Claire Austin is a highly fragrant English rose introduced by David Austin, known for its elegant, creamy white blooms that open from soft lemon-cream buds. The flowers are large, deeply cupped, and very full, often forming classic rosette shapes. It produces blooms in generous flushes throughout the season and carries a strong myrrh fragrance with hints of vanilla and heliotrope. The shrub forms an upright, well-balanced plant with healthy green foliage, making it excellent for mixed borders or as a feature rose. In Regina (Zone 3), winter protection is required.
- Height: 100–120 cm (40–48 in)
- Spread: 90–100 cm (36–40 in)
- Light: Full sun (6–8+ hours daily)
- Water: Moderate; deep watering once weekly during dry periods
- Soil: Rich, well-drained soil amended with compost
- Fertilizer: Feed every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced rose fertilizer
- Blooming: Repeat flowering from early summer to frost
- Hardiness: Typically Zone 5; requires heavy winter protection in Regina (deep mulch and soil mounding recommended)
- Maintenance: Prune in early spring; deadhead to encourage continuous blooms
- Spacing: 90–100 cm (36–40 in) apart