Breeding cut garden roses

We are proud to be able to offer a collection of truly romantic cut roses in the English Garden tradition. These exquisite new varieties mean that roses with the charming forms of the old garden roses can be enjoyed in the home all year round. How our cut garden roses were developed

From bud to open bloom

David Austin's garden roses are cut at a slightly later stage than ordinary roses, allowing them to ripen for longer on the plant. Delivered as large, slightly open buds, the roses continue to open over several days to reveal their beautiful, full, cupped and rosette forms. Each rose has a unique character and opens in a slightly different way.

Darcey, illustrated above, gradually opens to reveal all the many petals hidden within the bud. The rose continues to open out fully until a cluster of golden stamens can be seen in the heart of the rose.

Guard petals

David Austin's garden roses have thicker outer petals, which are known as 'guard petals'. It is rare to see these in cut roses as they are often stripped away. These outer petals play an important role as they help to protect the many delicately-furled inner petals. They will gradually turn back and become hidden as the flower opens to reveal its old rose shape. If, as you are admiring your roses, you notice that any of the guard petals is damaged, simply grasp it firmly at the base and remove it. There are so many petals in a David Austin rose that a few would never be missed. This extra care is optional, but will help to keep your flowers looking fresh for longer, particularly as the outer petals, being the oldest, tend to age first. David Austin's roses are very different - not only from ordinary roses, but also different from each other. Each variety has its own distinctive character and charm. This can be seen even in the finest details, including the character of the outer guard petals. The streaked, green coloration on the guard petals of Miranda is a beautiful, natural characteristic of the rose. The guard petals are highly distinctive - thicker, wavier, and often of slightly different sizes. The overall effect is very decorative, reminiscent of a parrot tulip. Juliet has large, palest apricot guard petals that give an extra dimension to the rose, providing a beautiful contrast of color and form compared to the shorter, more brightly colored inner petals. These outer petals can be completely removed if required as the rose ages. The guard petals of Darcey are similar to those of a modern rose. They will gradually turn back as the rose opens and rarely need to be removed. Scented roses often have an abundance of very thin petals. Patience is a rose of this nature, with very many outer guard petals. As the guard petals of this rose are rather more delicate than average, they are more likely to become slightly creased on the edges during transit. Once the roses have arrived at their destination, we recommend that most of the outer guard petals are removed. This will help the rose to open fully, revealing a beautiful rosette shape. You may need to remove quite a few petals, but don't worry - the rose will look absolutely stunning once it has opened. The guard petals of Phoebe have a beautiful gossamer character, creating an effect rather like a poppy. We suggest that the guard petals are left on throughout the life of the rose if possible. Cymbeline has large guard petals which gradually pale in color as the bloom develops, becoming a very attractive shade of lilac on the reverse of the petals. These petals should be removed only if they become damaged. Rosalind has large outer guard petals which protectively encircle the fat, globular buds. The guard petals may sometimes hold on to the bud and prevent the bloom from opening. Removing them will encourage the rose to open fully to reveal its glorious peony-like form. Click here for advice on caring for garden roses