This is a variety of very different character from the general run of English Roses, being rather closer to the Species Roses than to the Old Roses and more natural and shrubby in growth. The individual flowers can best be described as shallowly cupped, opening as informal rosettes; the petals quickly reflexing as the flowers age. They are held in medium-sized heads; the individual blooms nodding attractively on the stem. They have an Old Rose fragrance with a strong lemon zest character. The colour is difficult to describe or even photograph: the best we can say is an attractive light red paling to carmine red.
GROWTH HABIT
‘Thomas à Becket’ is a particularly strong and healthy variety. It is best used where an informal shrub is required. Depending on how it is pruned, it may grow taller.
36" STANDARD TREE ROSE - # 1.5 Grade
Standard Roses are magnificent garden plants. They are created by budding three shrubs on a stem; hence the dramatic effect. We believe English Roses, with their natural, bushy growth and beautiful, fragrant flowers, are the finest roses for growing as standards.
Tree roses are ideal for creating focal points in key areas of the garden and can also be used to line a path, frame a doorway or bring interest to a bare wall. Standards are useful for adding height to a border and look particularly impressive when planted closely together in groups of three or four. It is important to stake standards at planting time, to assist the stem in holding up the bounty of full sized blooms all summer. All are budded at 36" in height.
