Discover the Grace Auskeppy Rose, a fragrant apricot English rose by David Austin. Learn how to grow, care for, and design with this beauty in your USA garden.
Hey there, rose lovers! I’m Ashley Scott, and with 10 years of gardening experience, I’ve grown countless flowers, but few have captured my heart like the Grace Auskeppy Rose. This gorgeous English shrub rose, also known simply as the Grace Rose, is a showstopper with its apricot blooms and heavenly fragrance. Whether you’re curious about how to grow the Grace Auskeppy Rose, wondering about its care, or just want to know what makes it so special, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned. At USA Garden Hub, my mission is to help USA gardeners like you bring beauty to your spaces, so let’s dive into the world of this rose with grace!
What Is the Grace Auskeppy Rose?
The Grace Auskeppy Rose, or Rosa ‘Grace’ (Auskeppy), is an English shrub rose bred by the legendary David Austin in 1992 and introduced in 2001. It’s named for the elegant quality that defines English roses, and trust me, it lives up to its name! With large, fully double, apricot-colored blooms—darker in the center and paler at the edges—it forms perfect rosettes that bloom from late spring to early winter. Its strong tea fragrance is a warm, inviting scent that makes every garden stroll a treat.
I first spotted a Grace Rose at a local nursery, and its camellia-like flowers stopped me in my tracks. I knew I had to bring one home! Since then, it’s been a star in my garden, drawing compliments from neighbors and pollinators alike.
Why Choose the Grace Auskeppy Rose?
So, what makes the Grace Auskeppy Rose stand out? Here are a few reasons I adore it:
- Gorgeous Blooms: The apricot flowers (2-3 inches wide, with 40+ petals) are vibrant yet soft, blending beautifully with other garden colors like purples and reds.
- Repeat Flowering: Unlike some roses, this one blooms in flushes all season long, keeping your garden lively.
- Fragrance: That tea scent is divine—perfect for cutting and bringing indoors.
- Versatility: It grows well in borders, pots, or as a specimen plant, reaching 4-5 feet tall and wide.
- Awards: It’s won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its beauty and performance.
How to Grow the Grace Auskeppy Rose
Ready to add this beauty to your garden? Here’s my step-by-step guide to growing the Grace Auskeppy Rose:
Planting
- When: Plant bare-root roses from November to April or potted ones year-round (avoid frozen or waterlogged soil).
- Where: Choose a spot with full sun (6+ hours daily). It tolerates east, west, or south-facing positions but resents shade.
- Soil: Use well-draining soil (chalk, clay, loam, or sand work). I mix in compost or well-rotted manure for nutrients. Sprinkle Rootgrow on roots to boost growth.
- How: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, plant with the graft point just below soil level, and water well.
Watering
Water deeply once a week during the first year. Established plants are drought-tolerant but appreciate a soak during dry spells. I learned this the hard way when my Grace Rose drooped one hot summer—regular watering fixed it fast!
Fertilizing
Feed with a rose fertilizer like Toprose in spring and mid-summer. Too much fertilizer can lead to leafy growth over blooms, so I stick to the package directions.
Pruning
How do you prune the Grace Auskeppy Rose? For new plants, just trim dead or crossing stems. Once established, prune in early March to half its size, shaping it into a rounded form. I snip mine back after the first flush to encourage more blooms.
Check out my Rose Gardening Tips for more pruning advice!
Grace Auskeppy Rose Care: Keeping It Thriving
Caring for the Grace Rose is straightforward, but here are some tips to keep it healthy:
- Mulching: Add a 2-inch layer of mulch (like bark or compost) in spring to retain moisture and deter weeds.
- Pest Control: Watch for aphids, caterpillars, or spider mites. I use neem oil for natural control—works like a charm!
- Disease Prevention: The Grace Auskeppy Rose is disease-resistant but may get rose black spot, powdery mildew, or rose rust. Good airflow and avoiding overhead watering help. If spots appear, I remove affected leaves and apply a fungicide.
- Winter Care: In colder zones (5-10), mulch around the base in late fall to protect roots. My zone 6 Grace Rose has survived harsh winters with this trick.
Grace Auskeppy Rose in Pots
Yes, you can grow the Grace Auskeppy Rose in containers! Its compact, bushy habit (4×4 feet) makes it perfect for patios. Here’s how I do it:
- Pot: Choose a 15-20 gallon container with drainage holes.
- Soil: Use a mix of potting soil and compost.
- Care: Water when the top inch of soil dries out, and fertilize monthly during the growing season.
I have a potted Grace Rose on my deck, and its apricot blooms brighten my mornings. Just bring it indoors or to a sheltered spot in harsh winters.
Where to Buy the Grace Auskeppy Rose
Looking for Grace Auskeppy Rose plants? Here’s where to find them:
- Local Nurseries: Check garden centers in spring or summer.
- Online Retailers:
- David Austin Roses offers potted and bare-root options with a 5-year guarantee.
- High Country Gardens for healthy shrubs.
- Specialty Farms: Grace Rose Farm sells stunning roses, though availability varies.
I ordered my Grace Rose from David Austin, and it arrived in perfect condition. Pro tip: Buy three of the same rose from their site for a 10% discount
Common Questions About the Grace Auskeppy Rose
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
What is the Grace Auskeppy Rose known for?
It’s famous for its apricot rosette blooms, tea fragrance, and repeat flowering from late spring to early winter. It’s a David Austin English Rose, blending old-rose charm with modern reliability.
How tall does the Grace Auskeppy Rose grow?
It reaches 4-5 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, making it ideal for borders or as a focal point.
Can I grow it as a climber?
Yes! With training, it can be a small climber. Tie stems to a trellis for vertical growth.
Is it the same as Grace Rose Farm or Grace Rose Perfume?
No, Grace Rose Farm is a rose grower, not the cultivar. Grace Rose Perfume isn’t related—it’s a fragrance product. The Grace Auskeppy Rose is a specific David Austin variety.
What does “Grace Upon Grace” mean?
While not directly tied to the rose, grace upon grace meaning refers to abundant blessings, often in a spiritual context. The rose’s name reflects its elegant, graceful qualities.
My Journey with the Grace Auskeppy Rose
Let me share a story. A few years ago, I wanted a rose that could anchor my garden border without being fussy. I chose the Grace Auskeppy Rose for its amazing fragrance and vibrant color. Planting it was a breeze, but I overwatered it at first, thinking more was better—oops! After adjusting to weekly watering, it thrived, producing apricot blooms that made my garden glow. Now, it’s the centerpiece of my backyard, paired with lavender and salvias for a dreamy look.
Want to design your own rose garden? See my Garden Design Ideas!
Garden Design with the Grace Auskeppy Rose
The Grace Rose is a design superstar. Here’s how to use it:
- Mixed Borders: Pair with purples (like purple salvias) or dark reds for contrast.
- Specimen Plant: Let it shine alone in a sunny spot.
- Pots: Perfect for patios or small spaces.
- Companions: Try planting with catmint, alliums, or peonies for texture.
Its apricot blooms blend beautifully, making it versatile for cottage, modern, or romantic gardens.
Clarifying Confusion: Grace Rose Myths
There’s some online chatter mixing up the Grace Auskeppy Rose with other terms. Let’s clear it up:
- Grace Rosa Jackson or Grace Rose Love Island: These refer to a reality TV personality, not the rose.
- Ausmoon Rose or Ausuel: These are different David Austin cultivars, not synonyms for Grace.
- Venus et Fleur Roses: A luxury preserved rose brand, unrelated to this live shrub.
- Grace Rock Bun Recipe: A fun recipe, but it’s got nothing to do with roses!
Stick to Rosa ‘Grace’ (Auskeppy) for the real deal.
Wrapping Up
The Grace Auskeppy Rose is more than a plant—it’s a garden game-changer. With its fragrant apricot blooms, easy care, and elegant vibe, it’s perfect for USA gardeners wanting beauty without the hassle. Whether you’re planting it in a pot, border, or as a climber, this rose with grace will steal the show.
