Eustacia Vye and Gabriel Oak roses duo is named after Thomas Hardy’s characters
Perfect gifts for lovers of literature, the two new introductions this year from David Austin Roses – Eustacia Vye and Gabriel Oak roses – caused quite a stir at the Garden Press Event. Read more about David Austin’s rose Penelope Lively.
Head of marketing, Richard Austin, said: “Launching the annual Handbook of Roses and our new rose varieties is always an exciting time. A highlight in the David Austin calendar. Two stunning new characters join our collection this year, Eustacia Vye and Gabriel Oak. Both were lovingly created over the last nine years by my Grandfather, David Austin Snr. They’re a testament to the passion and expertise that continue to be at the heart of all that we do.”
Eustacia Vye
This rose is named after the exotically beautiful and restless heroine of The Return of the Native (1878). Eustacia Vye is a pretty rose of soft, glowing apricot pink. Held on red-tinged stems, each shallowly cupped bloom has numerous delicately ruffled petals, which gradually pale over time.It has a delicious, strong, fruity fragrance and very healthy, bushy, upright growth. It’s a medium shrub, growing to 4ft (125cm) x 3ft (90cm).
Gabriel Oak
The dignified and hard-working male character from Far from the Madding Crowd (1874) is the inspiration behind this vigorous new variety. It bears large, many-petalled rosette blooms of a striking deep pink in an Old Rose style and mulberry stems and dark green foliage. Coupled with a wonderful, strong, fruity fragrance, this shapely, rounded shrub exudes richness and abundance. It’s a medium shrub, growing 4ft (125cm) x 4ft (125cm).
Eustacia Vye and Gabriel Oak roses – David Austin handbook
Meticulously curated for expert and novice gardeners alike, the handbook is divided into easy-to-use sections, which blend information and practical advice, designed to help gardeners select, plant and care for their roses. The spectacular new imagery shows David Austin’s ongoing commitment to inspire and showcase roses in a range of real-life garden situations.
It includes:
- A lighter-weight, guided format for ease of reference
- A new ‘Roses for Specific Situations’ section, offering guidance on selecting the right rose for its intended location
- Inspirational ‘Spotlight’ segments to stir ideas around a particular theme – colour, landscape or garden accessory
- New photography, showcasing our roses in a variety of real-life garden situations, which complement traditional and contemporary gardens alike
- Updated ‘Advice on Growing Roses’ section, guiding caring, pruning and training roses
- More than 100 products join the Rose Accessories and Gifts range.
For more information, availability and current prices, visit www.davidaustinroses.co.uk.
