From Bloom to Bottle: How to Make Rose Oil with Gertrude Jekyll
- Rachel Howarth
- May 13
- 3 min read
There are few things more beautiful — or more deeply feminine — than working with fresh roses. And not just any rose. Today, I want to share with you one of my favourite rituals using Gertrude Jekyll, the glorious, fragrant pink rose from David Austin.
She’s bold, romantic, and old-world charming. And when transformed into a rose-infused oil, she becomes something even more magical — soft, sensual, healing. This oil is one of the loveliest things to keep in your cabinet or gift to a friend.
Making it yourself adds something you’ll never find in a shop: presence, intention, and a bit of love in every drop.
What You’ll Need:
✨ A generous handful of Gertrude Jekyll petals (just opening, not too tight or too open)
✨ A clean glass jar with a lid (sterilised if possible)
✨ A carrier oil of your choice (I love jojoba, sweet almond, or coconut)
✨ A small pan and some freshly boiled water
A Gentle How-To:
Harvest with Heart
Choose a quiet morning or evening when the blooms are fresh but dry. Gently ask the rose if it’s okay to take some petals — this small act of reverence really does matter. Snip the petals from perfect buds or lightly open blooms and thank the plant.
Prepare the Jar
Add the petals to your jar, tearing them to release the fragrance until it’s around halfway full. Then pour over your chosen oil, making sure all the petals are completely submerged.
Warm the Magic
Boil a pan of water, then remove it from the heat. Place your jar (with the lid off) carefully into the hot water — it shouldn’t be submerged, just sitting in the warm bath. Let it gently warm for about 30 minutes. This soft heat encourages the petals to release their essence.
Infuse with Patience
Remove the jar from the pan and seal it with the lid. Leave it somewhere warm and safe for 48 to 72 hours. I like to keep mine on a sunny windowsill.
Strain and Store
Once it’s ready, strain out the petals using a muslin cloth or fine sieve, and pour the oil into a clean glass bottle or dropper. Label it with love.
Optional: Add a Little Extra Soul
If you like, you can enhance your rose oil with a few drops of essential oil:
🌹 Rose essential oil: a true heart healer. It soothes emotional overwhelm, supports deep feminine energy, and brings peace.
🌸 Geranium essential oil: balancing and bright, geranium supports hormonal harmony and brings a joyful, grounded energy to the oil.
How to Use Your Rose Oil
✨ Add a few drops to a warm bath for a nurturing soak
✨ Use as a facial oil or blend into your daily skincare
✨ Add to massage oil for soft, full of love connection
✨ Dab on pulse points when you need a reminder of your own beauty
It’s gentle, soft, and incredibly luxurious — a beautiful and sacred oil to have in your cupboard.
How Long Will It Last?
Because we’re using fresh petals, this oil is best made in small batches and used with care. Even when the petals are strained out, a little moisture remains, which can cause the oil to spoil over time. I recommend:
✨ Using your oil within 2 to 4 weeks, or up to 3 months if stored in the fridge
✨ Always using a clean dropper or dry hands when handling the oil
✨ Keeping it in a cool, dark place in a glass bottle
If you’d like a longer shelf life, try using fully dried rose petals and consider adding:
✨ Vitamin E (0.5–1%) – to slow down rancidity
✨ Rosemary extract (0.2–0.5%) – a natural antioxidant
They won’t preserve against bacteria from water, but they will help the oil stay fresh and fragrant for longer.
Final Thoughts
There’s a joy in making something this beautiful from your own garden — especially when you know exactly what went into it. Gertrude Jekyll gives her scent so generously, and turning that into a healing oil feels like a quiet act of alchemy.
This is a ritual oil, handmade and seasonal — best made fresh and loved while it lasts. If you try this recipe, do let me know. There’s nothing quite like sharing handmade things with kindred souls.
With love from my cottage to yours,
Rach x
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