Rosa Queen of Sweden (Austiger)
One of the more refined David Austin English roses, Queen of Sweden produces exquisite cupped blooms in the softest glowing apricot-pink, gradually maturing to a pure soft pink as the flowers age. The buds start small and enclosed, opening into wide, shallow cups with a pleasing formality that makes them particularly good for cutting. Each bloom carries over 40 petals and a delicate myrrh fragrance.
The bush has a notably upright, bushy habit with handsome foliage that is exceptionally healthy. It grows to about 1.5 m tall and 1.25 m wide. The straight, upright stems and relatively few thorns make this a natural for the vase, and the long-stemmed blooms hold well in water.
Named in 2004 to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce between Queen Christina of Sweden and Oliver Cromwell of Great Britain. Queen of Sweden is ideal toward the front of a border, as a low hedge, or wherever a well-structured upright rose with refined flowers is needed. It also pairs well with lavender, salvia and nepeta.
- Height: 1.25–1.75 m
- Width: 1–1.5 m
- Type: English Shrub Rose
- Colour: Soft apricot-pink, maturing to pure soft pink
- Fragrance: Medium (myrrh)
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Flowering: Repeat flowering, late spring to early winter
- Suitable for hedging
- Good cut flower
- Breeder: David Austin (UK), introduced 2004
