Named after Shakespeare's Falstaff; one of the darkest English roses by David Austin.
English Roses · shrub or low climber
Repeat-flowering in flushes from early summer to late autumn / first frosts. Months are approximate, for the climate of Ukraine.
One of the darkest of David Austin's English Roses · powerful fragrance
USDA zone 5b–9b. All of Ukraine; in the north — with winter protection. All of Ukraine · north: with winter protection.
Compare reference temperatures
Very double (sources give from 41 to about 110 petals) petals.
Strong — the classic Old Rose fragrance, deep and rich.
Good — resistant to mildew, botrytis, black spot and rust.
Full sun; at least 5–6 hours of direct light.
A normal number of thorns, medium-sized, dark brown.
Large, dark green, semi-glossy, leathery; 5 leaflets.
Breeder's code AUSverse.
Opens deep dark raspberry, turning to rich purple as it matures; the outer petals lighten
Munstead Wooddark raspberry
William Shakespeare 2000raspberry-purple
Astrid Gräfin von Hardenbergdark burgundy
Claire Austincreamy white · contrast
Lavender 'Munstead'lavender
Catmint (Nepeta)sky blue
Sage 'Caradonna'purple
Lady's mantle (Alchemilla)lime greenDark crimson-purple English roses hold a deep, noble tone around Falstaff.
Lavender-blue flowers and lime-green lady's mantle lighten the dark purple:
Silver and lime add lightness to the deep colour:
Where to plant. A striking dark accent in a mixed border, as a specimen shrub or as a short climber on a wall or support. Light-coloured neighbours (silver, lime, lavender) show off the deep colour.
Climate. All of Ukraine; in the north, with light winter protection (USDA zone 5b).
Care. Prune in spring to shape it, remove spent flowers, feed twice a season. Resistant to the main diseases — minimal spraying needed.
Name. After Sir John Falstaff, the colourful Shakespearean character and loyal companion of Prince Hal (the future Henry V) in 'Henry IV'.
Breeding. Bred by David C. H. Austin (David Austin Roses); bred 1990, introduced 1999. Patent code: AUSverse. Parentage: unnamed seedling × unnamed seedling.
Significance. One of David Austin's recognised dark English roses of the late 1990s; valued for its powerful old rose fragrance and striking colour change from raspberry to purple.
The cultivar’s reference temperature is −20 °C (USDA zone 5b–9b). Overwintering depends on the conditions. All of Ukraine; in the north — with winter protection.
Repeat-flowering in flushes from early summer to late autumn / first frosts.
120–150 cm tall, 90–120 cm wide.
Overall resistance: 4 out of 5. Good — resistant to mildew, botrytis, black spot and rust.
Full sun; at least 5–6 hours of direct light.
Strong — the classic Old Rose fragrance, deep and rich.