English Rose 'The Prince': Austin's Dark Crimson Masterpiece

Introduced in 1990 by David Austin (PP8813, aka AUSvelvet), 'The Prince' is one of the darkest and most richly colored English Roses—a deep, dusky crimson-purple that holds its intensity remarkably well. The flowers are large (4 to 5 inches), deeply cupped and quartered, with a strong, complex Old Rose fragrance laced with hints of tea and fruit. The petals have a lovely, slightly incurved texture that catches the light.

The plant forms a compact, bushy shrub 3.5 to 4.5 feet tall and wide, with healthy, mid-green foliage and the characteristic Austin arching habit. It repeats reliably from early summer through fall. Disease resistance is good for such a dark-colored variety, which often struggle with heat stress.

'The Prince' is stunning in the garden paired with silvers, blues, and pale pinks. Its dark blooms also make dramatic cut flowers. For Austin enthusiasts seeking the deepest, most velvety crimson in the English Rose palette, 'The Prince' reigns supreme.