Lichfield Angel - David Austin Rose

The flowers commence as charming pale, peachy pink buds, which gradually open to form neatly cupped, creamy apricot rosettes. Each bloom has a perfect ring of waxy petals enclosing numerous smaller petals. Eventually the petals turn back to form a large, domed, creamy white flower. The overall effect of the massed blooms in sunshine is almost pure white. The fragrance is generally light but has strong elements of clove at one stage.

GROWTH HABIT

‘Lichfield Angel’ will form a vigorous, rounded shrub which, with its blooms nodding attractively on the branch, will make a fine sight. It is very useful in a border, as it harmonises well with all other colours and will act as an intermediary between pinks and yellows. Position towards the middle of the border.

ORIGINS

Named to celebrate an 8th century sculptured limestone panel, which was discovered at Lichfield Cathedral in Staffordshire during an archaeological excavation of the nave. The panel, thought to represent the Archangel Gabriel, is in remarkable condition and still bears the remnants of Saxon paint.