The Eustacia Vye (Ausegdon) rose, introduced in 2019, is a truly beautiful and unique addition to any garden. With soft, glowing apricot-pink blooms, each flower is full of ruffled petals that gradually open into full rosettes. As the blooms mature, its colour fades from rich apricot to paler tones, adding a sense of delicate beauty. Held on striking, red-tinged stems, this rose has a strong, fruity fragrance that fills the air.

Eustacia Vye, the central character in Thomas Hardy’s The Return of the Native, is a complex and passionate figure. She longs for a life filled with adventure and excitement, feeling trapped in the rural heathland where she lives. Eustacia is driven by her intense desires, yearning for love, freedom, and escape from the mundane. Her beauty and fierce independence set her apart, but her restlessness also brings inner turmoil, making her a flawed yet captivating heroine.

Like the character, the Eustacia Vye (Ausegdon) rose stands out with its striking beauty and sense of longing. Its apricot-pink blooms, rich fragrance, and graceful form mirror Eustacia’s elegance, while its strength and resilience reflect the depth of her character. The way the rose’s colour fades over time could also symbolise the fragility and fleeting nature of Eustacia's dreams and ambitions. Both the rose and the character share an undeniable presence, leaving a lasting impression.

The Eustacia Vye (Ausegdon) rose is not just beautiful but also very healthy and easy to grow. It forms a strong, upright shrub, making it perfect for borders or as a standout feature in the garden. Like the character who inspired its name, this rose is full of depth, charm, and resilience, a perfect choice for any garden.