English Rose 'Charles Darwin': Austin's Scientific Tribute

Introduced in 2001, 'Charles Darwin' (PP13992, also known as AUSpeet) joins David Austin's pantheon of roses named for British luminaries. This English Rose honors the naturalist whose work transformed biology, with blooms that exemplify natural selection's artistry: perfectly formed, deeply cupped, a luminous yellow that seems to evolve in the light.

Botanical Profile

The flowers open from pointed buds into large, deeply cupped blooms 4-5 inches across, a clear, luminous yellow that holds its color exceptionally well. The fragrance is medium-strong, tea rose with hints of lemon and vanilla. The plant forms a neat, bushy shrub 3-4 feet tall, with healthy, glossy foliage. Austin's yellow English Roses were a breeding breakthrough—yellow is genetically difficult in this class. 'Charles Darwin' represents the successful adaptation: a yellow English Rose that's vigorous, healthy, and fragrant. A fitting tribute to the man who understood adaptation better than anyone.