The latest in my series of galleries of English roses is Rosa ‘Darcey Bussell’. Red and crimson roses are notoriously difficult to photograph, so I’m pleased that my iPhone made such a decent attempt at colour rendition.
‘Darcey Bussell’ has a good deal going for her but that beautiful crimson colour has to be her crowning glory. She doesn’t droop, isn’t too tall, and has a nice shrubby habit. All English roses were designed to be combined with other flowers, but I’ve often seen Rosa ‘Darcey Bussell’ looking impressive all on her own in a mass planting.
Most of these pictures were taken this year at RHS Rosemoor Garden in the first week of July, during their Festival of Roses (which I heartily recommend). The fourth one was taken several years ago with my old camera at Bodnant Garden in Wales – Darcey is in the foreground.
If fragrance is especially important to you, you might prefer Rosa ‘Munstead Wood’ which has shapely, slightly deeper crimson blooms and a strong rose scent. But for sheer flower power, it’s hard to beat Rosa ‘Darcey Bussell’.
Other galleries in the series include:
English rose gallery: Rosa ‘Lady Emma Hamilton’
English rose gallery: Rosa ‘A Shropshire Lad’
Gallery of English roses
Gallery of orange English roses
Susan Rushton 
I’ve just been listening to a spirited musical tribute to Darcey Bussell on Radio 3. This rose seems to chime in perfectly with this dancer’s assertive presence on stage.
I met her briefly at Chelsea the year the rose was released – she seemed lovely.
I agree with your view on photographing reds. You have done well
Thanks, Derrick.
A sight for sore eyes on yet another dull day. I could smell rose perfume as soon as I opened this post and you have done well in capturing her beauty. Thanks Susan xx
My pleasure! We’re just back from a woodland walk in very dull light. The only thing really punching out colour was the beech leaves – I kept finding myself wondering if I was imagining their boldness.
How very appropriate!
Thanks, Andrew.
I tried to leave a comment a few hours ago, but wasn’t allowed. So I’m trying again so you know that I thought this tumble of red roses was gorgeous.
Thank you. I’m glad you are persistent.
Beautiful roses.
Thanks, Timothy.
WOW. These are amazing. I absolutely love the lush, vibrant masses of blooms. English roses are truly stunning and I would LOVE to have a bush or two someday! As soon as I can get my own yard… haha
I hope you’ll not have too long to wait… until then, at least we have the virtual ones!
Glorious! And a very welcome sight to brighten my day! 🙂
I’m glad you liked them, Ann.
What amazing photos! All that colour is so thrilling. I wonder why crimson an red roses are so difficult to photograph – is it getting the right shade?
Yes, that’s it.
Just what we need a bit of colour on grey day:)
It seemed seasonal at the time 🙂
🙂