Brother Cadfael
Best fragrant pink rose for gardeners seeking classic, peony-like blooms.
Discover the Brother Cadfael rose, a stunning David Austin variety. This rose boasts abundant, large, peony-like blooms in soft pink hues, emitting a rich and classic Old Rose fragrance. It features a sturdy, upright growth habit reaching medium height, adorned with attractive, large, dark green leaves. Available as a potted plant or bare-root option, Brother Cadfael brings timeless beauty and captivating scent to any garden setting, making it an exquisite choice for rose enthusiasts.
$40.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
858
/ 2598
#858 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+2%
Above average
Type
David Austin Roses Pvr
/ David Austin Roses Pvr
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking dramatic, old-fashioned floral displays
- Fragrance lovers wanting aromatic blooms for indoor arrangements
- Urban gardeners with limited space for vertical growth
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in humid climates avoiding intensive maintenance
- Residents in rainy regions wanting reliable, weather-proof blooms
- Pruners preferring low-maintenance, thornless rose varieties
Performance breakdown
Bloom Aesthetics
Large, peony-like petals offer a sophisticated, high-impact visual display.
Fragrance Intensity
The classic Old Rose scent provides a powerful, immersive sensory experience.
Growth Habit
Sturdy, upright structure ensures the plant maintains a tidy, elegant silhouette.
Container Versatility
Adaptable enough to thrive in pots for patio or balcony gardening.
Maintenance Demand
High water requirements necessitate consistent attention for optimal health and blooming.
Foliage Quality
Large, dark leaves provide a lush, healthy backdrop for pink blooms.
Key Specs
Type
David Austin Roses Pvr
Brand
David Austin
Mature Height
1.2m
Mature Height
3.94 feet
Foliage
Large dark leaves
Fragrance
Strong
Petal Count
50 petals
Growth Habit
Upright bush
Features
- Large, peony-like soft pink flowers
- Intense, rich Old Rose fragrance
- Sturdy, upright medium-height bush
- Attractive large, dark foliage
- Suitable for container planting
- Deciduous foliage type
- Requires full sun exposure
What customers say
Reviewers consistently praise the 'Brother Cadfael' rose for its spectacular, deeply cupped, globular blooms that embody classic Old Rose beauty. The intensely sweet and fruity fragrance is a major highlight, often dominating the garden experience. Gardeners celebrate the vigor and impressive size of the flowers. A key consideration is the structural challenge: the heavy blooms frequently cause stems to droop, necessitating strategic staking or placement. While repeat flowering is generally good, some cooler climates see slower rebloom. Disease resistance is average, requiring attention in humid areas. Despite the need for support, the overwhelming consensus is that its powerful aroma and nostalgic form make it an essential, highly rewarding addition for those prioritizing classic beauty.
Know before you buy
This variety is known for its exceptionally large, peony-like flowers. Each bloom features approximately 50 petals, creating a full and lush appearance.
Yes, Brother Cadfael is well-suited for container planting. Ensure you use a large pot with high-quality, well-draining soil and provide consistent watering to support its growth.
To perform at its best, this rose requires full sun exposure. Aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to encourage healthy foliage and abundant flowering.
The plant maintains a sturdy, upright growth habit, reaching a mature height of approximately 1.2 meters, or about 3.94 feet.
Brother Cadfael offers a strong, rich fragrance characterized by the classic Old Rose scent. It is a prominent feature of the variety and is ideal for planting near seating areas.
No, Brother Cadfael is a deciduous rose. This means it will lose its leaves during the winter months as it enters dormancy, before producing fresh growth in the spring.
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$40