Gertrude Jekyll® (Ausbord) is an exquisite medium sized English shrub rose bred by David Austin®. Always one of the first English roses to start flowering, it has masses of deep pink rosette shaped blooms with a perfectly balanced old rose fragrance. Awarded the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit for its consistent and healthy growth and named the “World’s Favourite Rose” 2025 by the World Federation of Rose Societies, it is a tried and tested gardeners’ favourite.
With a profusion of flowers that last through to October, it looks magnificent in a rose border or will seamlessly blend with a range of plants in a mixed border. It will also thrive in a large container and looks wonderful positioned near doorways and entrances to enjoy its wonderful fragrance each day. If growing in a border, we recommend planting it in groups of the same variety for an impressive and reliable display, year after year.
Created more than 30 years ago by David C H Austin, David Austin Gertrude Jekyll® (Ausbord) English Shrub Rose is named after the well known garden designer and author. Gertrude was known for her mixed border designs and was instrumental in the creation of more than four hundred gardens across the world (UK, Europe and America).
Plant details
- Breeder: David Austin Roses
- Rose type: Shrub Rose
- Colour: Bright Pink
- Fragrance: Strong, Old Rose
- Bloom size: Large
- Flowering period: May, June, July, August, September, October (Repeat flowering)
- Awards: Recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit, named the “World’s Favourite Rose” 2025 by the World Federation of Rose Societies
- Pot size: 6-Litre
Note: David Austin Gertrude Jekyll® is also available as an English Climbing Rose
Growing conditions
- Soil moisture: Moist but well drained
- Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral (suitable for all soil types)
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
Best location
- Aspect: North, East, South or West-facing
- Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Expected plant growth
- Plant height: Up to 1.1m (after 3 years)
- Plant width: Up to 0.9m (after 3 years)
All measurements are approximate
How to care for your rose
To get the best blooms from your Gertrude Jekyll® shrub rose, plant it with a sprinkling of David Austin Mycorrhizal Fungi to help the roots establish and encourage good plant health. We also recommend regular feeding with rose food, once in late March or early April and again in July. Whilst this rose is in flower, regularly deadhead the spent blooms to encourage new bud growth.
(Images courtesy of David Austin Roses)