Queen of Sweden

Where to plant. In English cottage gardens, as a 'royal' solo accent; in pastel borders among other Austin-varieties; a cutting shrub for romantic bouquets — the characteristic cup-rosette is very photogenic.

Climate. All of Ukraine with light winter protection (USDA 6b); tolerates summer heat well.

Care. Full sun or light shade; a well-ventilated spot; feed 2× per season; prune about ⅓ in spring; high disease resistance — minimal preventive care.

Name. 'Queen of Sweden' — in honour of the 350th anniversary of the Swedish–British 'Treaty of Friendship and Commerce' (1654). The variety was presented in the presence of Queen Silvia during David Austin's visit to Sweden. More precisely, the name commemorates the historic treaty, not Queen Silvia or any other Swedish queen directly (it is often written as 'named after Queen Silvia', but that is a simplification). Austin traditionally gives varieties commemorative and historical names.

Breeding. Bred by David C. H. Austin Sr. at David Austin Roses (Albrighton, Great Britain). Code AUStiger. Introduced 2004. Parentage: unnamed seedling × 'Charlotte' (Austin's yellow shrub rose, before 1992). US Plant Patent PP17,150 (2006).

Significance. RHS Award of Garden Merit — practical British recognition. Up to 140 petals — a record fullness among Austin-varieties. A characteristic shallow cup-rosette, a special flower form in Austins. One of the best-known 'royal' Austins, alongside Queen of England, William Shakespeare and Princess Anne. A myrrh scent from the Constance Spry family — a rare combination in modern shrub roses.