07/24/2026
He leaves behind an amazing legacy. May he Rest in Peace 🌹
RIP David J. C. Austin, Chairman David Austin Roses (1958–2026)
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) says:
“For more than three decades, David led David Austin Roses, driving its growth and transformation from a specialist nursery into a globally recognised name in horticulture.
Throughout his leadership, the creation of new beautiful, fragrant roses was always central to their ethos, including The King Rose, and the Sir David Beckham Rose which was launched at RHS Chelsea this year.
David Austin leaves an amazing legacy that will be enjoyed by gardeners and rose lovers for generations to come.”
Message on David Austin Roses website:
It is with great sadness that we announce that David J. C. Austin has died at his Shropshire home, surrounded by his family. He had been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a rare and incurable neurological condition.
David joined the family business in Albrighton, Shropshire, in 1990, as his father, the late David C. H. Austin, was gaining wider recognition for his work in breeding English Roses. He went on to lead the business for more than three decades, driving its growth and transformation from a specialist nursery into a globally recognised name among rose lovers. Throughout his leadership, the creation of beautiful, fragrant roses was always central to the business he built.
David’s children, Richard, James and Olivia, said:
“First and foremost, Dad was a gardener. That was at the heart of who he was. He carried our grandfather’s vision with humility and an unwavering sense of responsibility, always putting the roses, the family business and its people before himself. He was kind and modest, with a playful spirit, a sense of adventure and a real enjoyment of life. He faced his illness with the same courage and dignity that he brought to life. Above all, he was our Dad, and words cannot express how much we will miss him. We couldn’t be more proud of him.”
The Austin family would like to thank everyone who cared for David and supported them during his illness.
David Austin Roses continues under its experienced leadership team, working closely with the next generation of the Austin family, and we are as committed as ever to serving our partners and rose lovers around the world.
Image: David Austin Roses
