Rose David Austin Lady of Shalott
Rosa 'Lady of Shalott'
A stunning English rose that combines the romance of old roses with modern disease resistance and repeat flowering. The warm orange-salmon blooms have a golden reverse and emit a delicious spiced apple and clove fragrance that intensifies in warm weather. This vigorous shrub produces an abundance of rosette-shaped flowers from spring until frost, making it perfect for both formal and cottage gardens.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
4–11
USDA hardiness
Difficulty
Moderate
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Rose David Austin Lady of Shalott in USDA Zone 7
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Rose David Austin Lady of Shalott · Zones 4–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | February – April | — |
Complete Growing Guide
Spacing: 3 feet-6 feet.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Storage & Preservation
Fresh cut stems last longest when immediately placed in lukewarm water with flower food and stored in a cool location away from direct sunlight. Recut stems every 2-3 days and change water completely to extend vase life to a full week.
For preserving the distinctive fragrance, harvest petals in mid-morning and air-dry them on screens in a warm, dark, well-ventilated area. Once completely dry (7-10 days), store in airtight containers for potpourri that retains the spiced apple scent for months. You can also create rose water by gently simmering fresh petals in distilled water, then straining and storing the fragrant liquid in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The intense fragrance of Lady of Shalott makes it particularly valuable for these preservation methods compared to less fragrant varieties.
History & Origin
Lady of Shalott was bred by David Austin Roses in England and introduced in 2009 as part of their renowned English Rose collection. Named after the tragic heroine in Alfred Lord Tennyson's famous 1832 poem, this rose represents Austin's ongoing mission to combine the romantic form and fragrance of old garden roses with the disease resistance and repeat-flowering characteristics of modern varieties.
David Austin began developing his English Rose line in the 1960s, and Lady of Shalott emerged from decades of careful breeding work. The variety showcases the distinctive warm orange-salmon coloring with golden reverses that became a signature of Austin's later introductions. Its exceptional disease resistance reflects modern breeding advances, while the intense spiced apple and clove fragrance pays homage to the powerfully scented old roses that inspired Austin's work. The rose quickly gained recognition among gardeners for successfully bridging the gap between old-world romance and contemporary garden performance, earning multiple awards from rose societies worldwide.
Advantages
- +Exceptional repeat flowering from spring to hard frost with consistent bloom production
- +Outstanding disease resistance to black spot, powdery mildew, and rust even in humid climates
- +Intensely fragrant with distinctive spiced apple and clove scent that strengthens in warm weather
- +Vigorous growth habit that quickly establishes and fills space effectively
- +Unique warm orange-salmon coloring with golden petal backs creates striking garden presence
- +Excellent cut flower performance with strong stems and good vase life
- +Heat tolerance superior to many other David Austin varieties
Considerations
- -Moderate difficulty level requires regular pruning and feeding knowledge
- -Can reach 4-5 feet in height and width, requiring adequate space planning
- -Susceptible to aphid infestations during new growth flushes in spring
- -Flower color may fade to pale peach in extreme summer heat above 90°F
- -Requires winter protection in zones 5 and colder for reliable survival
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Repels aphids, spider mites, and other rose pests while attracting beneficial pollinators
Marigolds
Deters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies that commonly attack roses
Catmint
Repels aphids, ants, and rodents while attracting beneficial insects
Alliums
Natural fungicide properties help prevent black spot and powdery mildew on roses
Clematis
Shares similar growing conditions and provides vertical interest without competing for nutrients
Parsley
Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies that prey on aphids and other rose pests
Rosemary
Repels carrot flies, cabbage moths, and other pests while tolerating similar soil conditions
Geraniums
Natural pest deterrent and may help repel Japanese beetles that damage rose blooms
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits rose growth and can cause wilting and death
Large Trees
Compete heavily for nutrients and water while creating excessive shade that reduces blooming
Impatiens
Prone to similar fungal diseases that can spread to roses in humid conditions
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent resistance to black spot, powdery mildew, and rust
Common Pests
Aphids, thrips, Japanese beetles, spider mites
Diseases
Generally disease resistant, occasional canker or downy mildew