For years, the English roses of breeder David Austin have been among the most magnificent garden plants. They captivate with their lush, full flowers and their beguiling scent. The flowers, which are either bowl-shaped or rosette-shaped, combine the charisma of old roses with the growth and long flowering period of modern rose varieties. Although English roses, which have been around since the 1970s, are a relatively young class of rose, they are characterized by their robustness and disease resistance. Many hobby gardeners are still hesitant to venture into these fragrant beauties. But don't worry: you don't have to be a recognized expert to successfully grow an English rose in your own garden!

English Roses: The Spoilt of Choice

With the great success of English roses, the variety of varieties has also grown, which makes it difficult to choose the right variety for your own garden. Recommended English roses

The best varieties of English roses for the Central European continental climate include classics such as the large-flowered 'Olivia Rose Austin', one of the most outstanding Austin roses, the pink 'Gertrude Jekyll' and the intense yellow variety 'Graham Thomas'.

Dthe right location for English roses

A rose only shows its robustness and beauty in the optimal location, and English roses are no exception. They should be planted in a sunny location with good air circulation so that the leaves dry quickly after rain and fungal diseases are avoided. However, the location must not be too dry to prevent spider mite infestation. Even roses with the ADR seal of approval, which are known for their robustness, can fail in unsuitable locations.

English roses can grow to over a meter in height and width. It is advisable to give them enough space and to take their future size into account when planting companion perennials. A distance of about 50 centimeters is recommended. Perennials with similar location and care requirements are ideal companions for roses. For example, sage, which loves the sun, is a perfect partner for shrub roses. Strong-growing varieties such as 'The Lark Ascending' can also be grown as climbing roses.

Cutting English roses

To ensure that repeat-flowering roses continue to produce new buds, it is important to regularly remove spent flowers throughout the summer. Cut off the old flowers just above the next leaf bud. English roses that grow vigorously should be cut back each spring at the time of the forsythia bloom to prevent them from becoming wild and woody. Follow the instructions for pruning repeat-flowering shrub roses. Reduce strong shoots by one third and weaker ones by two thirds.

In the first two years after planting, English roses should only be pruned lightly to encourage new shoots to grow. From the third year onwards, when the rose is established, it can be pruned and shaped more heavily. Diseased and dead shoots should always be removed close to the ground.

To maintain their vitality, annual pruning of English roses is necessary. New text