About the name
Name. 'Wisley 2008' — after RHS Garden Wisley (Surrey, England), the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, acquired by the RHS in 1903. The garden is known for its collection of English Roses, including Austin varieties. The '2008' in the name is the year the variety was introduced in Britain, not a round anniversary of the garden (1903 + 100 = 2003).
Breeding. Bred by David Austin at David Austin Roses (Albrighton, Shropshire, UK). Code AUSbreeze. US Patent PP20962. Bred 2000, introduced in the UK 2008, in the USA 2010. Parentage not disclosed.
Significance. A modern Austin XXI century rose dedicated to the RHS flagship garden. The 'light frame' of the rosette is a characteristic decorative feature: a light pink centre plus white edges on the outer petals. A unique fragrance: fresh-fruity with notes of raspberry and tea (raspberry-tea fragrance) — a rare combination, a signature Austin perfume. Up to 95 petals in the rosette. Continuous repeat flowering. USDA 5-11 — all of Ukraine without protection. Elegantly arching canes — a characteristic Austin-silhouette. An RHS AGM is not confirmed (a common myth) — the RHS plant profile does not list an AGM. The interpretation of the garden's 100th anniversary is NOT confirmed (1903 + 100 = 2003, not 2008); the name simply records the year of introduction, with a dedication to the garden. No major international awards are documented.