Named after the famous naturalist, the Charles Darwin rose is a magnificent English Shrub rose known for its impressive, large blooms. The flowers are deeply cupped and very full, opening to a shallow cup shape. Their colour is a rich, beautiful yellow, often with shades of mustard, gold, or even sandy tints, and the hue can vary with the weather. A key feature of this rose is its powerful and delightful fragrance, which is a complex blend of soft floral tea and fresh lemon.
This rose forms a sturdy, bushy, and spreading shrub, reaching a height of 1-1.5 meters and a similar width. It is a repeat bloomer, providing a generous display of flowers from summer through to autumn. Its dark green foliage is healthy and provides a great contrast to the vibrant blooms.
For best results, plant ‘Charles Darwin’ in a location with at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. It thrives in fertile, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. This variety is known for its good disease resistance, making it a robust and relatively easy-to-care-for choice. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.