Thomas à Becket™ David Austin® English Shrub Rose

Bold, vibrant, and delightfully informal, Thomas à Becket™ is a distinctive English shrub rose from David Austin®, introduced in 2013. Unlike many traditional English roses, this exceptional variety displays a more natural, species-like character with vigorous, shrubby growth and abundant clusters of richly colored blooms. Named in honor of Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, England, Thomas à Becket™ combines historic inspiration with outstanding modern garden performance.

Its large blooms emerge in a striking crimson-red, opening from shallow cups into relaxed, informal rosettes that gracefully reflex as they mature. The flowers are borne in generous clusters, with each bloom gently nodding on the stem to create a relaxed, natural appearance that blends beautifully into cottage gardens and informal landscapes.

Adding to its unique appeal is a refreshing Old Rose fragrance infused with bright notes of lemon zest, creating a lively perfume that is both classic and distinctive. Blooming repeatedly from late spring through fall, Thomas à Becket™ delivers wave after wave of richly colored flowers while maintaining a vigorous, healthy shrub with an attractive natural form.

Its strong, upright yet informal growth habit makes it an excellent choice for mixed borders, flowering hedges, and larger landscape plantings where a relaxed English garden aesthetic is desired. Reliable, resilient, and full of personality, Thomas à Becket™ offers a refreshing interpretation of the classic English rose.

* Unknown if own root or budded

Key Features

Growing Information

Ideal Uses

✔ Mixed Borders
✔ Dedicated Rose Gardens
✔ Flowering Hedges
✔ Cottage Gardens
✔ Informal Landscape Plantings
✔ Foundation Plantings
✔ Pollinator-Friendly Gardens

Recommended Growing Regions

Thomas à Becket™ performs exceptionally well in:

• Northeast
• Mid-Atlantic
• Midwest
• Southeast
• Southwest
• West Coast
• Intermountain West
• Pacific Northwest

Behind the Name

Thomas à Becket™ is named in honor of Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, England, one of Britain's most historic landmarks and the resting place of Saint Thomas à Becket. The rose reflects the enduring beauty, strength, and rich heritage associated with this iconic cathedral.

Why You'll Love Thomas à Becket™

• Rich crimson-red blooms with a relaxed, natural English garden look
• Distinctive informal rosettes that evolve beautifully as they mature
• Refreshing Old Rose fragrance with bright lemon zest notes
• Repeat flowering provides months of vibrant color
• Strong, vigorous shrub with a naturally graceful habit
• Excellent choice for cottage gardens and flowering hedges
• Adaptable to a wide range of climates and soil conditions
• Bred by the world-renowned David Austin® Roses

Bring bold color and timeless English character to your garden with Thomas à Becket™, a David Austin® English shrub rose treasured for its striking crimson blooms, refreshing fragrance, and naturally graceful growth. Its informal beauty and exceptional vigor make it an outstanding choice for gardeners seeking a rose that feels both classic and effortlessly natural.