Catherine's Rose: A Complete Florist Guide
Catherine's Rose is a stunning new floribunda rose variety officially named after Catherine, Princess of Wales, and introduced by the Royal Horticultural Society in 2025. Bred by Harkness Roses, 'Catherine's Rose' is coral-pink and floriferous with a rich scent containing notes of Turkish Delight and mango. This rose embodies elegance and resilience, making it a perfect tribute to the Princess of Wales.
Rose Characteristics
Appearance
Color: Subtle coral-pink blooms
Form: Floribunda variety
Flower size: Each flower measuring between 8 and 12 cm
Cluster size: Clusters can have up to 15 blooms
Abundance: Flowers are produced in startling abundance
Fragrance
One of Catherine's Rose's most distinctive features is its exceptional fragrance. The blooms have a rich perfume with hints of Turkish delight and mango, creating a unique and memorable scent profile that sets it apart from traditional rose fragrances.
Pollinator Benefits
With flowers that attract pollinators, 'Catherine's Rose' will thrive in a mixed border, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
Growing Conditions
Versatility
The floribunda variety is said to be versatile and should thrive in borders or containers. This adaptability makes Catherine's Rose suitable for various garden situations, from small urban spaces to larger country gardens.
Disease Resistance
Catherine's Rose demonstrates exceptional hardiness and disease resistance. It is easy to grow in most garden situations, a result of our rigorous testing of new varieties where we haven't applied fungicides since 1994. This resistance to common rose diseases makes it an excellent choice for organic gardeners and those seeking low-maintenance varieties.
Planting and Care
Location
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (6+ hours of direct sunlight ideal)
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil with pH 6.0-7.0
Spacing: Allow 18-24 inches between plants for good air circulation
Planting
Plant bare-root roses in late winter/early spring or autumn
Container-grown roses can be planted throughout the growing season
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball
Plant at the same depth as it was growing in the nursery
Water thoroughly after planting
Ongoing Care
Watering: Deep, regular watering at soil level (avoid wetting foliage)
Feeding: Apply balanced rose fertilizer in spring and mid-summer
Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the base
Pruning: Prune in late winter/early spring, removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches
Garden Uses
Border Plantings
Catherine's Rose will thrive in a mixed border, where its coral-pink blooms can complement perennials and other shrubs. Consider pairing with:
Lavender for contrasting purple tones
White roses for a classic combination
Clematis for vertical interest
Ornamental grasses for texture
Container Growing
The variety's adaptability to container cultivation makes it perfect for:
Patio gardens
Balcony displays
Courtyard features
Entrance decorations
Hedging
Catherine's Rose can be used as a hedge, creating a fragrant and colorful boundary that provides privacy while attracting beneficial insects.
Special Significance
Royal Connection
Catherine's Rose holds special significance beyond its horticultural merits. The Princess of Wales has planted her new namesake rose in the RHS Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital in Essex to celebrate the healing power of nature.
Charitable Impact
With donations from every sale coming to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, It will also fund the creation of a unique training programme for clinical teams across the country that will help to ensure patients who need intensive support live well with, and beyond, cancer. This makes each purchase a contribution to cancer care and patient support.
Wellbeing Benefits
The beautiful coral-pink rose seeks to raise awareness of the important role that spending time outdoors plays in bringing us joy. The therapeutic benefits of gardening and spending time with roses like Catherine's Rose align with growing recognition of nature's role in mental health and wellness.
Purchasing and Availability
Catherine's Rose is available through:
Harkness Roses (the original breeder)
RHS Plant Shops
Selected garden centers and nurseries
Online rose specialists
The variety is typically available as bare-root plants in winter and potted plants throughout the growing season.
Florist guide
Catherine's Rose represents more than just another beautiful garden variety—it embodies the connection between nature, wellbeing, and charitable giving. Its exceptional fragrance, disease resistance, and abundant blooms make it a valuable addition to any garden, while its royal connection and charitable purpose give it deeper meaning. Whether grown in borders, containers, or as hedging, Catherine's Rose promises to deliver beauty, fragrance, and the satisfaction of supporting important cancer care initiatives with every bloom.
