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

Claire Austin English Rose

Rosa x hybrida 'Claire Austin'

The Story

Plant Bio

The genus Rosa consists of deciduous and semi-evergreen woody shrubs famed for their ornate, often intensely fragrant blossoms and thorny stems. These classic garden plants feature alternate, pinnate leaves and produce flowers in a diverse range of colors followed by nutrient-rich seed pods called hips.

'Claire Austin' is a vigorous English rose that can be grown as an arching shrub or trained as a short climber, bearing pale lemon buds that open into creamy-white, cup-shaped rosettes. The medium-sized flowers feature approximately 120 petals arranged in concentric circles and emit a strong, distinctive fragrance of myrrh and vanilla.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces highly fragrant, creamy-white cupped rosettes that bloom repeatedly from late spring through fall.

Can be trained as a short climber or grown as an arching shrub to fit various garden spaces.

Provides essential nectar and pollen for generalist 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

145"

Width

47"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Multi-year

Native To

Great Britain (Garden Origin)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Fall

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site that receives at least four hours of direct sunlight daily, ideally with rich, well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and mix organic compost into the backfill soil to boost fertility.
Plant the rose so the graft union sits slightly below the soil level in colder climates, then water deeply to settle the roots.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the main stems.

Pro Tip

To prevent the densely petaled blooms from rotting and failing to open—a physiological issue known as balling—avoid overhead watering and site the plant where it receives excellent air circulation.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune annually in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood and shape the plant.
Water deeply at the base of the plant to keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained.
Apply a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring and monthly during the summer flowering flushes.

Don't

Do not water the foliage or flowers overhead, as wet petals are highly susceptible to balling and fungal diseases.
Avoid severe mid-summer hedging, which disrupts the natural repeating bloom cycles.
Do not plant in poorly drained soils where water pools around the root system.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mixed BordersCottage GardensWall TrainingPillar or Trellis ClimberCut Flower Gardens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Claire Austin English Rose questions

What zones can Claire Austin English Rose grow in?

Claire Austin English Rose is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Claire Austin English Rose deer resistant?

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

When does Claire Austin English Rose bloom?

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

Does Claire Austin English Rose need full sun?

Claire Austin English Rose does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.