Winchester Cathedral

Where to plant. In white or moon gardens in the Sissinghurst style; as the mid-ground of a mixed border; next to Mary Rose for a dramatic mother–daughter effect; in a 'cathedral' / Gothic corner with spiritual symbolism; after rain, remove spoiled flowers.

Climate. All of Ukraine without protection (USDA 4-11, RHS H6); copes well with summer heat; white petals suffer noticeably from rain.

Care. Full sun; moderate prevention; feed 2-3× per season; prune ⅓ in spring; deadheading is important for a second flush.

Name. 'Winchester Cathedral' — after Winchester Cathedral in the city of Winchester (Hampshire, England). One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, built from 1079 to 1532 (453 years!). King Cnut the Great (ruler of England, Denmark and Norway, 1016–1035) and the writer Jane Austen (1775–1817) are buried there. A poetic tribute to English Gothic architecture.

Breeding. Bred by David Austin at David Austin Roses. Code AUScat. Introduced 1988. A white sport of 'Mary Rose' (Austin AUSmary 1983), confirmed by internal Austin Roses records.

Significance. The 'memory of genetics' — because of the instability of the sport, flowers identical to the parent 'Mary Rose' (pink) occasionally appear on a single bush, as if the rose 'remembers' its genetic history. This makes it a favourite of collectors and historians. One of the best-known Austin-sport varieties. USDA 4-11 — all of Ukraine without protection. Inherited hardiness of Mary Rose — easy care. The literary name of Winchester Cathedral, with the burial of Jane Austen, makes it ideal for 'literary' corners. No RHS AGM (despite the myth) — the parent, Mary Rose, has an AGM, but Winchester Cathedral itself does not. No other official awards — HMF states 'No awards known'. White petals noticeably suffer from rain — a typical problem of white roses.