David Austin c1940
David Austin OBE (1926–2018)
Visionary English rose breeder, creator of the English Roses, and one of the most influential horticulturists of the twentieth century.
David Austin OBE (1926–2018) transformed modern rose breeding through his vision of combining the charm, fragrance and form of old garden roses with the repeat flowering, colour range and garden performance of modern varieties. The result was the creation of the now world-famous English Roses, a collection that has inspired generations of gardeners and helped revive appreciation for richly fragrant, old-fashioned blooms.
Born in Shropshire, England, Austin began breeding roses in the 1950s and introduced his first variety, Constance Spry, in 1961. Despite early scepticism from the nursery trade, he persevered, establishing David Austin Roses in 1969. Over the following five decades he introduced more than 200 rose cultivars, many named after celebrated figures from history, literature and horticulture. His work earned numerous international honours, including the Victoria Medal of Honour from the Royal Horticultural Society and an OBE for services to horticulture.
David Austin's influence extends far beyond the roses he created. Through his books, gardens and lifelong commitment to excellence, he changed the way gardeners around the world think about roses. Today, the family business continues his legacy, breeding and introducing new English Roses while remaining true to his original aim: to create ever more beautiful roses for the garden.
At Heritage Fruit Trees we are delighted to offer a carefully selected range of David Austin® Roses, sharing the work of one of the most influential plant breeders of the modern era.
One of our many favourite David Austin roses in our garden - Mary Rose. Copyright Heritage Fruit Trees.
References incl:
David Austin Roses. (2026). David C. H. Austin OBE: From schoolboy to rose breeder.
Royal Horticultural Society. (2018). David Austin OBE VMH obituary.
David Austin Roses. (2026). Remembering our founder: 100 years (1926–2018).