David Austin describes this variety has having a “lovely fragrance combining tea and old rose with hints of cedar wood” — and they aren’t kidding about the cedar wood. I don’t smell much of the tea in Young Lycidas, but find it a great example of the soapier, spicy side of “old rose” with the green, wooden undertone of cedar, maybe even sandalwood. It’s also a particularly powerful scent that carries on the air. One specimen of Young Lycidas in full bloom will scent an entire area of your yard, and one bloom can scent an entire room in the house. They also last surprisingly long (for an English Rose) when picked.
Pros:
- Great, strong scent
- Truly does attain the deep magenta color for which it’s touted (and that color is almost impossible to photograph)
Cons:
- A weaker grower than most. It has grown, but over two seasons has added much less size than any of my other David Austins
- Somewhat prone to blackspot
My Source: David Austin Roses
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