Is this my new favorite David Austin rose?

Hello again, how is everyone doing? Let’s have another chat about roses today, specifically David Austin roses. We’ve grown a few in our gardens over the years, not as many as a lot of you–some of you are true collectors, respect!–and I have enjoyed them all. There’s a reason why David Austin roses are so popular; overall they’re just exquisite. Some have had enough drawbacks that I stopped growing them and some I can’t imagine my garden without. But one cultivar in particular is rising to the top…

Let’s back up: for any rose to be called “a favorite” in our garden, I have certain criteria that must be met. It must have some semblance of disease resistance, winter hardiness and at least a little bit of scent. I don’t care as much about vase life, although it’s a bonus if it’s got it. It’s also wonderful if it’s an open flower so the bees can enjoy it but not necessary since I already grow so many pollinator-friendly plants. I am a bit particular about color. If it’s a red-hued rose, I prefer it to lean more merlot and less scarlet and if it’s in the pink family, I like it to have see some shading and dimension. As for apricots and peaches, well they’re all pretty great to me.

I’ve talked about some of my favorite David Austin roses here, but for those who are new here or those who would like to look back, here are some tops:

For BEST Fragrance: Jude the Obscure

For Vigor: The Generous Gardener

For Cut Flower: James Galway

For Color: Munstead Wood

For Stunning Flowers: Lady of Shalott

When we moved into our current home a few years ago, I knew I wanted to put in a proper hedge of David Austin roses but I wasn’t sure which would be the best fit because we have a really challenging property. For starters, it’s surrounded by trees, so much so that our neighborhood is a designated urban forest.

I searched the DA website for roses that were deemed disease resistant and shade tolerant and took a chance on this cultivar which I’m sure you have now all guessed is ‘Emily Brontë’. It was a risk but so far it has paid off. In spite of the fact that they get only partial sun and regularly have their bottoms nibbled by hungry bunnies, the hedge of 6 Emily Brontë roses truly looks magnificent.

Look at the color! In cooler conditions, they tend to lean pink and more peach in hot summer. It’s also fragrant and the flowers last about a week in the vase. I also haven’t used any additional winter protection (zone 6) and of course I don’t spray them for pests and disease. It’s au naturale over here! 😉

A truly lovely David Austin rose and definitely worth trying. Do you grow Emily Brontë? I’d love to hear about your experience with this rose.

To see additional posts I’ve written about other David Austin Roses click this link.

I’ll be back soon for a post about a great rose/clematis combo…Thanks for reading!