Rosa ‘Eustacia Vye’ — A Glowing Tribute to Hardy’s Heroine
Rosa ‘Eustacia Vye’, or Rose ‘Eustacia Vye’ also registered as Rosa ‘Ausegdon’, is a recent yet already beloved addition to the David Austin English Rose Collection. Bred in the UK by David C.H. Austin and introduced in 2019. This exceptional rose honors the complex heroine of Thomas Hardy’s novel The Return of the Native. With its rich, fruity fragrance, ruffled apricot-pink blooms, and resilient nature, ‘Eustacia Vye’ is both romantic and robust—a true centerpiece in any rose border or mixed garden setting.
An Exquisite English Shrub Rose
This medium-sized, repeat-flowering shrub reaches approximately 1.2 meters (4 feet) in both height and spread. Its bushy, upright form is ideal for small spaces or containers, yet vigorous enough to hold its own in larger mixed plantings. Deep green, semi-glossy, leathery foliage creates a handsome backdrop for the lavish blooms, which emerge continuously in flushes from summer into autumn.
The flowers themselves are works of art. Packed with up to 90 ruffled petals, they begin as shallow, pointed buds and open into wide, full rosettes approximately 9 cm (3.5 inches) in diameter. Each blossom reveals layers of petals in delicate shades of apricot and mid pink, gradually fading to paler tones over time. Carried in small clusters atop red-tinged stems, the flowers emit a strong, captivating fruity fragrance—a hallmark of many of Austin’s finest creations.
The David Austin Legacy
David Austin Roses have long combined the best traits of Old Garden Roses with the disease resistance and repeat blooming of modern varieties. ‘Eustacia Vye’ continues this legacy with grace. As a member of the Rosaceae family and the English Shrub Rose class, it thrives in a wide range of conditions and brings beauty from early summer well into the cooler days of fall.
How to Grow Rosa ‘Eustacia Vye’
Light
Plant Rosa ‘Eustacia Vye’ where it will receive full sun—at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sun is particularly beneficial, helping to dry dew quickly and prevent disease.
Soil
This rose performs best in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Enrich the planting hole with compost or well-rotted manure to improve texture and fertility.
Watering
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Aim for 2.5–5 cm (1–2 inches) of water per week, applied at the base to avoid splashing the foliage. Deep watering promotes healthy root development.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced, slow-release rose fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges, then again in mid-summer after the first major bloom cycle. Avoid overfeeding, which can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches and shorten older canes by up to one-third to encourage new shoots. Throughout the season, deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.
Mulching
Apply a 5–7.5 cm (2–3 inch) layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate root temperature.
Container Growing
Choose a container at least 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) deep and wide, with adequate drainage. Use high-quality potting soil and fertilize more frequently, as nutrients leach faster from containers. In colder climates, move the pot to a sheltered location or wrap it for winter protection.
Pests and Diseases
Like many modern David Austin roses, Rosa ‘Eustacia Vye’ shows good disease resistance, but it still benefits from routine care. Watch for aphids, black spot, and powdery mildew. Promote good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal issues. Treat problems promptly with organic or targeted solutions.
Winter Protection for Rosa ‘Eustacia Vye’
In USDA zones 4–11, ‘Eustacia Vye’ is hardy but may need some winter preparation in the colder end of the range. Apply extra mulch around the base and consider using burlap or a rose collar in particularly exposed locations.
A Rose Worthy of Literary Inspiration
Whether admired for its romantic coloring, intense fragrance, or reliable performance, Rosa ‘Eustacia Vye’ more than earns its place in the garden. From containers and cottage borders to formal rose beds and shaded patios, it brings a timeless charm matched only by the tragic beauty of its namesake.
Add Rosa ‘Eustacia Vye’ to your rose collection for a season-long display of elegance, fragrance, and literary flair.
Other Plants in the Flower Garden:
