-petaled rosettes, bushy rounded growth, predominantly pink, crimson, and deep fuchsia tones.
Leander Group
Derived in part from Rosa wichurana and modern shrub lines. Larger arching canes, glossy foliage, warm apricot, yellow, and peach hues.
English Musk Roses
Descended from Iceberg and Noisette lines. Slender airy growth, pale green foliage, delicate bloom clusters, exceptionally repeat-blooming.
English Alba Hybrids
Smaller sub-group: tall upright growth, bluish-green foliage, exceptional cold hardiness, refined pastel pink blooms.
Selection criteria summary
- Flower form: Old Rose rosette or cupped architecture with progressive opening.
- Repeat bloom: Reliable flushes through the growing season (post-1969 standard).
- Habit: Self-supporting shrub proportions suitable for mixed borders without mandatory staking.
- Fragrance: Distinctive scent classified into Old Rose, Tea, Myrrh, Fruity, or Musk families.
- Health: Increasing emphasis on blackspot and mildew resistance in modern releases.
Collection charts
Cultivar introductions by decade
How the collection expanded over time
| Decade | Cultivars |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 4 |
| 1970s | 2 |
| 1980s | 35 |
| 1990s | 42 |
| 2000s | 41 |
| 2010s | 23 |
| 2020s | 9 |
Based on 156 of 156 actual roses in collection.
Main colour distribution
Breakdown of main colour categories across tracked cultivars
| Colour | Cultivars |
|---|---|
| Pink | 76 |
| Apricot | 21 |
| Yellow | 16 |
| White | 15 |
| Red | 13 |
| Orange | 6 |
| Cream | 3 |
| Lilac | 2 |
| Purple | 2 |
| Bicolor (Pink/White) | 1 |
| Other | 1 |
Based on 156 of 156 actual roses in collection.
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Landscape architecture & performance
Garden planning and cultivar selection matrix
English Shrub Roses are among the most versatile flowering shrubs in temperate garden design. Their naturally domed, bushy habit breaks the rigid geometry of modern borders and blends with herbaceous perennials such as Salvia, Nepeta, lavender, and hardy geraniums.
Scenario A
Mixed perennial borders
Plant individually or in groups of three of the same cultivar to form continuous flowering drifts. Soft bloom contours contrast with spiky perennials.
Recommended cultivars: Boscobel, Gabriel Oak, Emily Brontë, Desdemona
Scenario B
Fragrant informal hedges
Upright uniform growers planted 60–75 cm apart form fragrant flowering screens between 1.0 m and 1.4 m along pathways and boundaries.
Recommended cultivars: Queen of Sweden, Princess Anne, Lady of Shalott
Scenario C
Patio containers & partial shade
Compact cultivars thrive in large pots (minimum 45 cm depth) or positions receiving four to five hours of daily sun.
Recommended cultivars: Eustacia Vye, Roald Dahl, Vanessa Bell, Scepter'd Isle
Design pairing notes
- Underplant with low silver foliage (Artemisia, lamb's ears) to highlight warm apricot and yellow tones.
- Repeat a single cultivar in drifts of three or five for visual rhythm in long borders.
- Place strongly fragrant cultivars near seating areas — Old Rose and Myrrh profiles carry best in evening air.
Filter by garden use in the explorer
On the Cultivar explorer tab, use garden-use and hardiness filters to narrow members suitable for your climate and planting scenario. Compare up to four cultivars side-by-side for height, health, and fragrance ratings.
Editorial note on dimensions: Final height, disease susceptibility, and hardiness vary by climate zone and soil. Always consult individual cultivar pages for regional parameters before planting.
Taxonomic analysis & membership conflicts
Dual status, precursors & portfolio reorganisation
Commercial catalogues periodically reclassify cultivars as growth tendencies become clearer over multi-decade garden trials. Below is a technical breakdown of key membership edge cases documented for this collection.
Gertrude Jekyll (Ausbord)
Dual classificationEvidence for membership: Marketed under English Shrub Roses across standard David Austin retail lists.
Dual status: Also listed under English Climbing Roses due to vigorous canes reaching 2.5–3.0 m if left unpruned.
Database status: current primary shrub; secondary climber classification.
Claire Austin (Ausprior)
Re-categorisedEvidence for membership: Featured in historic shrub catalogues and general English Rose lists.
Current absence: Modern e-commerce portals classify it primarily under English Climbing Roses to prevent space miscalculations.
Database status: historical for shrub; current for climber.
Constance Spry (Ausspry)
Precursor hybridEvidence for membership: Universally cited as the first rose introduced by David Austin (1961).
Exclusion reason: Once-blooming and climbing habit — Austin described it as a stepping stone, not a repeat-flowering shrub standard.
Database status: historical foundational prototype.
Retired cultivars (Wife of Bath, etc.)
Historical portfolioEvidence for membership: Documented in historic breeder handbooks and patent archives.
Current absence: Dropped from storefronts due to propagation rights expiration or replacement by disease-resistant lines.
Database status: historical — commercial removal does not negate collection history.
Trademark & naming notes
- English Rose and related marketing terms are breeder trademarks; English Shrub Rose functions as a catalogue grouping descriptor.
- Regional translations (e.g. German Englische Strauchrosen) refer to the same commercial family.
- When a cultivar appears in multiple catalogue families, Roses ABC records a primary collection membership and notes secondary classification here.
Verification & evidence audit
Fact-check matrix and tiered sources
High-confidence facts
- David Austin Roses Ltd. is originating breeder and rights holder.
- Collection actively maintained and marketed globally.
- Uniting principle: Old Rose flower form + repeat bloom + shrub habit.
- Five fragrance profiles and four internal breeding lineages.
Medium-confidence facts
- Exact year e-commerce split of “Shrub” from “Climbing” (estimated late 1990s).
- Regional commercial availability of older historical cultivars in Asia and North America.
Unresolved research questions
- Complete legal trademark status for the literal string “English Shrub Rose” vs generic descriptor.
- Gene bank preservation of retired 1960s cultivars in Shropshire.
Documented source hierarchy
[1] David Austin Roses Ltd.
Official e-commerce portal and shrub category listings (2024).
eu.davidaustinroses.com/collections/shrub-roses
— Tier 1 source for canonical name and active membership.
[2] Austin, David C.H. (1993/2012)
The English Roses and The Heritage of the Rose. Connoisseur Books / Garden Art Press. Tier 1 monograph documentation for breeding lineage and introduction history.
[3] Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
Plant Finder and advisory guidance on modern shrub / English Roses. Tier 2 specialist verification for growth habits and shade tolerance ratings.
[4] David Austin Roses — German portal
Regional platform listing Englische Strauchrosen (2024).
de.davidaustinroses.com
— Tier 1 verification of official foreign translation.
Audit method: Membership rows in Roses ABC are confirmed against Tier 1 breeder listings where possible. Historical cultivars absent from current storefronts remain in the collection with historical status. Reconcile counts via the summary tab DNA block and the Cultivar explorer filter for membership status.