The Dark Lady
Best shrub rose for gardeners seeking dramatic, repeat-blooming color in borders.
Introducing 'The Dark Lady,' an exquisite English Shrub Rose from David Austin Roses, inspired by Shakespeare's enigmatic muse. This captivating rose features dark, dusky crimson blooms with a loose formation, reminiscent of tree peonies. It offers a delightful light Old Rose fragrance and a vigorous growth habit, making it ideal for mixed borders. This repeat-flowering variety thrives in full sun and adapts to various soil types, supported by David Austin's trusted 5-year guarantee.
$40.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
858
/ 2598
#858 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+2%
Above average
Mature Height
4
/ ft
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a dramatic, luxurious focal point
- Fragrance lovers wanting aromatic blooms for indoor arrangements
- Landscape enthusiasts desiring continuous color throughout the season
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in humid climates avoiding high-maintenance disease control
- Pruners who prefer handling plants without sharp, dense thorns
- Perfectionists wanting upright stems that resist heavy rain
Performance breakdown
Bloom Aesthetic
Dusky crimson petals create a dramatic, peony-like visual impact.
Fragrance Intensity
Subtle Old Rose notes provide a delicate, non-overpowering garden scent.
Growth Vigor
Strong, bushy habit ensures a lush presence in mixed borders.
Flowering Consistency
Reliable repeat blooming keeps the garden colorful throughout the season.
Environmental Adaptability
Versatile hardiness zones make this rose a dependable choice nationwide.
Maintenance Assurance
The five-year guarantee offers significant peace of mind for gardeners.
Key Specs
Mature Height
4ft
Mature Width
4ft
USDA Hardiness Zones
5-10
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Soil Type Preference
Well-Drained
Fragrant Flowers
Yes
Colour
Dark crimson
Flowering
Repeat Flowering
Features
- Dark, dusky crimson blooms
- Reminiscent of tree peonies
- Light Old Rose fragrance
- Repeat flowering
- Suitable for mixed borders
- Busy growth habit
- Large bloom size
- 5 Year Guarantee
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly adore The Dark Lady rose for its dramatic aesthetic and intoxicating fragrance. The deep, velvety crimson color is frequently praised as the closest shade to a true black rose, creating a striking garden focal point. Its strong, classic Old Rose scent significantly enhances the sensory experience. While the bloom structure is robust and flowering is reliable, this high bred English rose demands diligent care. Some users report susceptibility to black spot, requiring preventative spraying, and intense summer sun can cause petal crisping. Despite these maintenance needs, the unparalleled beauty and rich fragrance fully justify the effort, making it a highly rewarding and admired variety.
Know before you buy
At maturity, this rose typically reaches a height and width of 4 feet. Its bushy growth habit makes it a well-proportioned choice for mixed borders.
Yes, The Dark Lady is a repeat-flowering variety. You can expect multiple flushes of its large, crimson blooms from the initial flowering period through the end of the season.
For the best performance, plant this rose in a location that receives full sun. It is adaptable to various soil types, provided the soil is well-drained.
The Dark Lady features a light, classic Old Rose fragrance. It is pleasant and noticeable without being overpowering in a garden setting.
This variety is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 10. It is well-suited for a wide range of climates, though gardeners in the coldest zones should ensure proper winter protection.
The blooms are notable for their deep, dusky crimson color and a high petal count of 140. Their loose, open formation is often compared to the aesthetic of tree peonies.
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$40