As featured in The New York Times: introducing the Dannahue™ (Ausa6b15) English rose
The fragrant apricot bloomed Dannahue™, is the latest English rose variety now available for gardeners in the US. As featured in The New York Times, Dannahue™ takes its name from the birth name of British TV Gardening personality Danny Clarke, also known as the Black Gardener (@theblackgardener).
"Following the breeding progress of this rose has been an absolute delight and I am so pleased to be introducing this variety to the US. Roses shouldn’t be restrained in our eyes, they’re a quintessential part of horticultural history, something that should be able to be enjoyed by all.” says David Austin.
Clarke adds, “What an honour to share the name my mother and father gave me with a David Austin Rose, especially one that enables planting in more inclusive environments.”
The Dannahue™ is set to become a cherished addition to gardens across the United States. With a compact growth habit, reaching around 3.5 feet in height and spreading to approximately 4 feet wide, this rose is perfect for various growing conditions. Its versatility allows it to thrive in containers, alongside hedges, or even in shadier spots, ideal for urban gardeners or those with limited space.
One of the standout features of the Dannahue™ is its delightful fragrance, offering a unique blend of lemon, lychee, and apricot notes. The medium-sized blooms not only add beauty to any garden but also attract pollinators, contributing positively to the garden’s ecosystem.
The creation of the Dannahue™ rose has taken approximately 12 years of development to ensure it meets the high standards associated with the David Austin name. Bred to reflect the charm and elegance of traditional English roses, it also demonstrates resilience to disease and adaptability to various environmental conditions.
In 2022, David Austin was hugely impressed with an RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden called ‘Hands off Mangrove’ by not-for-profit Grow2Know. The garden was designed by Danny Clarke along with Grow2Know founder, Tayshan Hayden-Smith, (@manliketaysh) and powerfully united the two prominent issues of social injustice and global deforestation.
Danny and Tayshan’s drive to make gardening more accessible and inclusive, made this city dwelling rose the perfect pairing to share our passion for the power of gardening and enabling roses to bloom in any landscape.
Danny Clarke has become a prominent voice in gardening, advocating for inclusivity and accessibility in green spaces. His journey from relative obscurity to a well-known UK television personality on shows like "The Instant Gardener" showcases his dedication to making gardening accessible for everyone. The Dannahue™ (Ausa6b15) rose embodies this spirit, encouraging people to connect with nature.