William Shakespeare 2000

Full description:

Some roses are beautiful. William Shakespeare 2000® feels like a classic.

Named after one of the greatest storytellers in history, this remarkable David Austin rose brings the same sense of depth, character and timeless appeal to the garden. It is a variety that never relies on fashion or novelty. Instead, it captivates through richness, elegance and an atmosphere that grows stronger with every flowering season.

Its flowers open in deep velvety crimson, creating an immediate impression of drama and sophistication. As the blooms mature, the colour gradually softens into rich shades of purple, adding another layer of beauty and making the plant feel constantly evolving throughout the flowering cycle.

Like many of David Austin's finest creations, William Shakespeare 2000® offers far more than colour alone. Its strong old rose fragrance is rich, classic and deeply satisfying, bringing the kind of perfume many gardeners associate with traditional English rose gardens. It is a fragrance that invites you to slow down, linger a little longer and enjoy the garden you've created.

The blooms are produced in generous clusters and return repeatedly throughout the season, ensuring that the display is not limited to a single moment of beauty. At Famous Roses, we often recommend William Shakespeare 2000® to gardeners looking for a rose with presence—one that naturally becomes a focal point without demanding attention.

With sturdy foliage and a mature height of approximately 90–120 cm, William Shakespeare 2000® is equally at home in mixed borders, dedicated rose gardens and feature plantings. It also performs beautifully as a cut flower, allowing its colour and fragrance to be enjoyed indoors as well as outside.

Some roses tell a story through their name. William Shakespeare 2000® continues that story every season through its flowers, fragrance and enduring beauty.

Frequently asked questions:

Is William Shakespeare 2000® fragrant?
Yes. It is highly valued for its strong old rose fragrance, one of the characteristics that makes this variety such a rewarding addition to fragrance-focused gardens and seating areas.

Does William Shakespeare 2000® repeat flower?
Yes. It flowers repeatedly throughout the season, producing several flushes of blooms rather than a single display. This allows you to enjoy its colour and fragrance for months, making it a particularly satisfying garden investment.

What makes William Shakespeare 2000® different from other red roses?
Its unique colour transformation sets it apart. The blooms open in rich crimson and gradually mature into deep purple shades, creating a constantly changing display that adds depth and sophistication to the garden.

Can William Shakespeare 2000® be used as a cut flower?
Yes. Its richly coloured blooms and strong fragrance make it an excellent choice for indoor arrangements, allowing you to enjoy its beauty both in the garden and inside the home.

What does the rose look like on delivery?
The appearance of the rose depends on the delivery format, the month and the natural stage of growth. Even if the plant appears modest on arrival, it has been carefully grown to develop into the mature rose described on this page. For clear explanations, see What roses look like on delivery →

What should I do after planting?
Water deeply after planting and keep the soil lightly moist during the first weeks. A strong start helps William Shakespeare 2000® establish quickly and rewards you with healthier growth, stronger flowering and better garden performance for years to come. For step-by-step guidance, see the planting guide →