Introduced:  1982, David Austin, UK
Class:  Shrub / English
Zones:  5-9
Parentage:The Knight x Château de Clos Vougeot
Flowers:  Crimson aging to magenta, rosette; produced in clusters.
Size:  3 x 3 feet (warm climates)
2 x 2 feet (cool climates)
Fragrance:  Strong, Old Rose
Of note:  Flowers of lovely Old Rose form on a plant which remains a manageable size.

'Prospero' has the excellent quality of perfectly formed flowers and the unique quality, for a David Austin English, of restrained growth.  While many David Austin roses can get rather large in American gardens, 'Prospero' makes a good choice for more confined spaces.  'Prospero' has the flower form and growth habit of a classic Gallica rose, with the added benefit of being a remontant shrub.  The fragrant flowers are borne in clusters repeatedly throughout the season.

The foliage is quite healthy, although rust and mildew may appear on occasion.  David Cross himself highly recommends that 'Prospero' be planted in soil which has been properly prepared.  In other words, this is not one of those "plant 'em in any old hole and let them fend for themselves" roses.  Make sure that drainage and soil composition are excellent before planting 'Prospero'.

Named for a character in The Tempest, by William Shakespeare.   Prospero was the duke of Milan, who after being deposed, drifts at sea with his daughter Miranda.  Eventually they land on a island where Prospero, through the use of magic, creates an isolated hierarchy with, naturally, himself at the top.  The story is about how a man comes to maturity by relinquishing control, confronting his past and forgiving his enemies, and letting go of the external forces of power...for true strength comes from within.