David J.C. Austin, renowned rose grower and chair of David Austin Roses, has died at the age of 67. Austin had been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare and fatal neurological condition. His passing was marked by tributes from peers in the horticultural community, including Monty Don, presenter of the BBC gardening programme Gardeners’ World.

Austin joined the family business in 1990, continuing the work of his father, David C.H. Austin, who originally established the nursery. Over more than three decades of leadership, he expanded David Austin Roses from a specialised English rose nursery into a globally recognised brand. The company became known for cultivating millions of hybrid roses that combined classic beauty with modern resilience, influencing rose gardening worldwide.

His work was closely linked with Gardeners’ World, with experts from his nursery frequently appearing on the show and at live events to promote rose growing and gardening more broadly. In an online statement, Monty Don expressed his condolences to Austin’s family and praised his enduring legacy, noting that Austin’s roses would continue to enrich gardens and lives around the world.

David J.C. Austin’s contributions to horticulture solidified his reputation as a leading figure in rose cultivation, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.