Tradescant is one of the more recent of the Austin reds, introduced in 1993. It is much like the last few of this crimson bunch in that it is a small plant of about 2.5 feet, and not a very vigorous rose. I think it is going to be a better looking shrub though, than The Prince. (The Prince is a poor grower....all to stick-like with poor, disease prone foliage) The scent of Tradescant's bloom is very nice. It's a sort of sweet damask-like fragrance that is typical of the Austin crimsons. It reminds me a bit of Mr. Lincoln in that respect. The colour is a magnificent deep wine-crimson that few other roses come close to, as you can see!

After having grown Tradescant for 2 seasons, I can say that it is not as good as I had originally hoped. It tends to get Rust very easily if air flow is not the best, and the dark petals will burn in the hot sun. The plant has shown to have mediocre vigour also. If I find that I want that part of the garden for something else, this rose will likely be shovel-pruned. It's too bad, because when the blooms are good, they are REALLY good! The rich glowing color is spectacular, and will thrill anyone who likes purple.