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Darcey Bussell® - Retired

Forever part of our history, these roses have paved the way for many more roses to come.

In the late 1940s, David C H Austin set out on his quest to breed the most beautiful and healthy roses; a vision that continues to remain at the heart of our business today, more than 80 years later. This vision drives our continuing assessment of rose varieties in the current collection to ensure they reach our exacting standards and expectations. Due to climatic changes and the evolution of plant diseases, some historical varieties will no longer reach our increasingly high standards. It is in these instances that we must retire the rose to ensure customers receive only the best roses that will thrive and deliver the most enjoyable customer experience, regardless of gardening expertise. As a result of our review process, Darcey Bussell is now retired from our English Rose Collection but will always remain part of our history, paving the way for many more new roses to come, creating the next generation of roses.

If you love Darcey Bussell, we have some great alternatives, which we are sure will endear themselves to you, bringing you much happiness and gardening enjoyment for years to come.

Darcey Bussell®
(Ausdecorum) English Shrub Rose Bred By David Austin
When young, the outer petals of each bloom form a perfect ring around an inner cup, gradually opening out to form a perfect, medium-large rosette. The colour is a deep, rich crimson-pink, taking on a tinge of mauve just before the petals drop. There is a light-medium fruity scent. It forms a compact shrub with attractive bushy growth. Named after the highly acclaimed ballerina. David Austin, 2006.
  • Colour: Crimson-pink
  • Flowering: Repeat Flowering
  • Fragrance: Light-medium,Fruity
  • Bloom Size: Medium
  • Family: English Shrub Rose
  • Size: Medium Shrub
  • Height: 3 1/2ft (110cm)
  • Width: 3 1/2ft (110cm)
  • Breeder: David Austin
  • Year of Introduction: 2006
  • Cutting
  • Mixed Border
  • Pots & Containers
  • Rose Border
  • East, South, West Facing
  • Full Sunlight
  • All soil types
Darcey Bussell®
Our rose expert’s reccomendation
Thomas à Becket®
(Ausdecorum) English Shrub Rose Bred By David Austin
This is a variety of very different character from the general run of English Roses, being rather closer to the Species Roses than to the Old Roses and more natural and shrubby in growth. A striking crimson-red; the individual flowers can best be described as shallowly cupped, opening as informal rosettes; the petals quickly reflexing as the flowers age. They are held in medium-sized heads; the individual blooms nodding attractively on the stem. They have an Old Rose fragrance with a strong lemon zest character. It forms a strong, rather informal shrub. Named for Canterbury Cathedral. David Austin, 2013.
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Thomas à Becket®
Description
When young, the outer petals of each bloom form a perfect ring around an inner cup, gradually opening out to form a perfect, medium-large rosette. The colour is a deep, rich crimson-pink, taking on a tinge of mauve just before the petals drop. There is a light-medium fruity scent. It forms a compact shrub with attractive bushy growth. Named after the highly acclaimed ballerina. David Austin, 2006.
Characteristics
  • Colour: Crimson-pink
  • Flowering: Repeat Flowering
  • Fragrance: Light-medium,Fruity
  • Bloom Size: Medium
  • Family: English Shrub Rose
  • Size: Medium Shrub
  • Height: 3 1/2ft (110cm)
  • Width: 3 1/2ft (110cm)
  • Breeder: David Austin
  • Year of Introduction: 2006
Location
  • Roses Ideal for CuttingCutting
  • Mixed Border
  • Roses Ideal for Pots & ContainersPots & Containers
  • Rose Border
Growing conditions
  • East, South, West Facing
  • Full Sunlight
  • Roses Suitable for All Soil TypesAll soil types
Behind the name
Darcey Bussell is the highly acclaimed ballerina. She was appointed principal at the Royal Ballet at the age of 20 and has danced in the title role of many ballets around the world. She has been honoured with many awards, including the OBE in 1995.
How to plant a shrub rose
Frequently asked questions

Need more help? for individual help or advice, we encourage you to contact our friendly, knowledgeable team on 01902 376300.

Bare root roses are dormant plants and can be planted November and April.

Potted roses are available all year round and can be planted at any time of the year.

Aside from extreme weather, roses can be planted at any time during the year. The extreme weather conditions that we advise against planting in are when the ground is frozen, water-logged or during a drought.

We take every care to breed, grow and deliver the best roses. If a rose fails to grow or arrives damaged, we will replace it free of charge. The 5 year guarantee applies to roses purchased
directly from David Austin. If you would like to request a replacement or refund of a rose within the 5 year guarantee period, please complete our Returns form.

Call us on 01902 376300

Email us help@davidaustinroses.co.uk

  • Monday–Friday
    8:30am — 6:00pm
  • Saturday
    8:30am — 4:30pm
  • Sunday
    Closed
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