Buttercup
Best choice for gardeners seeking vibrant, low-maintenance color in mixed borders.
Buttercup is a charming English Shrub Rose from David Austin Roses, celebrated for its bright yellow blooms and airy grace. This repeat-flowering variety produces numerous semi-double flowers with a delicate musky scent, often nodding on arching stems. It forms a tall, vigorous shrub with an informal habit, ideal for adding a touch of natural beauty to mixed borders. Introduced in 1998, Buttercup thrives in various light conditions and is a testament to the rose-breeding expertise from their Shropshire farm.
$40.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
34
/ 2598
#34 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+2%
Above average
Colour
Yellow
/ Yellow
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a vibrant, high-impact focal point
- Fragrance lovers who appreciate classic, distinctive floral scents
- Landscape enthusiasts wanting continuous color throughout the season
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for affordable garden additions
- Casual gardeners who prefer low-maintenance, thornless varieties
- Floral arrangers who prioritize long-lasting indoor vase displays
Performance breakdown
Bloom Frequency
Repeat-flowering habit ensures consistent color throughout the growing season.
Environmental Adaptability
Thrives across a wide range of zones and diverse soil conditions.
Fragrance Profile
Delicate musky notes provide a subtle, pleasant sensory experience.
Growth Vigor
Fast-growing habit quickly establishes a substantial presence in mixed borders.
Shade Tolerance
Exceptional ability to bloom reliably even in partial shade environments.
Aesthetic Versatility
Informal, airy structure blends seamlessly into naturalistic garden designs.
Key Specs
Colour
Yellow
Bloom Size
Medium (2-3.5")
Fragrance
Medium, Musk
Height
5ft
Width
3ft
Year of Introduction
1998
Petal Count
25 petals
Suitable for zones
Zones 5-11
Features
- Pure yellow, semi-double flowers
- Musky scent with orange blossom hint
- Tall, vigorous shrub habit
- Repeat flowering
- Suitable for partial shade
- Tolerates all soil types
- Informal, airy garden grace
What customers say
Experienced enthusiasts highly value Buttercup roses for their classic English form and deep, vibrant butter-yellow color. The exquisite old rose fragrance is consistently praised, making it a garden standout. While the bloom quality and visual impact are stunning, this variety demands diligent care, including specific feeding and disease management, which can challenge novice growers. Despite the necessary maintenance commitment, satisfaction remains extremely high. Customers feel the superior quality and reliable repeat flowering justify the premium price, confirming its status as a high value investment for those seeking exceptional beauty.
Know before you buy
Buttercup grows into a vigorous, upright shrub reaching approximately 5 feet in height and 3 feet in width. You should allow for this footprint to ensure proper airflow and to accommodate its arching, informal habit.
Yes, Buttercup is notably versatile and thrives in partial shade as well as full sun. This makes it an excellent choice for areas of the garden that receive less direct light throughout the day.
Yes, this is a repeat-flowering variety. You can expect multiple flushes of its semi-double, yellow blooms from the initial flowering through the end of the season.
The blooms offer a medium-strength musky scent. Many gardeners also detect a subtle, pleasant hint of orange blossom.
Buttercup is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 11. It is a robust grower that adapts well to a wide range of temperatures and soil types, provided the soil is well-drained.
Buttercup features an informal, airy habit with arching stems that cause the flowers to nod gracefully. It is less formal than some other English roses, making it ideal for a naturalistic or cottage-style border.
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$40