David Austin® Roses is delighted to announce that Gertrude Jekyll® (Ausbord) has been named the 2025 World’s Favourite Rose by the World Federation of Rose Societies (WFRS). The honour was revealed at the 20th World Rose Convention, held in Fukuyama, Japan, on 19th May 2025, where rose enthusiasts from 40 member countries gathered to celebrate the world’s finest roses.

Since its introduction at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 1986, Gertrude Jekyll® has become a defining symbol of English roses, admired for its rich, classic Old Rose fragrance and perfectly formed, vivid pink blooms. Its name pays tribute to the legendary garden designer Gertrude Jekyll, whose vision of natural beauty and harmonious planting continues to inspire generations of gardeners.

David Austin® Roses, founded by David Austin in the 1960s in Shropshire, England, has spent over 60 years dedicated to breeding roses that capture the charm and character of old-world varieties while adding modern resilience and repeat flowering. Since releasing its first English Rose, ‘Constance Spry’, in 1961, the company has introduced more than 240 varieties, earning a global reputation for excellence in fragrance, beauty, and garden performance.

The World Federation of Rose Societies created its Hall of Fame in 1968 to recognise exceptional roses through an international ballot conducted every three years. The first rose to enter the Hall of Fame was ‘Peace’ in 1976. Since then, many legendary roses have been honoured, including David Austin’s Graham Thomas® (Ausmas) in 2009. With Gertrude Jekyll®, the company celebrates its second induction into this prestigious list, joining a select group of roses cherished worldwide.

Derek Lawrence, Executive Director of the WFRS, commented: “Gertrude Jekyll is an absolute gem and a worthy winner. Healthy, robust growth, with gorgeous pink blooms, which contain an exquisite and heavenly perfume.”

David J.C. Austin, Chairman of David Austin® Roses, added: “Gertrude Jekyll’s timeless beauty and fragrance have found a special place in the hearts of rose lovers everywhere, and we are truly honoured it has been named the world’s favourite rose.”

From its humble beginnings in Shropshire to becoming a leader in rose breeding internationally, David Austin® Roses continues to enrich gardens around the world with varieties that combine heritage character with modern performance, fulfilling its founder’s dream of bringing joy through the perfect rose.