Munstead wood

Munstead Wood, Austin 2007

Named after the estate of horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll. The building was designed by sir Edward Lutyens, the famous architect

David Austin and deep red roses always have been quite problematic. But Austin isn't alone in this: Good, almost black red roses with good growth, health and reblooming skills are rare.

Austin had many: The Squire, The knight, the Prince, William Shakespeare, Othello, Transcendant, William Shakespeare 2000, Prospero etc...

I had four of these: The Prince, Prospero, Othello and Shakespeare 2000. None of them performed good on all points we always discuss. Fragrance? The best, especially Othello and Prospero. Growth wasnt good, they or didn't grow or they got very high. Never did they become good rounded shrubs. All needed extra care especially regarding blackspot and mildew. In pot they performed good but only with lots of TLC. Prospero, Othello and the Prince i would recommend to members who want to try them in pots and are willing to go that extra mile regarding maintenance and care. But, and it's no lie, they'll give you the most exquisite dark red quartered blooms and heavy old rose fragrance.

Munstead Wood has been regarded as the best red Austin for a while but it seems Austin is ditching this variety too and in my opinion that's a shame. I have many rose friends in Europe and USA which grow Munstead wood. They almost always grow them in pots and give plenty of organic material such as manure compost or ordinary compost. An organic slow release fertilizer is mandatory and a weekly liquid seaweed or tomato feed is essential in spring and summer.

A problem they all encountered was mildew so don't keep this rose in a dry spot with little wind. Keep her airy with good airflow..

In pots the flowers will hang down gracefully and you will be able to smell that delicious fragrance which is myrhh with old rose.