David Austin Roses:
The challenge of growing them in a humid climate.
Jackie Hamilton & Mary Ellen Newton
Author’s Note. This essay was written in the early 2000’s. Much water has flowed under the bridge since then and the modern Austins are by and large very disease resistant now. We concentrate on the early Austins, which we have labelled the “Classic David Austins”, many of which are no longer commercially available.
Furthermore we have many more years experience so some of the statements are probably pretty stupid!
David Austin is the most influential rose breeder of the past 50 years. He has produced a huge range of loved roses. Unfortunately, many of his roses are tricky to grow in New Zealand conditions as they are susceptible to a range of problems. Based on our experience of twenty plus years rose growing them, this is brief guide to growing David Austin roses in the humid climate of northern New Zealand.
Introduction
Are you sure you want to grow roses?
Buying roses: Where, when, why?
The bare essentials of rose care
To spray or not to spray roses?
Getting on with the job of spraying roses
Pest and Diseases
Downy Mildew
Spider Mites
Black Spot
Rust
Possums and other pests
Other problems pertaining to high rainfall
Balling
Wet feet
Spraying difficulties
Pruning & cuttings
How & why to prune, and taking rose cuttings