The upcoming bare-root planting season, which begins next month, offers gardeners the opportunity to purchase deciduous plants such as trees, shrubs, and roses while they are dormant. This season runs from late autumn through to early spring, providing a broad window for planting stock. Among the plants available, bare-root roses present an attractive option for enthusiasts, often available at reduced prices compared to their potted counterparts.
David Austin Roses, a renowned nursery founded in Shropshire in the 1960s by Sir David Austin, is recognized globally for breeding roses that blend the charm, fragrance, and character of old roses with the repeat-flowering and color variety of modern hybrids. The company’s breakthrough came with the introduction of ‘Constance Spry’, a pink climber known for its strong myrrh scent. Over six decades, David Austin Roses has produced many celebrated varieties, including ‘Gertrude Jekyll’, praised for its distinctive perfume.
However, the nursery and the broader gardening community are confronting challenges linked to climate change. Shifts in environmental conditions—including warmer winters, increased humidity, prolonged rainfall, and drought stress—are affecting the disease resistance of roses. Common fungal infections like black spot continue to evolve, compromising the durability once expected from these plants.
In response, David Austin Roses undertook a reassessment of its varieties, leading to the removal of several popular roses from commercial sale in late 2022. Tim Smith, the company’s operations director, cited changing pest pressures, disease challenges, and evolving climate factors as reasons certain roses could no longer be confidently recommended. Notable withdrawals include ‘A Shropshire Lad’, a soft-pink, nearly thornless climber released in 1996, and ‘Munstead Wood’, a velvety crimson rose introduced in 2007. Despite their popularity and recognition by the Royal Horticultural Society, both varieties were retired after failing to meet updated standards for health and reliability.
Other David Austin Roses varieties retired due to similar considerations include ‘Lady Emma Hamilton’, ‘Pat Austin’, ‘St Cecilia’, ‘Tea Clipper’, ‘Eglantyne’, ‘Belle Story’, and ‘Evelyn’. It is important to note that retirements do not always stem solely from climate-related factors. Decisions may also reflect plant vigor, commercial viability, and the arrival of better-performing alternatives. Occasionally, some retired varieties are offered again in limited quantities, meaning retirement does not guarantee complete disappearance from the market.
For gardeners seeking to maintain healthy rose collections amid these changes, the nursery advises focusing on disease resistance when selecting plants. Proper site preparation is also crucial, including ensuring good air circulation, improving soil conditions, avoiding waterlogging, and employing deep watering during dry periods. The goal is to balance horticultural beauty with resilience, adapting to shifting environmental conditions while preserving the elegance for which roses are celebrated.