The Gertrude Jekyll rose is an absolute beauty and a top-notch pick for any Aussie garden. This David Austin variety is celebrated for its glorious, strong, and perfectly classic Old Rose fragrance, which is a real highlight. The flowers are a deep, vibrant pink, opening from elegant buds into large, cupped rosettes with a stunning symmetry. It’s a real showstopper, flowering its heart out right through the season.
It’s a versatile plant, growing as a tall, upright shrub or can be trained as a short climber if you’ve got a wall or fence that needs a bit of jazzing up.
Growing and Care Tips:
- Sunlight: Give it a spot in full sun, where it’ll get at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.
- Soil: It’s not too fussy, but it loves well-drained, fertile soil. Chuck in some compost before planting to give it a good start.
- Watering: Water it regularly, especially during our hot, dry summers. Keep the water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves.
- Pruning: Prune it back by about a third in late winter to keep it in good nick and encourage new growth. Deadheading spent blooms will keep it flowering.
- Usage: Perfect for the back of a mixed border or as a specimen plant. It’s also a pearler for cutting and bringing inside to fill the house with its glorious scent. Just be warned, the thorns are a bit of a menace, so be careful when you’re handling it!
