This variety was supposed to replace Desiree, its parent. Romano is more uniform and less prone to scab. It does not have the strong flavour or the drought resistance but it does have slug resistance. The wet weather of more recent years has led to an increase in gardening use of Romano. It is early enough to be often classified as a second early and is productive enough to often have a good crop before blight hits. It has attractive, large shield-shaped leaves.