David Austin Rose Desdemona

David Austin Rose ‘Desdemona’

Plant Fact File:

• Plant Type: Shrub Rose
• Cultivar: ‘Desdemona’
• Container Size: 3L
• Height: 20cm (from soil level to the top of the plant)
• Established Height: Approximately 1.2m
• Flower Color: Creamy-white
• Flower Form: Fully double
• Fragrance: Strong, myrrh fragrance with hints of fruit
• Bloom Time: Summer to fall
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy
• Aspect: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil
• Hardiness: USDA zones 5-9

Description:

The David Austin Rose ‘Desdemona’ is a magnificent shrub rose celebrated for its exquisite creamy-white blooms and captivating fragrance. This cultivar is provided in a 3L container, with a height of approximately 20cm from soil level to the top of the plant and an established height of around 1.2m. With its upright, bushy growth habit, ‘Desdemona’ adds elegance and allure to any garden space.

Key Features:

• Creamy-White Blooms: ‘Desdemona’ showcases stunning, fully double blooms in a creamy-white hue, reminiscent of classic English roses. The elegant flowers lend an air of sophistication to garden borders and flower beds.
• Fragrance: Renowned for its strong myrrh fragrance with subtle hints of fruit, the scent of ‘Desdemona’ is both captivating and memorable. Plant this rose in a prominent location where its delightful fragrance can be enjoyed.
• Upright Growth Habit: With its upright and bushy growth habit, ‘Desdemona’ makes a striking focal point in garden borders or can be planted as a standalone specimen. It also thrives in containers, adding beauty and fragrance to patios and balconies.
• Hardy and Easy to Grow: ‘Desdemona’ is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and is relatively low-maintenance. It prefers well-draining, fertile soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Planting Tips:

1. Select a sunny to partially shaded location with well-draining soil.
2. Dig a hole slightly larger than the pot size and loosen the soil at the bottom.
3. Carefully remove the plant from its container and gently tease out the roots.
4. Position the plant in the center of the hole and backfill with soil, firming it gently around the roots.
5. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the growing season.
6. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
7. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth and maintain shape.