- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 3 - 4 Feet
- Mature Spread 2 - 3 Feet
- Growing Zones 5 - 10
- Use As A Thriller In Containers
Thomas Beckett, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered in his own cathedral. Named in honor of that cathedral, Thomas à Becket Rose is a David Austen original. Clusters of dramatic, blood-red blossoms resting atop emerald green foliage characterize this English shrub rose. With its showy, fragrant florets of naturally loose, deep red petals blooming throughout the summer, this perennial attracts pollinators including bees. Its bold colors and textures add dimension to any landscape. This adaptable shrub is cold hardy in zones 5 - 10 and grows in a traditional vase shape to a maximum height of 3 to 4 feet and spread of 2 to 3 feet.
Emitting a traditional Old Rose perfume with notes of fresh citrus, spice, and flowers, Thomas à Becket Rose produces an aroma that is as prominent as its spectacular blooms. Plant deer-resistant companion plants such as columbine, coneflower, and false indigo alongside this rose to prevent unwelcomed browsing. A deciduous perennial that grows bushy and upright with a moderate size, it is easily manageable when grown in a container. Also known as Rosa Thomas Beckett (Auswinston) and 'AUSwinston', this low-maintenance shrub makes a smart choice for any busy person who wants to add some bold color, contrast, and texture to a landscape, patio, or deck.
Thomas à Becket Rose Care
To promote the most high-quality blooms, choose a location that gets 6 to 8 hours of full sun. Plant Thomas à Becket Rose in a hole that is large enough to accommodate this shrub’s root mass. This selection will thrive in moist, loamy, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Add compost or well-rotted manure to poor, compacted soil. Provide this thirsty perennial with about one to two inches of water per week. While roses adore moisture, they do not tolerate soggy soil, so make sure the top two inches are dry before watering. During the blooming season, apply a fertilizer formulated for roses.
Thomas à Becket Rose blooms on new wood, so prune during early spring. Remove dead, diseased, and damaged stems. Trim remaining stems to leave two-thirds remaining. Cover with a mound of dirt to overwinter.
Thomas à Becket Rose Spacing
Grow Thomas à Becket in beds, borders, and mixed hedges to add dramatic color and texture to a landscape. Space these shrubs three to four feet apart when planted in groups. Great companion plants include artemisia, coreopsis, and foxglove. Add bold bundles of deep red to decks and patios by planting this rose as a specimen in a container. Create beautiful bouquets by pairing cut stems with asters, baby’s breath, and lavender.
Thomas à Becket Rose Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 10 |
Plant Type: Perennials |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 3 - 4 Feet |
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
Spacing: 2 - 3 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Red |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Disease |
Tolerates: N/A |
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies |
Container Role: Thriller |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Specimen or Focal Point |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Continuous Blooming or Rebloomer |
Brand: |
Common Name: Thomas à Becket Rose |
Other Name(s): Thomas à Becket Rose |
Scientific Name: Rosa Thomas Beckett |
- SKU:
- 1231009113-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.