Penelope
Best repeat-blooming shrub for gardeners seeking fragrant, shade-tolerant border plants.
Penelope is a captivating Shrub Rose from David Austin Roses, celebrated for its robust, branching growth and prolific blooms. This variety showcases large trusses of blush white flowers, accented by prominent stamens, and emits a delightful fruit and musk fragrance. Penelope offers continuous flowering from late spring through early winter, making it ideal for mixed borders and areas with partial shade. It thrives in various conditions and is supported by a 5-year guarantee and lifetime expert advice.
$40.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
858
/ 2598
#858 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+2%
Above average
Mature Height
6.0
/ feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners needing fast-growing privacy screens or large shrub fillers
- Flower lovers wanting consistent color throughout the entire growing season
- Romantic gardeners seeking soft, multi-tonal blooms with subtle scents
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in humid climates wanting low-maintenance, disease-resistant plants
- Traditionalists preferring the dense, multi-petaled look of classic English roses
- Fragrance enthusiasts looking for powerful, room-filling rose perfumes
Performance breakdown
Bloom Longevity
Continuous flowering from late spring through winter provides exceptional seasonal color.
Shade Tolerance
Reliably thrives in partial shade where many other roses struggle.
Fragrance Intensity
Distinctive fruit and musk notes create a sophisticated sensory garden experience.
Growth Habit
Strong, branching structure creates a lush, full look for mixed borders.
Maintenance Ease
Robust nature and expert support make this manageable for most gardeners.
Hardiness Reliability
Best suited for warmer climates, limiting its reach in colder regions.
Key Specs
Mature Height
6.0 feet
Mature Width
6.0 feet
Bloom Season
Summer, Fall
Soil Type
Well-Drained
Fragrant Flowers
Yes
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10
Sunlight Exposure
Partial Shade
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Features
- Strong, branching shrub habit
- Large trusses of blush white flowers
- Delicious fruit and musk fragrance
- Repeat flowering throughout the season
- Suitable for mixed borders
- Tolerates partial shade
- Comes with a 5 Year Guarantee
- Spreading plant form
What customers say
Penelope by David Austin is celebrated for its exceptional reliability and vigorous growth, making it a garden workhorse ideal for hedging. Customers consistently highlight its powerful, intoxicating musky fragrance, distinct from typical tea rose scents. The abundant clusters of blooms transition beautifully from apricot salmon to soft cream and pink, offering a continuous display. Gardeners value its excellent disease resistance and tolerance for partial shade, contributing to its reputation for easy care and longevity. While some find the blooms smaller than modern standards, Penelope’s overall health, hardiness, and sheer volume solidify its status as a highly recommended variety offering tremendous value and enduring beauty.
Know before you buy
Penelope is a spreading shrub that reaches a mature size of 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide. You should ensure you have enough clearance in your border to accommodate this width, as it benefits from good air circulation.
Yes, Penelope is one of the more versatile varieties and is specifically noted for its ability to tolerate partial shade. While it will still bloom, expect the most prolific flowering when it receives at least a few hours of direct sunlight daily.
Penelope is a repeat-flowering shrub, meaning it produces blooms continuously from late spring through early winter. This makes it a reliable choice for maintaining color in your garden well into the cooler months.
Like most roses, Penelope thrives in well-drained soil. If your garden has heavy clay or tends to stay waterlogged, it is recommended to amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage before planting.
Yes, Penelope is known for a distinct fruit and musk fragrance. Because it produces large trusses of flowers, the scent can be quite noticeable when planted near seating areas or walkways.
The 5-year guarantee covers the health and vitality of the rose, ensuring it establishes successfully in your garden. Additionally, you have access to lifetime expert advice from David Austin Roses to help you with pruning and care questions as the plant matures.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$40