Rose The Prioress

Among the earliest introductions in David Austin’s breeding program, ‘The Prioress’ debuted in 1969 as part of his initial exploration into combining Old Rose character with modern repeat-flowering reliability. Though largely eclipsed by more recent cultivars, this variety retains a devout following among connoisseurs who appreciate its graceful pastel blooms, subtle fragrance, and romantic literary allusion. Delicate yet vigorous, ‘The Prioress’ is an upright, tall-growing shrub with pale, globular flowers that lend themselves beautifully to romantic gardens and mixed borders where soft tones and structure are welcome.

FLOWERING

Rose variety ‘The Prioress’ repeats flowering well through summer into early autumn. The number of blooms per plant during the growing season is profuse, but there are too many to count.

The flowers of ‘The Prioress’ are medium-sized, measuring approximately 7 - 8 cm (2.8 to 3 inches) in diameter, and composed of around 24 petals. They are initially buff cream or pale blush-pink in a bud stage, opening to globular, semi-double blooms of soft pearly pink, the shape rarely flattens, retaining a characteristic cupped and incurved form until the end. This flower shape, inherited from the Bourbon ancestry (via ‘Reine Victoria’), imparts a quiet, contemplative presence.

At the heart of each bloom is a cluster of golden stamens and red pistils, often half-concealed within the tulip-like cup. Clusters of flowers are borne in sprays of 3 to 10 blooms together, though occasionally too tight to allow each flower full display.

The fragrance is moderate and carries a blend of Tea Rose and spice with hints of fruits, lingering softly without being overwhelming.

PLANT

Rose variety ‘The Prioress’ is classified as a Shrub rose and is part of David Austin’s English Shrub Roses collection. Forms a tall, upright, and moderately bushy shrub, reaching 150 - 200 cm (4.9 to 6.6 ft) in height depending on climate. In cooler regions, it generally tops out around 150 cm (5 ft), but in warmer gardens it can become a lusty, broad specimen, well-suited to hedging or back-of-border planting. The width of the mature and well-established plants is about 120 - 150 cm (4 to 5 ft). Despite a somewhat stiff, angular structure, the rose matures into a graceful upright plant, rewarding the gardener with both form and fragrance.

The plant is moderately prickly, with green canes lined with red-tinged thorns, and new foliage emerges light green, often edged in red before maturing to a rich, dark green. The number of leaflets on normal mid-stem leaves is typically 5, including the terminal leaflet. The edges of the leaflets are serrated, the type of serration is double and medium. The foliage is generally healthy, though it may exhibit occasional mildew in humid or poorly ventilated sites.

Like many of Austin’s early varieties, ‘The Prioress’ performs best with attentive care, particularly in humid climates, where mildew may appear. A position in full sun, with free air circulation and moderate feeding, will encourage the plant to repeat flower well from late spring into early autumn.

Its upright, structured form makes it suitable as a focal point, as a light hedge, or in mixed rose beds, especially where softer pastel tones are desired. A thoughtful pruning approach in early spring can help reduce legginess and improve flower display. ‘The Prioress’ is ideal for romantic, English-style borders, where its soft pink tones, structured habit, and refined scent lend elegance without visual aggression. It makes an excellent tall mid-border or background plant, where its slightly reserved nature won't compete with brighter or more flamboyant companions. Its light flower color also makes it an effective choice for evening gardens, where the blooms reflect ambient light beautifully at dusk.

Rose variety is recommended for growing in climate conditions similar to USDA 6 and requires winter protection in more colder climates.

Named for the gently mannered, Chaucer's Prioress from The Canterbury Tales, whose motto was "Amor vincit omnia" (Love conquers all).

English Shrub Roses

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

Rose variety 'The Prioress' originated by David Austin by crossing female parent (seed parent) Bourbon rose ‘Reine Victoria’ with the pollen parent an unnamed and unpatented rose seedling.

USDA 6