Large cupped pink rosette — up to 160 petals; myrrh fragrance; rarely few thorns, very winter hardy.
Named after S. T. Coleridge's poem 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'
Repeat flowering in flushes, from mid-June to early winter. Months are approximate, for the climate of Ukraine.
English 'literary' series, named after the poem about the old mariner (Chelsea 2015)
Strong — myrrh: fresh and citrusy at first; in full bloom warm, peppery-spicy, with notes of sandalwood and clove.
High overall resistance; reliable even in cool climates.
Flowers more abundantly in full sun.
Rarely few thorns — convenient for cutting.
Dark to mid green, semi-glossy, deeply toothed, healthy.
Breeder's code AUSoutcry.
Mid-pink, lightening towards the edges; as it fades, it takes on a dusty pink-lilac tone.
Gertrude Jekylldeep pink
Harlow Carrpure pink
Olivia Rose Austinsoft pink
Molineuxwarm yellow · contrast
Catmint (Nepeta)sky blue
Salvia 'Caradonna'purple
Perovskia (Russian sage)lavender haze
Gypsophilawhite mistPink English Roses hold the same romantic, fragrant palette around The Ancient Mariner.
Blue-purple and silver flowers give a clean contrast to the pink:
Blue spires and a gauzy haze add depth to the pink palette:
Where to plant. In a mixed border, a romantic fragrant garden, or beside resting places (for the strong myrrh scent); striking as a specimen thanks to its large rosette; few thorns — convenient along paths and for cutting.
Climate. All of Ukraine — very winter hardy (USDA 4+); reliable even in cool climates.
Care. Moderate; full sun or light shade, rich soil; healthy foliage makes care easier.
Name. After Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (1798). Breeder: David C. H. Austin (David Austin Roses, UK), presented in 2015 at the Chelsea Flower Show. Patent code AUSoutcry. Parent forms are not disclosed.
Significance. One of David Austin's “literary” English varieties; valued for the combination of a very double, old-fashioned cupped form, a strong myrrh fragrance and unusually few thorns (good for cutting).
Repeat flowering in flushes, from mid-June to early winter.
120–150 cm tall, 90–120 cm wide.
Overall resistance: 4.5 out of 5. 4–4.5 / 5; high overall resistance, healthy foliage.
Sun / partial shade; flowers more abundantly in full sun.
Strong — myrrh: fresh and citrusy at first; in full bloom warm, peppery-spicy, with notes of sandalwood and clove.
