Other Names:  English Rose

Group/Class:  Austin Rose

Description:

A fascinating rose, producing large and full crimson blooms that age to purple; vigorous and upright with a strong, fruity, old rose fragrance; needs full sun and well-drained soil; good disease resistance; very hardy with some protection

Ornamental Features

Othello Rose is clothed in stunning fragrant crimson flowers with pink overtones at the ends of the branches from late spring to early fall, which emerge from distinctive red flower buds. The flowers are excellent for cutting. It has forest green deciduous foliage. The oval compound leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color.

Landscape Attributes

Othello Rose is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Disease
• Spiny

Othello Rose is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Othello Rose will grow to be about 6 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.