Heathcliff
Best crimson shrub for gardeners seeking reliable, repeat-blooming border color.
Discover Heathcliff, an exquisite English Shrub Rose from David Austin Roses, named after the iconic literary character. This rose boasts striking, fully double blooms in a deep crimson hue, exuding a delightful light tea fragrance with hints of Old Rose and cedarwood. Heathcliff features an upright, bushy growth habit, making it a superb addition to mixed borders. David Austin Roses stands behind the quality of this plant, offering a 5-year guarantee and lifetime support for a beautiful, enduring garden display.
$40.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1593
/ 2594
#1593 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+2%
Above average
Colour
Crimson
/ Crimson
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a bold, dramatic focal point
- Flower arrangers prioritizing intense, classic fragrance
- Small-space owners needing tidy, upright shrub growth
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in humid climates avoiding high-maintenance plants
- Perfectionists wanting blooms that remain perfectly upright
- Impatient growers preferring constant, rapid repeat flowering
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep crimson, fully double blooms create a dramatic focal point.
Fragrance Intensity
Subtle tea notes provide a delicate, non-overpowering garden scent.
Growth Habit
Upright, bushy structure fits perfectly into structured mixed borders.
Hardiness Range
Versatile adaptability across USDA zones five through eleven.
Bloom Consistency
Reliable repeat flowering keeps the display vibrant all summer long.
Support Guarantee
Five-year coverage offers exceptional peace of mind for gardeners.
Key Specs
Colour
Crimson
Fragrance
Light, Tea
Bloom Size
Large (3.5-5")
Size
Large Shrub
Height
5.0 feet
Width
3.5 feet
Breeder
David Austin
Year of Introduction
2012
Features
- Striking deep crimson, fully double blooms
- Pleasant light tea rose fragrance
- Upright, bushy growth habit
- Repeat flowering throughout the season
- Suitable for mixed borders
- Thrives in full sunlight
- Tolerates various soil types
- Backed by a 5-year guarantee
What customers say
Heathcliff by David Austin is overwhelmingly praised for its dramatic visual impact and powerful fragrance. Customers consistently celebrate the deep, rich crimson to magenta hues, describing the color as intense and velvety. The large, deeply cupped blooms showcase a classic English rose form, often exceeding expectations for size. The strong, true old rose scent is a major selling point, meeting high sensory standards. Reviewers find Heathcliff to be a vigorous and healthy grower, providing reliable seasonal blooms and good structure. Despite needing standard rose care, the unparalleled combination of intense color, robust growth, and exceptional scent makes this a high impact, highly recommended variety.
Know before you buy
Heathcliff is a large shrub that typically reaches 5 feet in height and 3.5 feet in width. Its upright, bushy habit makes it well-suited for the middle or back of a mixed border.
Yes, Heathcliff is a repeat-flowering variety. You can expect to see its deep crimson, fully double blooms throughout the summer months.
The fragrance is described as a light tea rose scent. It features subtle, nuanced notes of Old Rose and cedarwood.
This rose thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. It is quite versatile and hardy, suitable for USDA zones 5 through 11.
David Austin Roses provides a 5-year guarantee on the plant's quality, along with lifetime support to help ensure your rose establishes and performs well in your garden.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$40