Thomas à Becket Rose

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