Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

260 other cultivars

shrub

Charles Darwin Rose

Rosa x hybrida 'Charles Darwin'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rosa is a genus of deciduous woody shrubs celebrated globally for their showy, often fragrant flowers and armed stems. These plants require fertile, well-drained soils and consistent moisture to support repeated flushes of blooms from spring through fall.

'Charles Darwin' is an English shrub rose distinguished by its large, deeply cupped blooms of mustard-yellow and rich gold that open to reveal a classic button eye. The plant develops a broad, spreading habit that may appear slightly lax or floppy in its first few seasons before establishing a sturdy, woody framework.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces large, deeply cupped, golden-yellow blooms with a classic button eye that repeat-flower from spring through fall.

Functions as a sturdy, spreading structural shrub suitable for borders and cutting gardens.

Provides pollen and nectar resources for generalist pollinators, including native bees and honeybees.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

55"

Width

55"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

United Kingdom (cultivar)

Toxicity

Skin Irritant (thorns)

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with rich, fertile, loam-based soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and backfill with organic matter to ensure good moisture retention.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Apply a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring and again after the first major flush of flowers.

Pro Tip

Avoid pruning heavily into thick, old, leafless wood, as this severely inhibits the shrub's recovery and future flower production.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune annually in late winter or early spring to maintain a strong framework.
Water regularly during dry summer spells to maintain consistent soil moisture.
Clear away fallen leaves around the base of the plant to prevent fungal spore carryover.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood, as this limits recovery.
Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged or poorly drained.
Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of powdery mildew and blackspot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Spray

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Flower BordersCottage GardensSpecimen PlantingCutting Gardens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Charles Darwin Rose questions

What zones can Charles Darwin Rose grow in?

Charles Darwin Rose is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Charles Darwin Rose deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Charles Darwin Rose, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Charles Darwin Rose bloom?

Charles Darwin Rose typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Charles Darwin Rose need full sun?

Charles Darwin Rose does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.