David Austin® Darcey Bussell® English Shrub Rose

The Darcey Bussell Rose Bush enchants with its stunning, fragrant blooms, making it a delightful addition to any garden, perfect for attracting pollinators.

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Choose a location with well-drained soil and ample sunlight to promote healthy growth.  Dig a hole twice the width of the rootball and backfill with a mix of native soil and compost.  Spread a 3 feet layer of mulch around the shrub to conserve water, insulate roots, and suppress weeds. 

2. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, particularly during the first growing season. Roses prefer to be deep watered once or twice a week, adjusting for local climate.  Once established, roses have some drought tolerance but prefer a deep watering once weekly.  Always water at the base and avoid overhead watering which can encourage disease.

3. Pruning: In late winter, prune for structure by removing dead, diseased, or crossing canes. Up to 1/3 of the shrub can be cut back during dormancy. During the growing season, deadhead by removing flowers back to the stem, or prune just above a set of five leaves.

4. Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support robust growth, then reapply in early summer. Avoid fertilizing after mid-summer.