- Partial Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 3 - 4 Feet
- Mature Spread 3 - 4 Feet
- Growing Zones 5 - 11
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
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 11 |
Plant Type: Perennials |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 3 - 4 Feet |
Mature Spread: 3 - 4 Feet |
Mature Spacing: 3 - 4 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Yellow |
Flower Description: N/A |
Bloom Period: N/A |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: N/A |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Disease |
Tolerates: N/A |
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies |
Container Role: Thriller |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Specimen or Focal Point |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Continuous Blooming or Rebloomer |
Brand: David Austin Roses |
Common Name: Charles Darwin Rose |
Other Name(s): English Shrub Rose |
Scientific Name: Rosa Charles Darwin |
- SKU:
- 1231013706-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.