Tradescant
Origin
- Austin,
1993
Parentage - 'Prospero' x ('Charles Austin' x 'Gloire
de Ducher')
Color - Dark crimson
Foliage - Dark green green
Thorns - Moderate
Size - 3'-4' high x 2'-3' wide (shrub)
Fragrance - Strong, old rose
Repeat bloom - Yes
Disease resistance - Good
Hardiness - Zone 6
The
Name of the Rose - The Tradescants (John the Elder (1570-1638)
and John the Younger (1608-1662) were gardeners and naturalists in
Jacobean England.
If you
love the rich dark red, almost black roses, then Tradescant
is for you. Clusters of 4-10 flowers open slightly cupped and flatten
with age. They are the deppest red from the beginning but they turn
even darker (purple or black) as they age. The velvety texture of
the flowers make this an especially noble rose.
Of the
David Austin roses that I grow, this one most reminds me of a hybrid
tea rose. It is tall and narrow with thick stout branches. I've read
that the branches have a tendency to flop over but I've not noticed
this. This could be due to the fact that I keep it pruned back. It
is also a somewhat stingy bloomer but when blooms do appear they are
worth the wait.
The dark
green foliage tends to be healthy and blackspot has been minimal.
More
English Roses
Back