Reasons for the Discontinuation of Common Rose Varieties

Reasons for the Discontinuation of Common Rose Varieties

In the world of rose breeding, decisions to discontinue a variety are not made lightly. Paul from David Austin Roses, a renowned name in the rose industry, assesses the whole plant, considering vigour, health, shape, charm, and elegance before making such a call.

The rose industry is evolving, with an increasing variety in new roses, including David Austin types, Persica hybrids, and smaller-flowered roses with great hip qualities. Michael Marriott, another world-leading rosarian, appreciates this diversity.

Rose breeders invest a significant amount of time, effort, money, and research into creating new rose varieties. However, not all of them make it to the market. Some favourites among rose enthusiasts, like Munstead Wood, Jude the Obscure, and Lady Emma Hamilton, have been discontinued and missed by readers.

Yet, the love for these discontinued varieties remains strong. Rose enthusiasts still share cuttings of these lost gems, and there's a Facebook group called 'Discontinued David Austin Roses Club' with over 5,700 members.

If a desired rose has been discontinued, it may have a valid reason. Climate change, changing pests and diseases, or market demand could be factors. Paul Constantine from David Austin Roses explains that some varieties have been discontinued due to not standing the test of time, less appeal to gardeners, or being superseded by better performing varieties.

When favourite rose varieties become unavailable, gardeners have several options. Exploring rare or hard-to-find rose cultivars from specialized rose cultivators or nurseries can be a good start. Selecting rose types better adapted to their climate, soil, and sun exposure conditions can also increase success and plant health.

Considering disease-resistant varieties is another strategy. Particularly against common rose diseases like blackspot, these roses can reduce maintenance and improve longevity. Opting for own-root roses (rather than grafted) may also be more resilient and easier to propagate or replace.

Trying new or similar roses with comparable colours, fragrances, or growth habits available from reputable suppliers with good plant health standards can also provide a satisfying alternative.

Local rose breeders can provide reasons for discontinuation and recommend decent alternative rose varieties. If a desired rose has been discontinued in a region, it's recommended to get in touch with a local rose breeder for advice.

Jenny Barnes, head gardener at Cottesbrooke Hall, and Michael Marriott, both praise the work of rose breeders in developing increasingly disease-resistant rose varieties. New ramblers and climbers are often an improvement on those introduced in the twentieth century.

David Austin Roses warns against high expectations for discontinued varieties and sells them in small numbers with a note of caution. Some rose varieties have been officially discontinued in the UK, including A Shropshire Lad, Francine Austin, and William Morris.

In the end, if a desired discontinued rose is unavailable, Jenny Barnes suggests trying something else. The beauty and vigor of other rose varieties might surprise you, as Paul Constantine from David Austin Roses has noted in the beauty and performance of Heritage (Ausblush) in Texas, Munstead Wood (Ausbernard) in Australia, and Snow Goose (Auspom) in Japan, but notes they would not perform as well in UK gardens.

[1] Source: RHS, Rose Breeding [2] Source: Specialised Rose Cultivators and Nurseries [3] Source: RHS, Choosing the Right Rose [4] Source: RHS, Common Rose Diseases [5] Source: David Austin Roses, Own-Root Roses

1. In the world of rose gardening, various new rose varieties are introduced, such as David Austin types, Persica hybrids, and smaller-flowered roses, showcasing the diversity in the rose industry.
2. Despite some favorite rose varieties being discontinued, like Munstead Wood, Jude the Obscure, and Lady Emma Hamilton, rose enthusiasts continue to share cuttings and maintain a strong love for these 'lost gems'.
3. When a desired rose variety has been discontinued, gardeners can explore rare cultivars from specialized rose cultivators, select rose types more suitable for their climate, opt for disease-resistant varieties, or try similar roses from reputable suppliers.
4. Local rose breeders can provide reasons for discontinuation and recommend alternative rose varieties, as exemplified by the successful performance of Heritage (Ausblush) in Texas, Munstead Wood (Ausbernard) in Australia, and Snow Goose (Auspom) in Japan, even though they may not perform as well in UK gardens.

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