David Austin Roses: Our Chelsea Flower Show Favourites

Each year, with much anticipation, David Austin Roses launches a new rose variety at Chelsea Flower Show that has all the beauty, vigour and fragrance you have come to expect, but often with an exciting twist. The 2026 rose, David Austin Sir David Beckham English Shrub Rose is no exception and as a celebration of years of exceptional roses we want to put a spotlight on our favourite varieties from Chelsea shows past.

David Austin Gertrude Jekyll: A rose that has it all
Chelsea Flower Show 1986

An evocative Old Rose fragrance, timelessly elegant fully petaled blooms, healthy growth, versatility around the garden and much more. We could go on but we think its prestigious accolade as The World’s Favourite Rose 2025, as voted by World Federation of Rose Societies, more than sums it up.

Shop: Gertrude Jekyll English Shrub rose and Gertrude Jekyll Climbing Rose

A distinctive colour pallet of fuchsia and white marbled stripes across its abundant semi-double and lightly scented flowers, this rose makes a statement in all the right ways. We love how these flowers are combined with heart-shaped foliage and a vase-shaped growing habit, to create unforgettable displays.

Shop: The King's Rose, English Shrub Rose

With a kaleidoscope of pink, mauve and lilac tones, this rose has flowers in a myriad of shades that bring flower beds and borders to life. A truly exceptional variety, its flowers last through to the first frost and are infused with a warming Tea fragrance to create a display that is effortlessly uplifting.

Shop: David Austin Emma Bridgewater, English Shrub Rose

Strongly scented and with cheerfully warm tones, this rose is the perfect celebration of summer. With large orange and yellow flowers, the profusion of rosette shaped blooms create a sunshine-filled display that warms even the dullest of days. It is also known for its incredibly healthy growth, so you always get the best from this enchanting variety.

Shop: David Austin Bring Me Sunshine, English Shrub Rose

A picture of simplicity and elegance, this rose quietly shows its beauty with its captivating single, lemon-yellow flowers and is an excellent example of the diverse beauty of roses. With ornamental appeal throughout the seasons, this rose flowers from as early as May and grows rose hips that take you through to winter.

Shop: David Austin Tottering-By-Gently, English Shrub Rose

David Austin Gabriel Oak: A Picture of Opulence Chelsea Flower Show 2019

If you want depth and richness in your flowerbeds then Gabrielle Oak is an excellent place to start. With large, deep pink flowers and a strong fruity fragrance, it is a captivating variety that is further enhanced by its young red foliage and mulberry-coloured stems.  We love this head-turner for its bold and abundant beauty.

Shop: David Austin Gabriel Oak, English Shrub Rose

A magnificent combination of mid-pink and apricot hues across its ruffled petals give this enchanting rose beautiful vintage appeal. Its classic beauty draws you in to enjoy its uplifting fruity fragrance and admire the abundance of healthy, layered blooms.

Shop: David Austin Eustacia Vye, English Shrub Rose

Discover your perfect rose

Gates Garden Centres are a leading David Austin Roses UK stockist and centre of excellence. Explore our extensive range of premium quality English Roses.

Further information

• Learn more about why we are passionate about David Austin Roses
• For further information on roses, visit our rose care tips & advice section

All images courtesy of David Austin Roses®.