David Austin Texas

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

Just some info if you didn't know. I talked to the David Austin sales specialist yesterday. I was asking about their own root roses.

They carry bare root grafted roses but also ship their own root roses as bare roots. I've not seen own roots as bare root. Both have to be planted in very early spring. They also now carry 2 qt potted roses that they ship year round. Both the grafted and own root bare roots are two year old roses while the 2qt own root potted roses are 36 week roses. Heirloom told me a few weeks ago their bands are about 25 weeks and their gallons are about one year.

All three options are the same price at David Austin. $27 for one or $25 for three or more of the same rose. To buy three roses the $27 with shipping comes out to $101 while the same three bands at Heirloom are $90. Three one gallon at Heirloom would be $120. It is nice to have an option for own root without paying Heirlooms high prices. Chamblees is much cheaper but they are phasing out their David Austins and won't carry them anymore when what they have are gone.

I'm curios if you have more information on other sources for David Austins.

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noseometer...(7A, SZ10, Albuquerque)

10 years ago

I've purchased own-root Austins from David Austin Roses, Heirloom (both bands and gallon), High Country Roses and Roses Unlimited and would unhesitatingly purchase again from any of them. By far the biggest were the 3 bare root 'Bishop's Castle' that I got from DA roses, with roots more than 2 feet long and about 6" of cane. Heirloom's gallons were roughly twice the size (and price) of the ones I got from Roses Unlimited, whose gallons were a bit bigger than Heirloom's bands, which were about the same or slightly smaller than the bands I got from High Country Roses. By the end of the first season, the plants from Heirloom's bands and gallons, High Country Roses, and the plants from Roses Unlimited were all about the same size (but given that they were not all the same variety), and the DA roses were about twice the size, mostly in the number of canes (but again, not the same variety as from Heirloom and RU, so it is hard to compare). David Austin's offerings of own-root do not include his latest releases, and Heirloom's and Roses Unlimited are earlier releases, so availability is my major determining factor. For example 'Munstead Wood' is not listed on DA's own-root section but is available potted (although in general, their potted selection is more limited), Heirloom and HCR don't have it, but RU has it own root. DA does not offer the latest releases own root. Own-root William Shakespeare 2000 was only available from High Country Roses, DA only had grafted, Heirloom and RU did not have it.

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Comments (13)

ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
10 years ago
Rogue Valley Roses has always had Austin roses and I presume they still do. I'm sure there are others that do also, although I haven't checked lately.
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msjam2
10 years ago
Calloways and that nursery on 121/ in Grapevine (the name escapes me). After losing 80 roses to RRD, I refuse to buy anymore. For right now, my new addiction is Japanese maple.
Vaporvac Z6-OhioRiverValley
10 years ago
I think the 'Munstead Wood' is just sold-out in the own root option. I was going to buy it the other night, but dilly-dallies and it said OOS the next day. It still says that. I still haven't bought the grafted as I had my heart set on own-wood. However, I did readsomewhere that the MW does better as a graft.
nippstress - zone 5 Nebraska
10 years ago
I agree that Roses Unlimited and HCR are great sources for own-root Austins, as Chamblee's is until they stop offering them. I've also found that the Heirloom bands catch up to the gallons pretty quickly as well, particularly since Austins are usually happy in my zone and loamy soil. Another source would be Long Ago Roses, which is where I've gotten a lot of the out-of-production Austin roses like Potter and Moore or Fisherman's Friend. Angel Gardens can occasionally have some own root Austins too.

Cynthia
strawchicago z5
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Bump up this thread: Does David Austin roses still sell own-roots? Thanks for any info.

Munstead Wood from RU is fantastic as own-root for the last 7 years. Never see any mildew nor blackspots on it like the grafted-on-Dr.Huey at rose park. Pic. below is taken this June, note the very healthy leaves on Munstead Wood:
Sheila z8a Rogue Valley OR
5 years ago
I have bought own roots from DA.
portlandmysteryrose
5 years ago
If I ever buy from DA again, and the roses I am purchasing are ones that thrive own-root, that is the route I will take. A number of the grafted ones I received in my last order (2 years ago?) were not in great shape. Ditto the time before. But I think others on the forum have had better luck than I have? I hate telling friends for whom I order plants to scan for Dr. Huey sprouts and warning of possibly wrestling with Dr. Huey in their beds down the road. (That sounds risque, doesn’t it?) I remember well my early days of growing roses and my struggle to recognize foliage, thorn and habit differences. Many gardeners love to grow beautiful roses but only have time to focus on a basic level of care. DA’s own roots are a great addition, and it sounds like the own-root plants are substantial enough that they won’t try the patience of weekend gardeners! Carol
Sheila z8a Rogue Valley OR
5 years ago
They have a tab to find own root on the DA website and they sell big, bare root own root like you are referring to, Carol.

They do also sell potted band like own roots size for those with patience.

I have never before seen own root roses for sale as large as their own root bare root which I have received.
portlandmysteryrose
5 years ago
That is great info, Sheila! Thank you!!

How are you doing down there during this OR fire season?

Carol
Sheila z8a Rogue Valley OR
5 years ago
Stable, here, Carol. The Bootleg fire is East of us and the wind blew the smoke East. We have had 32 days of 100 F or over so far this Summer, Carol. This is the hottest we've had it in 7 years here. There was a downpour at a friend's house today down here, but we got .15 inches of rain.

I would love to see it pour.

All in all we are baked. I hope it is a bit more normal Portland where you are.
portlandmysteryrose
5 years ago
I am so sorry about the abomibidable heat, Sheila, but relieved the fire and smoke are missing you! 90s here but maybe a shower on Friday? 🤞 Carol
portlandmysteryrose
5 years ago
Strawberry, gorgeous Munstead! Your own root experience is really good to know! Some roses need to be grafted, and some, like your Munstead, thrive own root. If I buy another Munstead for myself or anyone else, I’m going to try one that isn’t grafted. Mine is growing on Huey. Carol