Winchester Cathedral English Rose: Pure White Austin Beauty

The Winchester Cathedral English rose, introduced by David Austin in 1988 (PP8141, AUScat), bears exquisite, fully double, pure white flowers with a charming arrangement of petals and a light Old Rose fragrance with hints of honey. Also known as White Mary Rose.

Classification and Heritage

Family: Rosaceae (ro-ZAY-see-ee)
Genus: Rosa (RO-zuh)
Cultivar: 'Winchester Cathedral'
Additional names: PP8141, AUScat, White Mary Rose, Winchester Cathedral?
Hybridized by: Austin
Registered/Introduced: 1988

Growth Habit and Blooms

Medium, bushy shrub 3–4 feet. Flowers are white, cupped, many-petalled, with a light Old Rose/honey fragrance. Repeat flowering.

Cultivation Tips

• Sunlight: Full sun.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained.
• Watering: Regular.
• Pruning: Light spring shaping.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 5–9.

Landscape Uses

White gardens, mixed borders, cottage gardens. The pure white glows in twilight.