In the quiet garden of history, roses have always been the unsung narrators of love and symbols of passion, loss, devotion, and yearning. In the first part of our Love Letter to Roses series, we explored the deep roots of these timeless flowers, their symbolic role in the language of love. Now, we turn to the roses themselves, each a character in its own right, bearing the essence of some of the most unforgettable love stories ever told.

For centuries, roses have been nature’s quiet confidants in the art of love, their petals carrying whispers of affection, longing, and devotion. These remarkable blooms have transcended cultures and eras, weaving their way into poetry, mythology, and cherished traditions. As we reflect on their history, we uncover a story as layered and evocative as the flowers themselves - a tale of beauty, meaning, and connection that has stood the test of time.

For David C.H. Austin, roses were his passion and life's work, each one telling a story of beauty, resilience, and romance. While he is celebrated for creating the English Rose, renowned for its timeless beauty and exceptional fragrance, his extraordinary legacy began with a quiet, serendipitous discovery: ‘Stanwell Perpetual’. 

At David Austin roses, we've crafted four beautiful rose collections, each picked to offer a unique selection of our much loved English Roses. These new collections highlight roses that bring both beauty and fragrance to your garden, with choices for every style and space. Whether you're just starting to incorporate  roses into garden or looking to add something special, there's a perfect fit waiting for you.

As the crisp chill of frosty mornings announces the arrival of autumn, the garden offers up one of its hidden treasures: rose hips. These vibrant red and orange fruits, emerging from spent blooms, bring a dash of seasonal colour and charm to any outdoor landscape. Rather than deadheading roses on hip-producing varieties, let the hips flourish and reap their beauty and benefits. Rose hips are not just ornamental, they provide a wealth of possibilities, from culinary treats to rustic crafts and offer a much needed winter food source to wildlife.

When it comes to creating an interesting garden, the way you arrange your plants can make all the difference. English roses are a perfect example of this with their beautiful blooms and fragrance. For truly captivating displays, consider planting them in clusters of three or five, especially if you select the same variety.

Roses are a sight to behold in their apricot, pink, yellow or ivory glory, and a delight to breathe in too should you choose a variety with a forward fragrance. Without fragrance, the world would be emptier than we might first think.

A charming variety with deeply cupped rosette blooms in a rich sunset orange-yellow that softens to a delicate apricot hue, excluding a medium-strong Myrrh fragrance. This versatile rose is available as both a shrub and climbing rose, making it perfect for various garden settings.

Princess Anne^® (Auskitchen) is a striking English shrub rose bred by David Austin, known for its vibrant and enduring blooms.

With its exquisite deep pink, many-petalled rosette blooms and delightful, fruity fragrance, Gabriel Oak^® is a captivating English Shrub Rose that infuses any garden with timeless elegance. The vibrant, deep pink flowers contrast beautifully with their lush green foliage, creating a striking visual display that commands attention.

Create a Cottage Style Garden with English roses