David Austin to launch five new roses at RHS Chelsea
Five new David Austin® Roses will be launched at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The new English Roses for the season 2011-12 are named 'Lady Salisbury', 'Fighting Temeraire', 'Queen Anne', 'Wollerton Old Hall' and in celebration of the Royal Wedding, 'William and Catherine' (pictured left).
'William and Catherine' (Ausrapper) is a Musk Hybrid with flowers in the classic shallow cup shape and the very full petalled form of many of the Old Roses.
'Fighting Temeraire' (Austrava) (pictured below left) is of a very different character to most English Roses making a beautiful and very useful addition to the collection.
Rich apricot flowers which fade to a soft yellow-apricot are produced with exceptional freedom. 'Lady Salisbury' (Auscezed) (pictured below left) is an Old Rose Hybrid with some of the character of the Alba Roses.
Rich rose pink buds open to reveal pure pink flowers which gradually become a softer shade as they age. 'Wollerton Old Hall' (Ausblanket) Musk Hybrid, is the most fragrant of this year's new varieties with a distinctive myrrh scent which is rarely found in roses.
'Queen Anne' (Austruck) Old Rose Hybrid, is a classic Old Rose beauty, but more in the direction of the Centifolias or Bourbons with pure rose pink flowers and an upright habit.
The new varieties will be available to order from May with delivery in November 2011 onwards from David Austin's mail order catalogue, the Handbook of Roses, or through their website: www.davidaustinroses.com
David Austin has recently commissioned two eminent botanical artists - Anna Knights and Evelyn Binns - to paint a series of watercolours to capture the beauty and charm of his English Roses. The first two paintings - Evelyn Binn's interpretation of 'Munstead Wood' and Anna Knights 'The Pilgrim' - are available as limited edition fine art prints. All prints are produced in a worldwide limited edition of 650 and will certainly appeal to all lovers of English roses, both those who grow them and those who simply enjoy admiring them in the garden.
A stunning new cut rose 'Keira' has also been launched and is certain to prove popular with its natural charm and highly desirable vintage-style blooms. Available in bouquets and arrangements, 'Keira' is the ideal choice for weddings and all kinds of special occasions. The colour of each rose is very subtly different, being a beautiful blend of blush pink and cream, often with hints of warm peach.
Rose lovers will find a visit to the David Austin Plant Centre at Albrighton a fascinating and worthwhile experience. During the year they have a number of special events including Garden Design Days (held in the early Spring and Autumn) and half-day pruning courses. Visitors to the plant centre can also enjoy special afternoon tea, served from 3pm each day (advance booking essential). For details of events at David Austin including Garden Design Days and Pruning Sessions email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
There will also be two events - An Evening of Wine and Roses - on Friday 1 July and Friday 8 July from 7pm. These offer a rare chance to enjoy Austin's world famous rose gardens on a summer's evening while enjoying wine and canapés. Tickets are £15 per person (which also includes a £10 gift voucher to use on the evening.)
David Austin®Roses offer over 800 rose varieties by mail order – log onto www.davidaustinroses.com for details and to order Austin's latest edition of the Handbook of Roses.
Picture Credits: All photographs© David Austin® Roses.
