Charles Darwin Rose

Charles Darwin Rose has arresting mustard-yellow, double flowers that fade to a creamy white at the outer petals. This English rose is highly fragrant and smells more like a lemon than a rose. Charles Darwin Rose was introduced in 2003 and is named after the naturalist who was also a resident of Shropshire in England, where David Austin Roses is headquartered.

The tall shape of Charles Darwin Rose makes a great backdrop for garden borders or a lovely specimen in a large planter. The flowers bloom nonstop, even in shadier spots of the garden. The fully double flowers contain at least 140 petals each and are some of the best flowers for cutting fresh or drying.

Charles Darwin Rose Care

Plant this shrub rose in full sun, in well-draining and moist soil. Shade early in the day or late in the afternoon is acceptable in hot and humid gardening zones. Fertilize Charles Darwin early in the spring with a slow-release, granular formulation for roses. The NPK ratio will be 1-4-2 or similar, with a higher ratio of phosphorous and potassium to nitrogen for heavy blooming and root development. Roses respond well to drip irrigation and soaker hoses because wet foliage can invite disease. When overhead watering cannot be avoided, water early in the day so that the foliage can dry before nightfall.

Prune shrub roses in late winter before new growth emerges. Prune out the oldest canes if they have stopped producing flowers. Remove any stems that are diseased, dead, or dying. The overall height can also be reduced by half if needed. Deadhead spent flowers during the summer to prolong flowering. Charles Darwin Rose will produce hips if the final flush of flowers is not deadheaded. Wildlife will enjoy the fruit and seeds over the winter.

Charles Darwin Rose Spacing

Charles Darwin stays compact at 3-4 feet high and wide. Space multiple plants 4 feet apart when planning for an informal hedge. Shrub roses will also grow well in containers with at least a 24-inch diameter.

Charles Darwin Rose Information