English Rose 'William Shakespeare 2000': Austin's Bardic Tribute

Introduced in 2000 to mark the millennium, 'William Shakespeare 2000' (PP13993, also known as AUSromeo) joins 'The Dark Lady' as David Austin's homage to the Bard. This shrub rose produces large, deeply cupped blooms of rich, velvety crimson—the color of stage curtains and royal robes—with a fragrance as dramatic as a soliloquy.

Botanical Profile

The flowers open from rounded buds into perfect cups, packed with petals that create a luxurious, almost plush texture. The fragrance is strong old rose with hints of leather and spice—complex and commanding. The plant forms a neat, bushy shrub 3-4 feet tall, with healthy, dark green foliage. As an English Rose, it repeats reliably, each flush renewing the drama. 'William Shakespeare 2000' is Austin at his most theatrical—a rose that doesn't merely bloom, but performs.