Six roses with royal connections

THANKS to the largely mild spring, some roses will now be in bloom. Several new varieties have been launched in the run-up to the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, while old favourites with a royal connection are sure to bring colour to the event. Here are just a few to look out for...

1. ELIZABETH

(David Austin Roses, davidaustinroses.co.uk)

New this year, this graceful pale pink-apricot rose has been launched by David Austin Roses. It’s a repeat flowering shrub rose with a strong sweet fragrance, and hints of lemon sherbet and Old Rose. Suitable for a mixed border, rose border and shady areas.

2. CLARENCE HOUSE

(Peter Beales, classicroses.co.uk) This modern climber, which bears creamy white blooms with tints of soft primrose yellow, was given to the Queen Mother for her centenary at Sandringham Flower Show, and reportedly named at her express wish.

3. THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II ROSE

(Harkness Roses, roses.co.uk)

This new fragrant hybrid tea bush rose in shades of apricot pink was reportedly selected by the Queen, to celebrate the Jubilee. It has large, classic shaped flowers which combine elements of soft pink light amber gold and cream, and a strong sweet rose scent. It’s a robust type, with dark green leaves and good disease resistance and is ideal in beds, borders or hedges, large patio containers and for cutting. Height and spread 60-70cm. For every rose sold in the first five years, £2.50 will be donated to The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, which supports the training of craftspeople.

4. DUKE OF EDINBURGH (Harkness Roses, roses.co.uk)

This deep pink commemorative rose, in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh, was presented to the Queen in 2021. A royalty from the sale of each rose will go to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Living Legacy Fund, which will give more young people the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

5. WILLIAM AND CATHERINE (David Austin Roses, davidaustinroses.co.uk)

This subtle, fragrant white rose was launched to celebrate the royal wedding in 2011. It produces white, shallowly cupped, fullpetalled blooms with impressive regularity throughout summer. They have a pure myrrh fragrance and form an attractive shrub with bushy, relatively upright growth.

MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS

Classic Roses, classicroses.co.uk

If the Windsors don’t do it for you, you could always try this beautiful shrub rose. Single flowers of off-white with lilac undertones and purplish markings around the edges of petals. Pronounced anthers. Blackmaroon fruit. An old variety.