Rose ‘Charles Darwin’ is a magnificent English shrub rose bred by the world-renowned David Austin, known for his outstanding contributions to modern rose breeding. This variety is prized for its large, deeply cupped flowers in rich shades of mustard yellow to golden ochre, blending old-world charm with modern disease resistance. Its handsome growth habit and strong, tea-like fragrance make it a standout choice for discerning rose lovers across Toowoomba and the wider Darling Downs region.
The blooms are full-petalled and often nod gracefully, appearing in flushes throughout the growing season. Each flower showcases layers of warm yellow petals, sometimes tinged with apricot, giving your garden a refined yet relaxed elegance. The bush grows into a robust, upright shrub, typically reaching around 1.2 to 1.5 metres in height, with attractive mid-green foliage that provides a lush backdrop to its glowing blooms.
‘Charles Darwin’ thrives in Toowoomba’s temperate climate, making it ideal for mixed borders, cottage gardens, or as a standalone feature in formal rose beds. It performs beautifully in well-drained soil with full sun and appreciates regular watering and feeding. This variety is also well-suited to organic and low-spray gardening, thanks to its natural resilience to common rose diseases.
Named after the famous naturalist, ‘Charles Darwin’ offers not only botanical beauty but also a thoughtful tribute to a figure who appreciated nature’s intricacies. Whether you're planting a commemorative garden, enhancing your front yard, or simply want to enjoy a strongly scented, richly coloured rose, this variety is sure to delight.
Why Choose Rose ‘Charles Darwin’ from True Blue Garden Centre, Toowoomba?
Hand-selected for Darling Downs conditions
Excellent performance in Queensland’s cooler highland regions
Grown locally for enhanced garden success
Backed by friendly, expert horticultural advice
Key Features:
Fragrance: Strong, warm and complex – a blend of tea and pure rose
Flower Colour: Deep mustard yellow with golden undertones
Growth Habit: Upright shrub to 1.5m tall x 1.2m wide
Flower Form: Large, full, deeply cupped blooms
Flowering: Repeat flowering from spring to autumn
Ideal for: Cottage gardens, mixed borders, feature planting, rose beds
Foliage: Mid-green, healthy and lush
Position: Full sun – at least 6 hours per day
Soil: Well-drained, enriched garden soil
Watering: Deep watering twice weekly in dry periods
Feeding: Balanced rose fertiliser during the growing season
Planting & Care Tips (Toowoomba Specific):
In the Toowoomba region, plant during autumn or early spring to establish before extreme summer heat. Apply a thick mulch layer to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Feed in early spring, after pruning in winter, and again in mid-summer. Prune lightly to shape and encourage airflow, and deadhead regularly for prolonged flowering.
Visit True Blue Garden Centre Today
Looking for a classic yellow rose with heritage appeal and modern resilience? Come and see Rose ‘Charles Darwin’ in bloom at True Blue Garden Centre, Toowoomba, or order online for local delivery. Our team of rose experts are here to help you find the perfect plant for your garden’s microclimate.