The Shepherdess
Best choice for gardeners seeking fragrant, low-maintenance blooms in mixed borders.
Introducing 'The Shepherdess' (Austwist), a distinguished English Shrub Rose from David Austin Roses. This variety showcases medium-sized, deeply cupped blooms in a delicate pale apricot, occasionally tinged with pink. Its enchanting fruity fragrance carries subtle lemon notes. The plant develops into an upright, bushy shrub, perfectly suited for mixed borders and flourishing in full sun to partial shade across all soil types. Named in honor of Sir Philip Sidney's 'The Arcadia', this rose comes with David Austin's assurance of a 5-year guarantee and lifetime expert support.
$40.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
858
/ 2598
#858 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+2%
Above average
Colour
Pale apricot
/ Pale apricot
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking continuous color throughout the growing season
- Fragrance lovers who prioritize aromatic garden experiences
- Small-space owners needing compact, versatile shrub options
Who should skip it
- Beginners living in humid climates prone to fungal issues
- Color purists who prefer consistent, vibrant petal tones
- Busy homeowners wanting long-lasting, low-maintenance floral displays
Performance breakdown
Bloom Aesthetics
Deeply cupped apricot petals offer a sophisticated, classic English garden look.
Fragrance Profile
Fruity notes with a bright lemon finish provide a refreshing scent.
Repeat Flowering
Consistent bloom cycles ensure your garden stays vibrant throughout the season.
Environmental Versatility
Thrives across diverse soil types and varying light conditions with ease.
Growth Habit
Upright, bushy structure makes it an ideal candidate for mixed borders.
Support Assurance
Five-year guarantee provides significant peace of mind for long-term gardening.
Key Specs
Colour
Pale apricot
Flowering
Repeat Flowering
Fragrance
Medium, Fruity
Bloom Size
Medium (2-3.5")
Family
English Shrub Rose
Size
Medium Shrub
Height
4ft
Width
3 1/2ft
Features
- Deeply cupped, repeat-flowering apricot blooms
- Pleasant fruity fragrance with lemon notes
- Upright, bushy shrub habit
- Tolerates full sun and partial shade
- Suitable for all soil types
- Repeat flowering capability
- Charming, classic naming origin
- Backed by a 5-year guarantee
What customers say
The Shepherdess is highly celebrated for its stunning aesthetic and powerful fragrance. Blooms feature a delicate, shifting blend of apricot, peach, and soft pink tones that captivate observers. Its scent is a major highlight, often noted as a robust, classic tea rose aroma with bright citrus undertones, frequently exceeding expectations. Gardeners value its reliable repeat flowering across the season, ensuring continuous visual appeal. Furthermore, its vigorous health allows for versatile use as a medium shrub or small climber. While the premium price and need for careful pruning are sometimes mentioned, the overwhelming consensus is that the sheer beauty and intoxicating performance fully justify the effort and cost for rose enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
This variety is a repeat-flowering shrub, meaning you can expect multiple flushes of blooms from late spring through the autumn months.
Yes, The Shepherdess is quite versatile and will thrive in both full sun and partial shade, making it a reliable choice for various spots in your garden.
At maturity, this shrub reaches approximately 4 feet in height and 3.5 feet in width. Its upright, bushy habit makes it an excellent candidate for mixed borders where it won't crowd out neighboring plants.
The Shepherdess is adaptable to all soil types, provided the soil is well-drained. It is hardy across USDA zones 5-11, offering a wide range of regional compatibility.
The fragrance is described as medium in intensity with a pleasant fruity profile. You will notice distinct, refreshing lemon notes that complement the delicate apricot color of the petals.
David Austin Roses provides a 5-year guarantee on their plants, ensuring they are healthy and true to variety. Additionally, you receive lifetime expert support to help you troubleshoot any care or cultivation questions as your rose matures.
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$40