A new rose is set to grace British gardens, and it carries a message as sweet as its blooms. The RHS has unveiled ‘Catherine’s Rose’, named in honour of the Princess of Wales, to celebrate her commitment to highlighting the restorative power of nature and to support a vital cancer charity.
A rose with purpose
Bred by Harkness Roses, ‘Catherine’s Rose’ is coral-pink and floriferous with a rich scent containing notes of Turkish Delight and mango. The floribunda variety is said to be versatile and should thrive in borders or containers.
But the real beauty of Catherine’s Rose lies in its purpose. For every plant sold, £5 will be donated to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, supporting the development of a pioneering training programme for clinical teams across the UK. This programme aims to help cancer patients live well during and after treatment, reinforcing the Princess’s advocacy for wellbeing.
Nature, wellness and royal inspiration
The Princess of Wales has long championed the role of nature in supporting mental, physical and spiritual health. She was co-designer of the RHS Back to Nature Garden, which was exhibited at both the 2019 Chelsea Flower Show and Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival.
Clare Matterson, RHS director general, summed up the initiative: “Catherine’s Rose will raise awareness of how nature and gardening can help to heal. Every day we see how accessing nature and being outside is vital for our health and happiness.”
Philip Harkness of Harkness Roses echoed this sentiment, calling it a privilege to contribute to the Royal Marsden’s mission through this “stunning floribunda rose”.
With only 15,000 plants available in 2025, Catherine’s Rose is expected to become a sought-after addition to gardens nationwide. Priced at £29.99 for bare root and £34.99 for potted plants, the rose is available for pre-order now, with deliveries set for autumn 2025.
