David JC Austin, the celebrated rose breeder and Gardener’s World personality, has died at the age of 67.
He passed away on Monday at his home in Shropshire following a diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, an incurable neurological condition.
His family announced the news on Instagram, sparking an outpouring of tributes from across the horticultural world and beyond.
Mr Austin was a towering figure in British gardening, having dedicated his career to the cultivation and breeding of roses.
David JC Austin has died at the age of 67 following a diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
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He headed the family firm David Austin Roses, which was originally established by his father, David C. H. Austin.
Under his stewardship spanning more than three decades, the company grew from a specialist nursery into a name recognised by rose enthusiasts worldwide.
Monty Don, his fellow Gardeners’ World presenter, was among the first to respond publicly.
“I am sorry to hear this,” he wrote.
Monty Don paid tribute to David JC Austin, saying his legacy would live on through ‘millions of exquisite roses’
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“My regards and condolences to all his family. But what legacy he leaves — millions of exquisite roses that will live on for so many, enriching all our lives.”
The National Trust also expressed its sorrow, stating: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of David JC Austin.”
The organisation highlighted how numerous Trust gardens and their visitors had benefited from the Austin family’s work over the years.
“David’s continued commitment to roses has brought many people joy over so many years,” the Trust said.
They added that its thoughts were with his family and those closest to him.
Beyond the world of broadcasting and national institutions, ordinary gardeners also felt compelled to share their sense of loss.
One pair of horticulturists, posting under the name Ross_and_ian, addressed Mr Austin directly in a moving online tribute.
“You didn’t know us, but I wanted to say thank you,” they wrote.
“Through your dedication, vision and relentless pursuit of excellence, you passed something on to me that I never expected: a genuine love of roses.”
Their message captured a sentiment shared by countless enthusiasts who regarded Mr Austin’s varieties as being in a class of their own.
“Your work has inspired millions, and for so many of us, there simply is no rose quite like a David Austin rose,” they added.
His three children, Richard, James and Olivia, paid their own heartfelt tribute, describing their father as a “kind and modest” man whose identity was rooted in the soil.
Mr Austin dedicated his life to breeding and cultivating roses, building on the work started by his father
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INSTAGRAM / GRAHAM ROSS
“First and foremost, Dad was a gardener,” they wrote. “That was at the heart of who he was.”
They added: “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.”
They spoke of the bravery he showed during his illness, saying: “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.”
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