Description
Rich, velvety and wonderfully romantic, Gabriel Oak is a standout David Austin rose with deep pink blooms that feel almost old-master in colour — the kind of rose that instantly adds depth and drama to a border.
As part of the David Austin English Rose range — one of the most desirable choices for roses — Gabriel Oak brings that signature English-rose beauty with modern garden performance: repeat flowering, a strong shrub shape, and a gorgeous fragrance that makes you want to plant it near a path or patio.
Quick Facts
- Rose Type: David Austin English Shrub Rose
- Pot Size: 5L branded David Austin pot
- Flower Colour: Deep pink, richly coloured rosettes
- Fragrance: Strong, fruity (with a lovely old-rose character)
- Flowering: Repeat flowering through the season
- Growth Habit: Upright, bushy shrub
- Best Position: Full sun (shelter from harsh winds if possible)
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil (improve with organic matter)
- Best For: Borders, rose beds, feature planting, scent near seating areas
- Planting Partners: Nepeta, salvia, lavender, astrantia, hardy geraniums, pale pinks/whites for contrast
Why we love it
If you’re looking for a rose that feels luxurious (without being fussy), Gabriel Oak is a brilliant choice. The colour holds beautifully, the blooms are generously petalled, and it mixes effortlessly with both soft pastels and stronger jewel tones.
Caragh Garden Notebook
To keep the flowers coming: feed in spring and early summer, water well in dry spells, and deadhead regularly. Planting with a little compost or well-rotted organic matter makes a noticeable difference in year one.
A deeply coloured, beautifully scented David Austin rose — perfect when you want your planting to feel rich, romantic and intentional.




