David J.C. Austin, chairman of the legendary David Austin Roses and a familiar face on BBC Gardeners' World, has died at the age of 67. He passed away at his home in Shropshire, surrounded by his family, after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a rare and incurable neurological condition.
Family tributes and legacy
David's children, Richard, James, and Olivia, paid tribute: "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."
Business growth and global recognition
David joined the family business, founded by his father David C.H. Austin, in 1990. He led the company for more than three decades, driving its transformation from a specialist nursery into a globally recognised name among rose lovers. The company's roses are famously admired by Sir David Beckham and the Royal Family, including Queen Camilla, who viewed David Austin roses with David J.C. Austin at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2023. Under his leadership, the creation of beautiful, fragrant roses remained central to the business.
Tributes from the gardening world
BBC Gardeners' World Magazine paid tribute on Facebook: "We are saddened to hear of the death of David J. C. Austin, who led David Austin Roses for more than 30 years. Joining the family business in 1990, David J. C. Austin helped transform it from a specialist nursery into a globally recognised name among rose lovers, while continuing the vision established by his father, David C. H. Austin, creator of the English Rose. Throughout his leadership, the breeding of beautiful, fragrant roses remained at the heart of the company. Our thoughts are with David's family, friends and everyone at David Austin Roses at this time."
Gardeners' World presenter Monty Don said: "I am so sorry to hear this. 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."
Future of the company
David Austin Roses confirmed: "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." The Austin family thanked everyone who cared for David and supported them during his illness.
