Ispahan
Best early-blooming shrub for gardeners seeking fragrant, classic pink floral displays.
Discover the Ispahan rose, a classic beauty from David Austin Roses, renowned for its exquisite mid-pink, half-open blooms and strong, traditional Old Rose fragrance. This large shrub is among the first Old Roses to bloom each summer, bringing enduring charm to mixed borders. It thrives reliably in full sunlight and is suitable for East, South, and West-facing locations. Enjoy peace of mind with a 5-year guarantee and lifetime support, ensuring a stunning garden display for years to come.
$19.80
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
18
/ 2452
#18 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-50%
Below average
Mature Height
5.0
/ feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking intense, classic floral fragrance for home arrangements
- Low-maintenance growers wanting healthy plants without chemical sprays
- Cold-climate gardeners needing reliable, vigorous shrubs for harsh conditions
Who should skip it
- Gardeners desiring continuous color throughout the entire growing season
- Small-space owners lacking room for a large, sprawling shrub
- Homeowners planting near high-traffic walkways or play areas
Performance breakdown
Fragrance Intensity
The classic Old Rose scent provides a powerful, nostalgic sensory experience.
Hardiness Range
Exceptional adaptability across USDA zones 4 through 11 ensures reliable growth.
Bloom Duration
Once-flowering nature limits the display to a single, intense summer burst.
Garden Versatility
Mounding form and sun tolerance make it perfect for mixed borders.
Support Guarantee
Five-year coverage and lifetime support offer unmatched peace of mind.
Visual Impact
Exquisite mid-pink petals create a sophisticated focal point in any landscape.
Key Specs
Mature Height
5.0 feet
Bloom Season
Summer
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Mature Width
4.0 feet
Soil Type Preference
Well-Drained
Fragrant Flowers
Yes
Plant Form
Mounding
USDA Hardiness Zones
4-11
Features
- Exquisite mid-pink blooms
- Strong classic Old Rose fragrance
- Early summer flowering
- Tolerates various sun exposures
- Ideal for mixed borders
- Thrives in full sunlight
- Backed by a 5-year guarantee
What customers say
Reviewers hold 'Ispahan' in high regard, primarily praising its unparalleled, intense old rose fragrance, often calling it one of the best available. This rose is celebrated for its exceptional vigor, hardiness, and strong disease resistance, making it a highly reliable performer even in difficult climates. Customers appreciate its robust growth and the abundance of clear pink, semi-double blooms. While it is a once-blooming variety, its extended bloom period is often accepted. For gardeners prioritizing authentic scent and dependable, low-maintenance quality, 'Ispahan' is consistently described as a perfect, must-have classic.
Know before you buy
The Ispahan is a once-flowering shrub, meaning it produces a single, prolific display of blooms early in the summer rather than repeating throughout the season.
When fully grown, the Ispahan rose reaches a height of approximately 5 feet and a width of 4 feet, forming a mounding shape that works well in mixed borders.
Yes, it performs best in full sunlight. It is versatile regarding orientation and will thrive in East, South, or West-facing locations.
Like most roses, the Ispahan requires well-drained soil to prevent root issues. Ensure the planting site has good drainage to support its long-term health.
Yes, it is highly regarded for its strong, traditional Old Rose fragrance. You can expect a classic, distinct scent when the blooms are open.
The Ispahan is quite hardy and is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 11, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of climates.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.