A breathtaking botanical debut has captured hearts at the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show: the world’s first striped rose by David Austin Roses, unveiled in honor of King Charles III.
Named The King’s Rose, this exceptional new variety is a true floral celebration, combining artistry, fragrance, and royal symbolism. With joyful stripes in fuchsia pink and white, its semi-double petals create the look of a delicately hand-painted bloom.
The rose’s unique color pattern gives it a whimsical, almost storybook charm—making it unlike any other in David Austin’s prestigious collection.
This marks the first time the famed breeder has introduced a striped rose, and it took twelve years of careful cultivation and refinement. The result is a stunning shrub rose that not only enchants the eye but also delights the senses, with a gentle fragrance of fresh apple and rose water.
Grown as a vase-shaped shrub with vibrant yellow stems that attract pollinators, The King’s Rose matures to a height of three to four feet and offers repeat-flowering blooms throughout the season.
David J.C. Austin, Chairman of David Austin Roses, shared the deep meaning behind this botanical tribute: “The King’s Rose is particularly special – it’s our first striped rose, created in collaboration with The King’s Foundation. It reflects the enduring values of His Majesty through his work in education, sustainability, and heritage revitalization.”
The inspiration for this rose traces back to a nostalgic encounter between King Charles and David Austin at Chelsea in the early 1990s. Both men had a shared affection for Ferdinand Pichard, a classic striped rose—and it happened to be the first rose each of them had grown.
This serendipitous memory resurfaced when David Austin Roses witnessed their newest bloom thriving in the fields. The vivid stripes, charm, and connection to history made it the perfect rose to bear the King’s name.
Carl Bennett, Head of Breeding, led the decade-long process of selection. Each year, over 40,000 seedlings are evaluated until one rose meets the brand’s rigorous standards for beauty, resilience, and scent.
“Breeding a new rose is a labor of love,” Bennett said. “The King’s Rose stands out with its playful coloring, elegant structure, and aromatic appeal—it’s a perfect tribute to His Majesty’s passion for gardens and green spaces.”
Proceeds from sales of The King’s Rose will support The King’s Foundation, promoting sustainable communities and horticultural education.
As a symbol of tradition and innovation, and a reminder of the power of plants to connect generations, The King’s Rose brings a bold new stripe to Britain’s blooming rose heritage.
