‘Munstead Wood’ is a highly prized English Shrub Rose, bred by the famous David Austin. It’s known for its stunning, large, velvety crimson-red blooms that start as light crimson buds before unfurling into a deep, rich colour. The deeply cupped flowers are a highlight, and they release a powerful, classic Old Rose fragrance with delicious fruity notes of blackberry, blueberry, and damson. The plant has a bushy, spreading growth habit and features good disease resistance, making it a reliable choice for Australian gardens. The new growth often has a reddish-bronze tint that contrasts beautifully with the maturing mid-green foliage.
Usage This rose is a perfect feature plant in a garden bed, and its compact size makes it an excellent choice for planting in groups or as a low hedge. Its strong fragrance means it’s best placed near a path, patio, or doorway where you can enjoy its perfume as you pass by. The blooms are also superb as cut flowers for a vase, bringing their delightful scent indoors. ‘Munstead Wood’ is also well-suited to growing in large pots and containers, allowing you to move it and place it in a prime position.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Like most roses, ‘Munstead Wood’ needs plenty of sun. Plant it in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for the best flowering and plant health.
- Soil: Prefers rich, fertile, and well-drained soil. Amend the soil with plenty of organic matter, like compost or well-rotted manure, before planting.
- Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. It’s best to water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry, which helps to prevent fungal diseases like black spot and powdery mildew.
- Fertilising: Feed regularly throughout the growing season (spring to autumn) with a fertiliser formulated for roses. A slow-release granular fertiliser in early spring and regular liquid feeds during the flowering flushes will encourage a strong, continuous bloom.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. Remove dead or weak stems, and prune to shape the bush and encourage good air circulation. You can also ‘deadhead’ spent flowers during the season to promote repeat blooming.
- Pests & Diseases: While it has good disease resistance, it can still be susceptible to common rose pests and diseases. Regular checks for aphids and black spot will help you catch any issues early. Ensuring good air circulation is a key preventative measure.
