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How to Grow David Austin Olivia Rose

Wikipedia

Closest match — some photos here may show the parent species rather than this specific variety.

David Austin Olivia Rose

Rosa × 'Olivia David Austin'

shrub

Olivia is a stunning David Austin English rose featuring full, rosette-form blooms in a soft apricot-buff color with a strong fruity fragrance. This repeat-flowering shrub rose combines the charm of old garden roses with modern disease resistance and garden performance. It grows as a compact, bushy plant ideal for borders, containers, and mixed gardens.

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Example David Austin Olivia Rose timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant David Austin Olivia Rose

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest David Austin Olivia Rose

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact David Austin Olivia Rose dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but blooms best in full sun
💧
Water: Water deeply and consistently, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base to avoid wetting foliage. Reduce watering in winter. Approximately 1-2 inches per week depending on rainfall and temperature.
📏
Spacing: 36 inches
📅
Days to maturity: Established flowering in 8-12 weeks after planting; reaches mature size in 2-3 years
🌱
Planting depth: Bare root: bud union 1-2 inches below soil surface in cold climates, at or above soil in warm climates; container roses: plant at same depth as container

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-6.5
Amendments:
Compost Well-rotted manure Peat moss or coconut coir Perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8

5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

4-8 weeks

Newly planted rose with emerging shoots and early leaf development; plant appears sparse initially

Water regularly to establish deep root system. Apply mulch around base. Avoid heavy pruning. Protect from extreme heat and wind.

2

Vegetative Growth

8-12 weeks

Plant produces vigorous cane growth with healthy foliage; no flowers yet or minimal blooms

Continue consistent watering. Apply balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Remove any diseased leaves. Prune lightly to encourage branching.

3

First Flowering

4-6 weeks

Buds form and open into characteristic full, rosette-shaped apricot-buff blooms with strong fragrance

Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Provide weekly fertilizer high in phosphorus. Maintain consistent moisture.

4

Repeat Flowering

12-16 weeks (spring through fall)

Plant produces multiple flushes of flowers throughout the growing season with rest periods between

Deadhead regularly. Feed every 3-4 weeks with rose fertilizer. Monitor for pests and disease. Provide adequate water during hot periods.

5

Dormancy

3-4 months (November-March in most zones)

Plant slows growth, leaves drop or fade, and flowering ceases as temperatures drop in fall/winter

Reduce watering. Stop fertilizing in late summer. Prune in early spring as buds begin to break. Remove dead or diseased wood.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Salvia Alliums Catmint Geraniums Delphiniums Foxgloves Clematis Honeysuckle

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (toxic juglone) Fennel (allelopathic) Wormwood (allelopathic) Onions and garlic (in large quantities) Other roses susceptible to black spot if drainage is poor

Common Pests

  • Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs

  • Increase humidity by misting; use miticide if severe; ensure adequate water during hot, dry periods

  • Remove and destroy infected plants; maintain healthy plant vigor; avoid pruning tools spreading disease

  • Hand-pick in early morning; use Japanese beetle traps away from roses; apply neem oil

  • Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; water at base only; apply sulfur or copper fungicide in humid conditions; David Austin Olivia has good resistance

  • Ensure adequate spacing for air flow; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicide if needed

Uses

🍳

Rose water and edible petals

Culinary

The fragrant petals can be used to make rose water, petal infusions for teas, or as edible garnishes for desserts and salads. David Austin roses bred for gardens are generally non-toxic and suitable for culinary use. [source]

🎨

Dried flowers and potpourri

Craft

The long-lasting, full blooms dry beautifully and retain fragrance well, making them ideal for dried flower arrangements, wedding bouquets, and homemade potpourri. [source]

🏠

Fresh cut flowers and bouquets

Household

Olivia's exceptional fragrance and full form make it a prized choice for fresh flower arrangements, wedding displays, and garden bouquets that bring fragrance indoors. [source]

💊

Traditional herbal remedies

Medicinal

Rose petals and hips have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, often prepared as teas or infusions for skin and digestive support. [source]

🦋

Pollinator habitat

Wildlife

The full, open flowers of David Austin roses attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting garden biodiversity and providing excellent pollinator forage. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For cut flowers, harvest blooms in early morning when fully open or at bud stage. Cut stems at an angle just above a 5-leaflet leaf. Remove lower leaves that would sit below waterline. Recut stems indoors and place immediately in clean water with flower food. Blooms last 7-10 days in a vase. For garden enjoyment, deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering throughout the season.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 David Austin Olivia was named after a beloved member of the David Austin Roses team and represents the breeder's commitment to creating roses combining historic fragrance with modern disease resistance.
  • 🌱 The full, quartered bloom form with multiple layers of petals is characteristic of David Austin's breeding philosophy, which deliberately recreates the charm of nineteenth-century damask and Bourbon roses.
  • 🌱 Unlike many hybrid tea roses, Olivia is repeat-flowering from spring through fall, providing months of continuous blooms and fragrance rather than single seasonal flushes.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade pH
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