The Chelsea Flower Show is just days away, and we can’t believe it is that time of the year already! It feels like only yesterday we were unveiling five beautiful new roses to thousands of people at the 2023 event, and what better way to launch celebrations for this year’s spectacle than to bring you to an idyllic new variety we are introducing for 2024 – the ‘Chelsea Pensioner’.
We will be joining the droves of plant-lovers and flower fanatics in exhibiting at this year’s event, but we are confident the extraordinary beauty of the ‘Chelsea Pensioner’ rose will rise it high about all others, grasping the attention of all who spot it.
This bush rose erupts with rich and radiant red flowers, in a colour rather like that of the iconic and historic scarlet coats worn by their namesakes, who call the Royal Hospital Chelsea home.
Blooms are big and memorable, each with up to 50 petals, adding a bright accent to the plant of dark green, glossy leaves. What’s more, the blooms release a delicate fragrance, which is complex, yet encapsulating, with subtle hints of spice.
Not only will this bush rose bring a plethora of Hybrid Tea blooms to your garden, but by purchasing one, you will be making a big difference.
This is because we at Harkness Roses have vowed to donate to the Royal Hospital Chelsea (registered charity no. 1076414) for each rose sold. The charity-run hospital is a home for hundreds of retired British Army veterans, where the former servicemen and women can access care and comradeship.
Many of these residents served their country in the Falklands Islands, Northern Ireland, in World War II, and although some did not serve in campaigns, they are all united by their understanding of what it means to be a soldier.
Donations, such as those provided from the sales of these roses, help to maintain the site, and ensure it will still be around to support future generations of veterans.
We are proud to launch Rose ‘Chelsea Pensioner’ as an established, potted rose ready to plant now, and as a bare root.
Whether you are planning on attending the horticultural extravaganza, which is taking place in London from Tuesday, May 21 until Friday, May 25, or following from home, we are excited to bring you insight from our team on the ground, as we exhibit some of the beautiful varieties we at Harkness Roses have to offer.
Keep an eye on our social media channels across the coming weeks for exciting content, and if you spot any roses you fancy growing for yourself, browse for them here.