The Ancient Mariner (Ausoutcry) is an English shrub rose from David Austin which produces masses of large, mid pink flowers with a medium-strong Myrrh fragrance.
This charming rose has a bushy upright habit and produces large, mid pink blooms which pale towards the edges. Each bloom has layers of petals and a fragrance, which is a classically light and delicate to enjoy throughout the summer months.
This rose will reliably repeat flower making it the perfect choice for growing in a rose border or combined with other plants in mixed borders. When growing this rose in a border, we recommend planting it in groups of the same variety for an impressive display, that gets better as each year passes. It also looks charming in a large pot to enjoy its fragrance-filled flowers positioned near entrances and doorways.
Introduced in 2015, the name of this strikingly beautiful shrub rose was inspired by Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem, ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ which was published in 1798.
Plant details
- Breeder: David Austin
- Rose type: Shrub Rose
- Colour: Mid Pink
- Fragrance: Medium-strong, Myrrh
- Bloom size: Large
- Flowering period: June, July, August, September, October (Repeat flowering)
- Pot size: 6-Litre
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 1.25m (after 3 years)
- Plant width: Up to 1.25m (after 3 years)
All measurements are approximate
How to care for your rose
The Ancient Mariner shrub rose is robust and reliable to grow. To get the best blooms, add a sprinkling of Mycorrhizal Fungi around the base to help the roots to establish and encourage good plant health. We also recommend regular feeding, once in late March/early April and again in July with Rose Food. Throughout its flowering season, regularly deadhead the spent blooms to encourage new buds to form.
(Images courtesy of David Austin® Roses)