Benjamin Britten® David Austin® English Shrub Rose
Bold, dramatic, and unlike any other English rose, Benjamin Britten® is a striking introduction from David Austin®, celebrated for its unusually rich coloring, exceptional fragrance, and outstanding garden presence. Introduced in 2001, this remarkable variety was named in honor of the renowned English composer and conductor, reflecting the same creativity and distinction found in his musical legacy.
Its medium-sized blooms begin as deeply cupped flowers before gradually opening into beautifully formed, slightly cupped rosettes. The color is truly unique among English roses, evolving from vivid crimson tones into a glowing deep pink-red that intensifies as the flowers mature, creating a vibrant display that stands out beautifully against dark green foliage.
Benjamin Britten® is equally admired for its delightful medium fruity fragrance, featuring notes reminiscent of wine and pear drops, offering a refreshingly distinctive scent unlike traditional rose perfumes. Repeat flowering throughout the season ensures a continual display of rich color and fragrance from late spring through fall.
Its dense, upright growth habit makes Benjamin Britten® an excellent choice for mixed borders, rose gardens, and specimen plantings where its unusual color can be fully appreciated. Vigorous, reliable, and full of personality, it is a wonderful addition to any garden seeking something truly distinctive.
* Unknown if own root or budded
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rose Type | English Shrub Rose |
| Breeder | David Austin® |
| Variety | Benjamin Britten® |
| Year Introduced | 2001 |
| Flower Color | Glowing Deep Pink-Red |
| Bloom Size | Medium |
| Bloom Form | Deeply Cupped Opening to Slightly Cupped Rosettes |
| Petal Count | Approximately 60 Petals |
| Fragrance | Medium Fruity Fragrance with Notes of Wine & Pear Drops |
| Flowering Habit | Repeat Blooming |
| Growth Habit | Dense, Upright Shrub |
Growing Information
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 4–11 |
| Mature Height | Approximately 4.5' |
| Mature Width | Approximately 4' |
| Plant Spacing | 4–5' Apart |
| Soil Preference | Adaptable to All Soil Types |
| Exposure | East, South, or West Facing |
Ideal Uses
✔ Mixed Borders
✔ Dedicated Rose Gardens
✔ Cottage Gardens
✔ Foundation Plantings
✔ Specimen Plantings
✔ Fragrant Garden Displays
✔ Cutting Gardens
Recommended Growing Regions
Benjamin Britten® performs exceptionally well in:
- Northeast
- Mid-Atlantic
- Midwest
- Southeast
- Southwest
- West Coast
- Intermountain West
- Pacific Northwest
Behind the Name
Benjamin Britten® is named in honor of the acclaimed English composer and conductor Benjamin Britten, whose innovative compositions and lasting influence on classical music inspired this vibrant and distinctive rose.
Why You'll Love Benjamin Britten®
- Uniquely colored blooms in glowing shades of deep pink-red
- Rich color intensifies beautifully as the flowers mature
- Fruity fragrance with distinctive notes of wine and pear drops
- Repeat flowering provides season-long color
- Dense, upright shrub with excellent garden presence
- Exceptional choice for adding bold color to mixed borders
- Adaptable to a wide range of climates and soil types
- Bred by the world-renowned David Austin® Roses
Add rich color, unforgettable fragrance, and timeless English elegance to your garden with Benjamin Britten®, a David Austin® English shrub rose treasured for its vibrant blooms, unique fruity perfume, and outstanding repeat flowering. Its dramatic coloring and refined growth habit make it an exceptional focal point in gardens of every style.