Rosa ‘England’s Rose’ — a deep-pink English shrub rose for long season fragrance and color
Rosa ‘England’s Rose’ is a medium shrub rose bred by David C. H. Austin and introduced in 2010. Plant it for warm, spicy old-rose fragrance and steady flushes of deep pink clusters from early summer to the first frosts. It belongs to the Rose family (Rosaceae). England’s Rose grows as a tidy, bushy shrub roughly 1.2 m (4 ft) tall by 0.9 m (3 ft) wide. It suits mixed borders, dedicated rose beds, and containers. It also performs well in zones roughly USDA 5–11. Below you’ll find clear, actionable care that follows proven practice for long life and abundant bloom.
Rosa ‘England’s Rose’ — quick overview
Plant it for these core strengths: rich glowing pink clusters, a strong warm-spicy Old Rose fragrance, and good weather resistance so flowers rarely ball in rain. Expect medium blooms about 7–8 cm (2.5–3 in) across and roughly 25 petals per bloom on average. Use the shrub in hedging, mixed borders, and near patios where the fragrance is enjoyed up close. Additionally, the cultivar produces bright hips that extend interest into autumn and winter.
This rose opens shallowly cupped. Outer petals reflex later and reveal a button eye. Buds are deep pink. Open blooms glow a rich pink and often fade slightly in very hot climates. Flowers form in large clusters. Leaves are leathery and dark green, semi-glossy, and they set off the blooms. The shrub habit remains tidy without heavy intervention. However, it tolerates light shade but flowers best in sun.
Flowering season of Rosa ‘England’s Rose’
Expect first flushes in late spring to early summer. The shrub then reblooms repeatedly through the season and into late autumn, often until the first hard frosts. Deadhead to encourage more cycles, or allow clusters to age naturally for hips. In favorable climates you may see continuous flowering with short rests. The long season and reliable rebloom are major reasons gardeners choose this cultivar.
Growth habit and environmental tolerances
Rosa ‘England’s Rose’ grows as a medium shrub, about 1.2 m tall by 0.9 m wide (4 ft × 3 ft). It branches well from the base and forms a bushy outline. It tolerates urban conditions and wind with good placement. The cultivar suits USDA hardiness zones 5–11, with best results in zones 6–9. It resists rain-balling and keeps petals clean in wet weather. It handles light shade but needs at least six hours of sun for optimal blooms and disease resistance. Avoid waterlogged soils; the plant prefers well-drained, fertile loam.
How to grow Rosa ‘England’s Rose’
Light
Plant it in full sun. Give the rose at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. More sun yields firmer stems, stronger color, and fewer fungal problems. In very hot climates place it where it gets morning sun and light afternoon shade. That preserves petal color during heat waves.
Soil
Place the rose in fertile, well-drained soil. Work 5–10 cm (2–4 in) of compost into the top 30 cm (12 in) of planting hole. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 6.0–7.0. If you have heavy clay, improve drainage by adding coarse sand, grit, and compost or plant on a small raised mound so the crown stays dry.
Watering
Water deeply to establish, then water less often but to depth. For the first season water every 2–3 days for the first two weeks, then twice weekly until roots set. Once established, water deeply once a week in dry weather — about 10–15 L (2.6–4.0 US gal) per plant per session as a baseline. Increase frequency during heatwaves. Always water at the base to keep foliage dry and reduce fungal disease risk.
Fertilizer
Feed in early spring when buds swell. Use a balanced rose fertilizer or an organic equivalent. Apply again after the first heavy flush of blooms. A third light feed in midsummer helps sustain late bloom. Stop feeding about 6–8 weeks before your average first frost to let the plant harden off. Work a light layer of compost around the plant each spring to feed soil life.
Mulch
Mulch with 5–7 cm (2–3 in) of organic material such as shredded bark or well-rotted compost. Keep mulch roughly 5 cm (2 in) away from the stem to prevent collar rot. Mulch conserves moisture and suppresses weeds while moderating root temperature.
Spacing
Space plants 90–180 cm (3–6 ft) apart depending on whether you want a dense hedge or individual specimen plants. Proper spacing improves airflow and reduces disease pressure.
Pruning
Prune in late winter or very early spring before new growth appears. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing stems. Cut to an outward-facing bud to open the center. Reduce height by about one-third for shape and vigor. During the season, remove weak canes and deadhead lightly after flushes to encourage rebloom. In colder climates, leave a protective mound of soil or mulch over the crown through winter and remove it in spring.
Propagation of Rosa ‘England’s Rose’
Propagate by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings for home growers. Take 10–15 cm (4–6 in) shoots in late spring or early summer. Remove lower leaves, dip the base in rooting hormone, and place in a free-draining mix. Keep high humidity until roots form, usually in 4–8 weeks. For true-to-type nursery stock, nurseries propagate by budding or grafting onto hardy rootstock. Budding maintains vigor, disease resistance, and cultivar fidelity.
Pests & diseases
This cultivar has excellent disease resistance, but no rose is immune. Common pests include aphids, thrips, spider mites, and sawflies. Check new growth often. Spray a strong jet of water to dislodge aphids or use insecticidal soap for persistent colonies. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Fungal threats include black spot, powdery mildew, and rust. Prevent them by planting in sun, spacing for airflow, mulching correctly, and watering at the soil rather than overhead. Remove and dispose of infected leaves. For persistent outbreaks use targeted fungicides and rotate active ingredients to avoid resistance. Monitor for crown rot in poorly drained beds; improve drainage if crowns show decline.
Landscaping uses and companion planting for Rosa ‘England’s Rose’
Plant it in mixed borders with perennials that mask the base and echo rose color. Nepeta (catmint) and Salvia make excellent front-of-border companions. Ornamental grasses add movement and hide spent stems. For a classic look, combine with lavender and low boxwood. The fragrant blooms work well near patios or seating areas where you can smell the spice. Plant it in groups of three for impact or use a single specimen at a focal point.
Winter care and longevity for Rosa ‘England’s Rose’
In colder zones mound 15–20 cm (6–8 in) of soil or mulch around the base in late fall to protect the crown. Remove the mound in early spring as buds break. For container roses, move pots to a sheltered spot or wrap them and insulate with straw. Prune out winter damage in spring and monitor for new shoots. With correct siting and care, Rosa ‘England’s Rose’ will remain productive for many years.
Seasonal maintenance calendar for Rosa ‘England’s Rose’
In spring clean the bed, prune to shape, and apply compost. In late spring to summer deadhead lightly and monitor pests. Midseason, give a light feed after a heavy bloom. In late summer, reduce nitrogen feeding and stop by early autumn. In fall, clear dropped leaves and cut back weak canes after the first hard frost. Winter care involves mulching and protecting crowns in the coldest climes.
Troubleshooting common issues with Rosa ‘England’s Rose’
Poor flowering usually means too little sun or too much nitrogen. Move the shrub to brighter light if possible and cut back on strong nitrogen feeds. Black spot often indicates wet foliage and poor airflow; thin the center and switch to drip irrigation. Leggy or floppy growth suggests overfeeding or overcrowding; prune back and space plants further apart. If winter dieback occurs, check drainage and avoid burying crowns in heavy soil.
Design notes and cut flower use
Flowers cut well for mixed bouquets. Cut in the morning when buds are just opening. Place stems in cool water and recut the ends to extend vase life. Use the shrub in informal hedges, mixed perennial beds, and classic rose borders. Its medium height makes it a good middle layer plant in layered beds.
Final tips
Plant it where you can enjoy the scent. Place it in sun with good airflow and rich, well-drained soil. Water to establish, then deep water in dry spells. Feed lightly and mulch properly. Prune for shape and remove weak wood. Monitor for pests early and prefer cultural controls first. Propagate from cuttings for personal stock or buy budded plants for robust performance. With routine care this cultivar will reward you with a long season of fragrant, glowing pink clusters and dependable health.
