Rose Rose of Picardy

The English Shrub rose 'Rose of Picardy', occupies a unique position in the David Austin Roses portfolio. To understand its significance, one must contextualize its emergence within the broader English rose renaissance and reflect a later stage of refinement where health, repeat-flowering capabilities, and ecological sensitivity became paramount. This rose was bred with a focus on simplicity and natural shrubby growth. The significance of 'Rose of Picardy' lies in its species-like appeal; it evokes the charm of a wild rose but possesses the genetic stamina to bloom in flushes from early summer through late autumn.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The cultivar has gained relevance due to the increasing demand for wildlife-friendly gardening. It is officially designated as an "RHS Plant for Pollinators" a status reserved for plants that provide accessible nectar and pollen for bees and other insects. This ecological impact is significant in modern cultivation, where densely double-flowered roses often fail to support biodiversity because their reproductive organs are inaccessible to pollinators.

FLOWERING

'Rose of Picardy' has recurrent blooming habit. The primary flush of flowering occurs in summer, and occasional repeat flowering typically occurs in autumn. The number of blooms per plant during the growing season is profuse, but there are too many to count.

The flower buds of this rose are pointed, small-to-medium sized, have ovoid shape and unfurl rapidly into the single and flat form flowers. Unlike double or full roses that may experience "balling" in damp weather (where petals fuse and fail to open), the single structure of 'Rose of Picardy' ensures reliable blooming even in high-humidity environments. The blooms are carried with great freedom, appearing in small clusters on long and graceful stems.

This rose has dainty, medium sized single flowers, measuring approximately 7.5 cm (3 inches) in diameter. Each flower normally consists of 5 petals that surround a contrasting golden stamens in the center. The color of the 'Rose of Picardy' flowers is particularly dynamic: the flowers are a brightest red or medium red when they first emerge, transitioning to a dark, dusky pink as they age. While specific RHS Colour Chart codes are not published, commercial descriptions align with the red-pink spectrum typical of the mid-red group. 'Rose of Picardy' due to its refined English Musk rose heritage has this specific chromatic shift from red to pink without the muddiness, which is typically common in some older hybrids.

Fragrance:

The fragrance of this rose is light, with Old rose character.

Reproductive parts:

If flowers are not deadheaded after the flowering this rose produces very ornamental red hips, which provide additional decorative interest through autumn to winter and serve as a food source for birds.

PLANT

The rose variety 'Rose of Picardy' is classified as a Shrub rose (family Rosaceae), in the sub-class of English Shrub Roses. The botanical morphology of this rose is defined by its architectural neatness and its progressive floral color change. The structure of its plants is optimized for both visual impact and biological resilience. Historically, David Austin genetically linked in his books the 'Rose of Picardy' to the English Musk roses group, which is characterized by a lighter, airier habit and a musky fragrance. This group often utilizes Rosa moschata derivatives to achieve repeat flowering and clusters of smaller, more delicate blooms. The introduction of 'Rose of Picardy' in 2004 marked a period where the program sought to diversify the English Rose look beyond the cabbage-style bloom, re-introducing the elegance of the single flower that mirrors the simplicity of species roses like Rosa canina.

The plants of this rose variety form a neat, compact and rounded bush. It typically reaches an ultimate height of about 100 - 150 cm (3.3 to 5 feet) and an ultimate spread of about 50 to 120 cm (1.6 to 4 feet). The plans of this rose grow equally good in full sun and in partial shade.

The stems are upright, making the cultivar exceptionally suitable for hedging. Prickles are present, but their number is moderate, a trait shared with other Austin shrubs that emphasize a manageable garden habit.

Foliage:

The foliage of this rose is glossy, green and deciduous, though in warmer zones like USDA 9, it may exhibit semi-evergreen tendencies. The texture of the leaves is smooth and leathery, which acts as a physical barrier against fungal spore attachment.

Disease resistance:

Regarding pathology, this rose is healthy and strong. Like most members of the genus Rosa, it may be susceptible to rose black spot, rose rust, and rose powdery mildews under poor cultural conditions or extreme environmental stress, but under normal growing conditions shows great health. Its tolerance to heat and drought is rated as moderate to good, provided it is grown in moist but well-drained soil.

'Rose of Picardy' is winter hardy and has a H6 hardiness rating according to the RHS standard. This indicates that it is hardy in all of the UK and northern Europe and can tolerate severe frost, which in USDA terms corresponds to zones 5 and warmer.

In temperate climates (e.g., UK, Northern Europe, US Pacific Northwest) this rose thrives with minimal intervention. Its H6 hardiness means it does not require winter protection: gardeners should focus on managing soil moisture during dry spells and applying organic mulch in late winter to maintain fertility.

In warm-summer continental climates (e.g., Central US, Eastern Europe) the upright stems and glossy foliage provide resilience against the fluctuations of continental weather. However, the intense summer sun may accelerate the transition from red to pink. In such climates providing some afternoon shade can help preserve the brightest red stage of the bloom for a longer duration.

And in mediterranean climates (e.g., Southern Europe, California) it requires regular watering in arid conditions to prevent stress and keep the foliage from burning. The semi-evergreen nature in these zones means that some pruning of old leaves may be necessary in late winter to encourage a fresh flush of growth.

The etymology of 'Rose of Picardy' is deeply rooted in the cultural history of the early twentieth century. The name is a direct reference to the iconic song "Roses of Picardy" written in 1916 by Frederick Weatherly (lyrics) and Haydn Wood (music). This song became a symbol of love and longing during World War I, particularly associated with British soldiers serving in the Picardy region of northern France. The naming of this rose serves as a horticultural memorial to that era, evoking the love theme found in contemporary cinema and literature of the 1910s and 1920s.

English Shrub Roses

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

Rose variety 'Ausfudge' / 'Rose of Picardy' originated by David C.H. Austin by crossing two unnamed and undisclosed rose seedlings. Historically, David Austin used various old rose types, including Albas, Gallicas, and Damasks, to infuse his modern hybrids with fragrance and shrubby habits. 'Ausfudge' / 'Rose of Picardy' is genetically linked to the English Musk group, which is characterized by a lighter, airier habit and a musky fragrance. This group often utilizes Rosa moschata derivatives to achieve repeat flowering and clusters of smaller, more delicate blooms.

USDA 5