A proud Chelsea Pensioner has penned an evocative and thought-provoking poem to celebrate the launch of a new charity rose from Harkness Roses.

At the 2024 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the wonderful world of roses said hello to Rose ‘Chelsea Pensioner‘, a vibrant red-petalled Hybrid Tea-producing bush plant. This is one of five varieties launched by Harkness Roses at the world-renowned horticultural show, alongside ‘Spark of Life’, ‘Patricia Boe’, and ‘Alfie Boe’.

A charitable donation is made to the Royal Hospital Chelsea for each Rose ‘Chelsea Pensioner’ sold. To show their support for the launch, several Chelsea Pensioners, dressed in their instantly recognisable scarlet coats, attended the Harkness Roses stand at the Chelsea Flower Show, where they were able to catch a glimpse of the expertly grown rose that shares their name.

One of the retired veterans even beautifully wrote a poem about the new rose.

Aptly named ‘The Chelsea Pensioner Rose’, this poem was read many times to the eager crowds of visitors who viewed the stand at the flower show. If you weren’t lucky enough to hear one of readings for yourself, check out the full poem below:

The Chelsea Pensioner Rose

The Rose is a flower, a joy, a wonder.

Harkness Roses demand quality, that knocks the world asunder.

Just once in a while, amongst a thousand blooms.

They successfully grew that Rose, with its own perfume.

Bringing to light of day, a treasure of nature.

They found a bloom, with something extra.

From a three-month-seedling, to a picture of delight.

They stood in awe, at such a wondrous sight.

That aristocratic pose, of our Chelsea Pensioner Rose.

With a subtle hint of cinnamon, to the discerning nose.

The flower is thick with petals, no room for more.

Curling, complex, the texture soft and allure.

The colours of deep scarlet, radiant, with a darkish hue.

Will banish those days, of winter blues.

With large green leaves, plentiful and mid to dark.

Glossy, shiny with a tanned green bark.

Its elegant stems, at three foot tall.

Will enhance any garden, large or small.

Standing elegantly and quiet, in an age-old pose.

Brings the Majesty to, the Chelsea Pensioner Rose.

The Royal Hospital is honoured, that Harkness thought of us.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is a charity-run hospital, and home to hundreds of retired British Army veterans. Many 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.

This charity rose can be purchased online either as an established potted plant or as a bare root.