Desdemona

Where to plant. Light English-style borders, a 'moon garden' (a bed of white varieties), showy borders, the front of a bed with low perennials. Because of its strong scent, plant it near paths.

Climate. RHS H6, down to −20 °C; for all of Ukraine with light protection in the northern regions.

Care. Minimal; one of the healthiest Austins. Removing spent flowers encourages new waves.

Name. After Desdemona, the tragic heroine of William Shakespeare's play 'Othello' (1603-1604). The daughter of a Venetian senator and wife of the Moor Othello, her name became a symbol of innocence and purity, which the creamy white cups of the flowers emphasise.

Breeding. Raised by David Austin Sr. in Great Britain; presented at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2015. Patent code AUSkindling (US PP 30,054). The RHS classifies it as a Hybrid Musk, a rare English rose with musk characteristics (the Hybrid Musk family, like Cornelia and Buff Beauty). Parentage not disclosed.

Significance. This is the last series of roses bred by David Austin Sr. himself before his death in 2018, which gives it sentimental value for fans of English roses. It won the RHS Award of Garden Merit, a 'Highly Commended' from the RHS, a Bronze Medal at the National Rose Trial Garden (Australia) in 2021, and the David Austin 'Best For Fragrance' and 'Best For Flowering' awards.