Rosa 'Desdemona'

Rosa ‘Desdemona’ – A Pure, Romantic English Rose with Exceptional Fragrance

Rosa ‘Desdemona’ is one of the most elegant and refined English shrub roses bred by David Austin. Celebrated for its pure white blooms, soft peachy undertones, and beautifully rounded rosette form, this rose embodies classic romance with a modern level of reliability. Named after Shakespeare’s gentle and graceful Desdemona, this rose lives up to its literary namesake with blooms that appear delicate yet carry impressive strength and resilience in the garden.

The flowers of ‘Desdemona’ are initially tinged with soft pink-peach when they first unfurl, gradually maturing into a crisp, fresh white. Each bloom is perfectly cupped and deeply filled with petals arranged in a graceful, swirling formation. The effect is both luxurious and calming, creating a serene atmosphere wherever it is planted. When in full flush, the shrub becomes a cloud of soft white blooms that easily stands out among deeper colours and textured foliage.

One of the most admired qualities of Rosa ‘Desdemona’ is its strong, enchanting fragrance. The scent is best described as old rose with notes of almond blossom and hints of lemon—making it one of the most beautifully perfumed of the white English roses. This makes it an excellent choice for planting near patios, pathways, doorways, or seating areas where the fragrance can be fully appreciated.

‘Desdemona’ is also prized for its strong disease resistance and reliable performance across a wide range of conditions. It forms a neat, rounded shrub around 1.1–1.2 metres tall, making it ideal for front- or mid-border positions. The foliage is a healthy, deep green that stays fresh throughout the season, offering a lovely contrast to the pristine white flowers.

This rose blooms generously from early summer through to the first frosts, producing multiple flushes that keep the garden alive with colour and scent. Its compact, well-balanced growth makes it suitable for gardens of all sizes, including town gardens or more structured planting designs. Whether featured as a single specimen or planted in repeating groups, Rosa ‘Desdemona’ brings a sense of calm sophistication to any landscape.

Key Features of Rosa ‘Desdemona’

• Beautiful White Blooms: Soft pink-peach buds mature into pure white cupped rosettes.

• Strong, Sweet Fragrance: A rich old-rose scent with almond blossom and citrus notes.

• Reliable Repeat Flowering: Blooms from early summer to autumn with multiple flushes.

• Excellent Disease Resistance: A healthy, robust shrub ideal for low-maintenance gardening.

• Compact Habit: Grows to approx. 1.1–1.2m tall—perfect for borders, beds, and smaller gardens.

• Elegant Foliage: Dark green leaves that provide a perfect backdrop for white blooms.

• Versatile Use: Suitable for cottage-style gardens, formal plantings, mixed borders, or as a feature shrub.

Planting & Care Guide

Sun Position:

• Prefers full sun for abundant flowering.

• Tolerates light shade, though blooms may be slightly fewer.

Soil Requirements:

• Best in fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained soil.

• Enrich the planting hole with compost or well-rotted manure.

Watering:

• Water deeply during establishment and during prolonged dry spells.

• Keep soil evenly moist, especially in summer.

Feeding:

• Feed in early spring using a quality rose fertiliser.

• Feed again after the first major flush of blooms.

Pruning:

• Prune in late winter or early spring.

• Remove weaker stems and reduce remaining stems by around one-third.

• Maintain an open, rounded shape to encourage strong flowering.

Perfect for Garden Centre Displays

Rosa ‘Desdemona’ appeals strongly to customers who love white roses with strong fragrance and reliable performance. Its soft colouring suits all garden styles—from modern to traditional—making it an easy and attractive recommendation. With its heavy scent, tidy shape, and repeat flowering, it consistently delights gardeners seeking an elegant yet low-maintenance shrub rose

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.