Royal Horticultural Society names rose for Princess of Wales

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has named a rose for the Princess of Wales to celebrate the healing power of nature and raise awareness of the benefits of being outdoors.

“Catherine’s Rose” has been bred by Harkness Roses and is described as “a stunning floribunda, has subtle coral-pink blooms, which are produced in abundance, and have a rich perfume with hints of Turkish Delight and mango. With flowers that attract pollinators, Catherine’s Rose will thrive in a mixed border, as a hedge, in a large container or in a rose bed.

Profits from the sale of Catherine’s rose will go to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, which will help The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust establish a unique training programme for clinical teams nationwide.

Clare Matterson, RHS Director General, said, “As well as supporting the incredible work of The Royal Marsden, Catherine’s Rose will raise awareness of how nature and gardening can help to heal. We know how important this message is, as every day we see how accessing nature and being outside is vital for our health and happiness. Crucially, too, Harkness Roses has done a wonderful job breeding this spectacular rose that is going to bring so much joy to all our nation’s gardeners and keep our precious pollinators buzzing too!   It’s a really special rose.” 

Philip Harkness, Managing Director, Harkness Roses, said, “We’re delighted the RHS is naming this stunning floribunda rose for The Princess of Wales, celebrating wellness and nature. It is a privilege for Harkness Roses to work with The Royal Marsden, where donations of this beautiful rose will help raise funds for this vital charity.”

Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said, “As a specialist cancer centre, The Royal Marsden’s mission is to ensure every patient has the care and support they need to achieve the best outcome and patient experience. Every rose sold will help The Royal Marsden establish a unique training programme for clinical teams across the country in prehabilitation and rehabilitation techniques, which make such a difference to patient care. We are honoured to have Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales as Joint Patrons of our specialist cancer centre, and we are very grateful to The Princess and the Royal Horticultural Society for setting up this initiative and for the benefit it will bring to cancer patients everywhere.”