Rose 'James L. Austin'

Apply blood fish and bone twice a year, just as the plant starts into growth in the spring and again after the first flush of roses. Scrape back the top most layer of soil from around the base of the bush sprinkle on a handful of blood fish and bone and work in carefully, minding the roots that run close to the surface

Dead head frequently to promote new buds

Prune in the dormant season. Remove dead, damaged and diseased stems. Choose the best of two crossing stems and remove the other completely. The remaining stems are shortened by a half, a third or two thirds, depending upon the desired result. Cut to an outward facing bud.

Try to plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water moderately. Keep in mind when planting that James L. Austin is thought of as hardy, so this plant will survive close to or on freezing temperatures.

Roses are not normally grown from seed as they do not grow true to the parent plant. However they easily take from hardwood cuttings taken in the autumn. Commercially roses are budded onto rootstock
Roses can be grown from seed but it is usually to investigate potential new varieties

Plant out bare rooted roses in the dormant season. Dig a hole large enough to contain the roots without bending and deep enough to cover the graft union by about 3cm. Back fill adding a handful of blood fish and bone, firm in and water.
Container grown roses can be planted at any time of year but need careful watering to establish well. Bare root roses establish more easily and grow well even from their first season.

Roses are best grown in groups of at least three of the same variety to make a big bush allow 50cm between plants here and 100cm between roses of another variety

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as James L. Austin is a hardy plant.

David Austin, Albrighton, Shropshire UK

Named after an Austin family member

James Austin