Rose Trevor Griffiths

Elegant and evocative, ‘Trevor Griffiths’ is a sumptuous English Rose of dusky deep pink hues and heady Old Rose fragrance, distinguished by its richly petalled, rosette blooms and bushy, spreading habit. Ideal for lovers of Damask-style roses, it brings romantic charm and historical depth to any border or collection.

FLOWERING

This rose variety ‘Trevor Griffiths’ has a recurrent flowering habit. Blooms in flushes with breaks from summer until frosts, especially when regularly deadheaded. The number of blooms per plant during the growing season is profuse, but there are too many to count.

This rose stands out for its medium to large-sized, flat, and very full blooms that measure around 8 cm (3.1 inches) in diameter. The flowers are of rosette formation, richly filled with irregularly placed, scalloped petals that unfurl from pointed buds brushed with deeper pink. Upon opening, the petals reveal a warm claret-pink centre, fading towards the edges into soft rose or blush pink, giving the blooms a distinct two-tone effect that mimics the faded elegance of Gallica and Damask roses.

The Old Rose connection continues in the fragrance: a strong, sweet, and fruity perfume that has often been described as reminiscent of aged claret - a richly layered, evocative scent that lingers in the warm air and recalls the finest historical varieties. This perfume is perhaps one of the variety’s greatest virtues, making it well-suited for those who grow roses as much for scent as for beauty.

Blooms appear in small, short-stemmed clusters of 3 - 7 flowers together, and with consistent deadheading and proper care, the plant reblooms generously throughout summer and autumn. While it is not the most rain-resistant rose, its form tends to hold in moderate weather, and the sheer romantic character of its flowers makes it a favourite for cutting and arranging.

PLANT

Rose variety ‘Trevor Griffiths’ is classified as a Shrub rose and is part of David Austin’s English Shrub Roses collection. A bushy, medium-sized shrub with a slightly spreading habit, ‘Trevor Griffiths’ forms a rounded, outward-branching silhouette, typically reaching around 150 cm (4.9 ft) in height and 125 cm (4.1 ft) in spread. In cooler climates, it may remain somewhat smaller. The growth is angular and branching, lending the plant a naturalistic, informal feel ideal for mixed borders or traditional cottage gardens.

The foliage is notably dark green, textured, and matte, with a rough Old Rose character. New shoots emerge celadon or bronze-tinted, contrasting handsomely with the deep pink blooms. 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 single and medium. The canes are umber-coloured and covered with many small red prickles, enhancing the variety’s historical charm.

While the cultivar is somewhat susceptible to black spot, particularly in damp or humid conditions, disease can be managed with preventive care and routine maintenance. ‘Trevor Griffiths’ thrives best in full sun with good air circulation, and benefits from organic mulching and regular feeding to support its flowering and keep foliage healthy.

With its richly nostalgic appeal, strong fragrance, and generous repeat bloom, ‘Trevor Griffiths’ is ideally suited for mid-border placements, informal garden schemes, cutting beds, and even containers. It blends harmoniously with soft herbaceous perennials, blue and silver-leafed companions, and other pastel-toned roses. In mass planting, it forms a striking and scented visual statement.

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

The variety is named in honour of Trevor Griffiths, the acclaimed New Zealand rosarian, writer, and nursery owner, whose tireless efforts in the revival and popularisation of Old Roses brought countless forgotten cultivars back to prominence. His books and catalogues remain influential among rose collectors worldwide.

English Shrub Roses

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

Rose variety ‘Ausold’ / 'Trevor Griffiths’ originated by David Austin by crossing the seed parent English shrub rose ’Ausbath’ / ’Wife of Bath’ with the pollen parent an English shrub rose ’Aushero’ / ‘Hero’.

USDA 6