Abraham Darby – David Austin Rose
Old World Charm Meets Modern Performance
An iconic English rose by David Austin, Abraham Darby combines the nostalgic beauty of old-world blooms with the vigour of a modern shrub rose. This remarkable variety is treasured for its large, deeply cupped blooms in a luscious apricot-pink blend with golden undertones. A vigorous grower and prolific bloomer, Abraham Darby makes a stunning statement in any Toowoomba garden, whether trained as a medium climber or allowed to flourish as a tall shrub.
Flower Colour & Fragrance
Each bloom opens in classic English rose form, producing a generous cup of many petals in shades of rich apricot, peach, and soft pink that deepen in cooler weather. Its exceptional fragrance is one of its strongest features - a complex blend of fruity citrus, fresh tea rose, and old rose scent that drifts through the garden.
Growth Habit
With its strong arching growth, Abraham Darby reaches around 1.5m tall and 1.2m wide in shrub form, or higher if lightly trained as a climber. The lush, healthy green foliage complements the large blooms beautifully, creating an old-fashioned abundance perfect for cottage gardens and rose lovers alike. Ideal for planting near walkways, pergolas or entrances where its fragrance can be fully appreciated.
Flowering & Performance in Toowoomba Conditions
Abraham Darby performs reliably in Toowoomba’s temperate climate, offering repeat flushes of flowers from spring through to autumn. It thrives in well-drained soil with full sun and benefits from regular feeding. Despite its old-world look, this rose has good disease resistance and vigour, especially when well mulched and watered during the warmer months of the Toowoomba growing season.
Uses in the Garden
Ideal as a feature shrub in rose beds or mixed borders
Can be trained as a medium-sized climber on an arch, fence or trellis
Excellent cut flower with long-lasting, fragrant blooms
Pairs well with perennials and lavender for a romantic English garden look
Care Tips for Success
To encourage lush flowering and healthy growth:
Plant in a sunny position (minimum 6 hours sun)
Improve soil with compost and organic matter
Mulch generously in spring and summer to retain moisture
Prune lightly in summer and more heavily in winter
Fertilise regularly during the growing season
Why Choose 'Abraham Darby' from True Blue Garden Centre?
At True Blue Garden Centre in Toowoomba, we specialise in premium-quality roses suited to our local climate. Abraham Darby is a perennial favourite among Toowoomba rose lovers for its stunning colour, powerful fragrance, and classic appeal. Our team is here to help you select and grow the perfect rose for your garden, offering expert advice and local knowledge you can trust.
Botanical Name: Rosa 'Abraham Darby'
Breeder: David Austin (UK, 1985)
Type: English Shrub / Short Climber
Height: 1.5–2m (as shrub or climber)
Width: 1.2m
Fragrance: Strong and fruity
Flowering: Repeat flowering from spring to late autumn
Position: Full sun
Origin: England