Digging deeperPlant Library

Other Names:  English Rose

Group/Class:  Austin Rose

Description:

This elegant shrub produces very full crimson blooms that mature to an equally rich purple, with a strong Old Rose scent; needs full sun and well-drained soil; good disease resistance; a strong and healthy shrub

Ornamental Features

William Shakespeare Rose features showy fragrant crimson flowers at the ends of the branches from early summer to early fall. The flowers are excellent for cutting. It has dark green deciduous foliage which emerges dark red in spring. The glossy oval compound leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color.

Landscape Attributes

William Shakespeare Rose is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Disease
• Spiny

William Shakespeare Rose is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

William Shakespeare Rose will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 inches. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.