Northwest Blooms · Roses
Rosa 'Darcey Bussell'
Darcey Bussell Rose
- Rose type
- Shrub
- Height
- 3 to 4 feet
- Bloom size
- Medium (2–3.5 in)
- Flower color
- Deep crimson-pink fading to mauve
- Fragrance
- Moderate
About this plant
Rosa 'Darcey Bussell' is a shrub rose that bears deeply cupped, fully double blooms in rich crimson-pink tones, often softening to mauve at the petal edges. Each medium-sized rosette unfolds from a pointed bud and emits a light to medium fruity fragrance. Flowers appear in flushes from late spring through early winter, carried atop glossy, dark green foliage with red-tinted new growth. Its compact, rounded habit offers elegant form, and, making it a favorite for containers, borders, or formal beds, it also attracts pollinators with its color and scent.
Bred in England by David Austin and introduced in 2006, this rose earned acclaim for its health, repeat blooming, and fragrance. Named in honor of the celebrated ballerina, it has received praise as a standout red shrub rose. Darcey Bussell combines garden presence, refined aroma, and consistent flowering for enduring landscape beauty.
Planting & care
Roses reward a sunny, open site with at least six hours of direct light, good air movement, and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Water deeply and less often, soaking the root zone while keeping the leaves dry, and mulch with two to three inches of compost or shredded bark held back from the canes. Feed repeat-blooming roses in early spring as growth starts and again after the first flush, then prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing canes and open the center. Shrub roses need only light thinning, keeping their natural full shape and repeat bloom.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Portland International Rose Test Garden.
