The rose was named for the character, Damon Wildeve, in Thomas Hardy's book, The Return of the Native.

[3] David C. H. Austin (1926–2018) was an award-winning rose breeder, nursery owner and writer from Shropshire, England.

When he was young, he was attracted to the beauty of old garden roses, especially the Gallicas, the Centifolias and the Damasks, which were popular in nineteenth century France.

Six resulting seedlings of that cross were chosen and grafted onto 'Laxa' ( Rosa canina 'Laxa') rootstock.

The rose was named for the character, Damon Wildeve, in Thomas Hardy's book, The Return of the Native.