Royal rose for The Princess of Wales

The RHS has named a rose, bred by Harkness Roses, for The Princess of Wales, to celebrate the incredible healing power of nature and raise awareness of the important role that spending time outdoors plays in bringing us joy and supporting our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

Rosa ‘Catherine’s Rose’, a stunning floribunda, has subtle coral-pink blooms, which are produced in abundance, and have a rich perfume with hints of Turkish delight and mango. With flowers that attract pollinators, ‘Catherine’s Rose’ will thrive in a mixed border, as a hedge, in a large container or in a rose bed.

Funds from the sale of ‘Catherine’s Rose’ will go to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, to help The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust establish a unique training programme for clinical teams across the country. This specialist prehabilitation and rehabilitation programme will help to ensure patients who need intensive support live well with, and beyond, cancer.

Stunning plant portait of Rosa ‘Catherine’s Rose’ – © Harkness Roses

Clare Matterson, RHS Director General, said: “As well as supporting the incredible work of The Royal Marsden, ‘Catherine’s Rose’ will raise awareness of how nature and gardening can help to heal. We know how important this message is as every day we see how accessing nature and being outside is vital for our health and happiness.

“Crucially too, Harkness Roses has done a wonderful job breeding this spectacular rose that is going to bring so much joy to all our nation’s gardeners and keep our precious pollinators buzzing too. It’s a really special rose.”

Philip Harkness, Managing Director, Harkness Roses, said: “We’re delighted the RHS is naming this stunning floribunda rose for The Princess of Wales, celebrating wellness and nature. It is a privilege for Harkness Roses to work with The Royal Marsden where donations of this beautiful rose will help raise funds for this vital charity.”

Portrait of The Princess of Wales surrounded by calming nature – © Josh Shinner

Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As a specialist cancer centre, The Royal Marsden’s mission is to ensure every patient has the care and support they need to achieve the best outcome and patient experience.

“Every rose sold will help The Royal Marsden establish a unique training programme for clinical teams across the country in prehabilitation and rehabilitation techniques which make such a difference to patient care.

“We are honoured to have Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales as joint Patrons of our specialist cancer centre and we are very grateful to The Princess of Wales and the RHS for setting up this initiative and for the benefit it will bring to cancer patients everywhere.”

The rose will be available to purchase from Friday 9 May 2025, via Harkness Roses and RHS Plants online. Rosa ‘Catherine’s Rose’ will be available by pre-order only, and roses will be delivered in autumn 2025 as

These have been lifted from the ground while dormant, with little or no soil around their roots. Various plants may be available bare root, including fruit trees, hedging plants and some perennials. They are generally cheaper than plants in containers, but are only available in winter/early spring, while dormant

If you’re off to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, stop by the Harkness Roses stand in The Great Pavilion to see ‘Catherine’s Rose’ in person.