David Austin unveils 'The King's Rose' at RHS Chelsea

World-leading rose breeder, David Austin Roses, has officially launched its newest variety, 'The King's Rose', in honour of His Majesty King Charles III. Unveiled at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025, proceeds from the rose will support The King's Foundation and its mission to build sustainable communities.

David J.C. Austin, Chairman at David Austin Roses, shared: "Chelsea Flower Show is an incredibly special place for us. It's where my father first exhibited his award-winning roses back in 1983, and ever since then, introducing a new variety here has become something of a tradition. While every one of our English roses is exquisite and extraordinary in its own right, 'The King's Rose' is particularly special - its our first striped rose, created in collaboration with The King's Foundation. The rose is a tribute to the enduring values of His Majesty King Charles III through the work of the foundation, investing in education, sustainable practices, and the revitalisation of heritage."

This prestigious new rose produces semi-double, repeat-flowering blooms with a profusion of at least 20 buds per stem. Its papery petals are strikingly striped in shades of fuchsia pink and white, offering a hand-painted effect reminiscent of vintage Gallica roses. A light-medium Musk fragrance exudes hints of fresh apple and rose water, warmed by soft clove undertones.

Growing to approximately three to four feet tall, the shrub has a vase-shaped habit, heart-shaped leaves, and vibrant yellow stems that attract pollinators - making it both beautiful and beneficial.

"Walking through the trial fields and watching this rose perform better and better was incredibly exciting," said Mr Austin. "But what truly made it special was the unexpected connection it sparked - memories of the first time I met King Charles at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in the early 1990s.

We had a display of 'Ferdinand Pichard,' a beautiful striped rose originally bred in France in the early 20th century, and he told me it was the very first rose he'd ever grown. I couldnt believe it - because it was the first rose that I'd grown, too. That shared moment has stayed with me ever since, and when I saw this new bloom in the fields - striped, distinctive, and full of charm and character - I knew it had to be the one. It felt like a sign. This had to be our rose."

Like all new David Austin varieties, 'The King's Rose' underwent a rigorous 12-year breeding process at the company's nursery in Albrighton. Over 40,000 seedlings are evaluated each year, gradually narrowed down to just one final selection that meets the highest standards of beauty, fragrance, and resilience.

Carl Bennett, Head of Breeding and a veteran of over three decades at David Austin Roses, commented: "Breeding a new rose is a real labour of love, requiring plenty of patience and attention to detail at every stage of the process. 'The King's Rose' is the result of over a decade of careful selection and refinement, and we are incredibly proud to see it come to life. Its distinctive colouring, graceful form, and delightful fragrance make it truly special - a fitting tribute to His Majesty's passion for horticulture."

The rose has been growing for the past three years in His Majesty's private gardens at Highgrove, nurtured by the royal gardening team. It now also forms part of a newly installed crown sculpture at Highgrove, created by willow artist Emma Stothard.

'The King's Rose' is expected to be one of the highlights at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025. It will take centre stage at the David Austin Roses' immersive, secret garden-themed stand, where visitors can stroll through and experience the rose's unrivalled beauty and fragrance. The variety will also be showcased at the Highgrove Shop stand on Eastern Avenue.

For more information and to purchase 'The King's Rose', visit www.davidaustinroses.co.uk.

This story was published on: 20/05/2025

Image attribution: David Austin Roses

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