Grower David Austin Roses has announced that its classic garden rose ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ has joined the World Federation of Rose Societies Hall of Fame, writes Gillian Taylor.
The accolade, awarded every three years following a vote by members of the Federation, was announced at the World Rose Convention, held this year in Japan.
The Rose Hall of Fame pays tribute to exceptional roses that have stood the test of time. Their beauty, historical significance, unique characteristics, disease resistance and fragrance are considered, together with their cultural impact.

‘Gertrude Jekyll’ is in excellent company, joining iconic roses such as ‘Peace’ – the first to be honoured in 1976, and another Meilland favourite, ‘Pierre de Ronsard’, a ubiquitous climber in French gardens. ‘Sally Holmes’, an exquisite hybrid musk, was inducted in 2012.
Introduced in 1986, ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ has maintained her popularity with gardeners worldwide and is a worthy addition to the World’s Favourite Roses. She is the second Austin rose in the Hall of Fame – ‘Graham Thomas’ being recognised in 2009.

So why’s Gertrude Jekyll so special? For me, it is the rich colour and shape of the blooms, which look similar to the Gallicas that were the inspiration for David Austin when he started on his rose breeding journey. Add to this the incredible fragrance , attractive buds and reliable repeat flowering and one can see why she is so widely admired.
A great performer in the garden, she lends herself to country and town situations. She is available in shrub and climber form, thus extending her potential use. Mixing well with companion plants in a mixed border, her soft style belies her underlying robustness.
Congratulations to the team at David Austin Roses.