David J. C. Austin, who led the world-renowned rose-breeding business David Austin Roses for more than three decades, has died at the age of 67. The company confirmed the death on July 22, 2026, noting that the chairman had been living with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare and incurable neurological condition.
A Family Legacy in Shropshire
The Shropshire-based nursery was founded by David’s father, David C. H. Austin, in 1969. David J. C. joined the family firm in 1990 and took the helm after his father’s death in 2018. Under his leadership, the specialist nursery became an internationally recognised name among gardeners and designers.
The business aimed to combine the classic beauty and fragrance of Old Roses with the practical benefits of modern hybrids, such as repeat flowering, good health and a diversity of colour. This approach created the “English Rose,” a variety that is now found in gardens across the world.
The family business also shares its expertise through education and support, with the aim of making rose-growing accessible to gardeners of all levels. David J. C. is survived by his wife, Penny, and their children, Richard, James and Olivia Austin. The family said in a statement that 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.
A Personal Tribute
The family stated that the deceased was a gardener who prioritized the roses and people over himself. He faced his illness with dignity and a playful spirit, bringing a sense of adventure to life.
Enduring Legacy
The company now sells around two million roses every year and has earned 30 RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medals. Many of the rose varieties bred by David Austin Roses have become legendary over the years. These include roses such as Gertrude Jekyll, which is much loved for its strong scent and perfect rosette shape, and Olivia Rose Austin, prized for its disease resistance and long flowering season.
David Austin Roses will continue to operate under its experienced leadership team and the next generation of the Austin family. The company states that it is “as committed as ever to serving our partners and rose lovers around the world.”
