Rose The Friar

One of David Austin’s earliest English Roses, ‘The Friar’ was introduced in 1969, marking a formative step in the breeder’s ambition to combine the charm of Old Garden Roses with the vigor and repeat flowering of modern hybrids. This variety reflects both the experimental boldness and the limitations of Austin’s early work: it is modestly sized, slow to establish, and best grown with experienced care. Yet when properly cultivated, ‘The Friar’ delivers an exquisitely fragrant display of pale apricot-toned blooms, rich in romantic nostalgia.

FLOWERING

The flowers of ‘The Friar’ are full, arranged in a soft, quartered rosette shape, typical of Austin’s early English Rose aesthetic. Each bloom measures approximately 9 cm (3.5 inches) in diameter. Buds are pointed and Hybrid Tea-like, opening in warm weather to reveal petals of blush pink, buff yellow, and cream, often with paler edges and a deeper tint near the base.

Flowers are produced singly or in small clusters of 2 - 3 blooms together, rising on upright stems, and emit a strong, spicy-fruity fragrance - a standout characteristic of this cultivar. Though not an abundant bloomer by modern standards, ‘The Friar’ can produce several flushes per season with proper care.

PLANT

Rose variety ‘The Friar’ is classified as a Shrub rose and is part of David Austin’s English Shrub Roses collection. A compact shrub by habit, typically grows to 60 - 100 cm (2 - 3.3 ft) tall and up to 80 cm (2.7 ft) wide. In cooler climates, it stays relatively low, rarely exceeding 60 cm (2 ft) without assistance, but in warmer regions, it may achieve a height closer to 120 cm (4 ft), albeit slowly.

Its growth habit is upright, bearing resemblance to a small Hybrid Tea, with numerous prickles and dark green leaves, often touched with bronze when young. The rose is not vigorous and is notably slow to establish, often experiencing dieback or weak initial growth. Once settled, however, it develops into a neatly proportioned, floriferous shrub that is ideal for small borders or container growing.

‘The Friar’ is not a rose for neglect. It requires attentive care, especially in the early years, and benefits from “high culture” practices: regular feeding, deep organic mulch, consistent watering, and strict disease prevention. It is prone to black spot and mildew, particularly in humid conditions or when under stress.

It responds best in hot, dry climates, where vigor and bloom performance are noticeably improved. In more temperate zones, expect slow establishment, but with persistence, the plant eventually forms a healthy, if modest, specimen with a rewarding fragrance.

With its petite stature, ‘The Friar’ is ideal for small gardens, containers, or border plantings, particularly where fragrance is a top priority. It is best positioned near paths or seating areas, where its strong scent can be enjoyed at close range. Due to its rare availability, it is most often sought out by collectors, curators, and gardeners with a taste for Austin’s early breeding history.

Though it has largely faded from commerce, ‘The Friar’ remains a quietly important cultivar in the early evolution of the English Rose. Its refined fragrance, delicate coloring, and modest form make it an object of appreciation for enthusiasts who value historical context and botanical rarity.

Named after Chaucer's Friar, who was a "limiter", or a begging friar, who had pursued a district to beg in. Today a friar is a member of one of the mendicant orders in the Catholic Church.

English Shrub Roses

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

Rose variety ‘Ausfriar’ / 'The Friar' originated by David Austin by crossing female parent (seed parent) Floribunda rose ‘Ivory Fashion’ with the pollen parent an unnamed and unpatented rose seedling.

USDA 6