‘O my Luve’s like a red, red rose,
That’s newly sprung in June’
Robert Burns
For as long as we can remember, roses have been symbolic of love and associated with Valentine’s Day. What are some gorgeous specimens that we can grow in our gardens to have that love blossoming all year round? David Austin is a go to for classic, beautiful and romantic English roses. Almost all of them scream romance, but there are a few of my favourites to woo your garden with.
‘Benjamin Britten’ is a vivid red peony like specimen with rosette shaped blooms that have an intense fragrance with hints of wine and pear drops ! Perfect for your true love.
‘Gabriel Oak’- Named after another Hardy character, this deep cerise pink is dramatic and voted best for fragrance. Its large blooms make it perfect for cutting, or filling your borders to waft its wonderful perfume as you pass by.
‘Eustacia Vye’- Named after the heroine in my favourite book ‘Return of the Native’ by Thomas Hardy, this is an unashamedly romantic , blowsy pale pink tissue paper rose with a strong fruity fragrance. Repeat flowering with bushy upright growth.
A quick scan of the internet will also bring up a wealth of Rose varieties. If you are looking for a classic Valentine’s red rose in all its velvety richness try ‘Wild Rover’ by Sarah Raven, or send your love up to the sky with ‘Love Knot’. A beautiful crimson climber that you can watch grow year after year.
Who said Valentines roses must be red? Beautifully bridal ‘White Wedding’ with its frothy gown like heads or David Austin’s ‘Desdemona’ will symbolise the purity of your love.
May your hearts and gardens be full of roses forever!
‘A rose by any other name would smell as sweet’
Romeo and Juliet- William Shaespeare.
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Written By: Nina Motylinski| Home and Garden Editor
Facebook: @LadyWimbledon
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