Festival of Roses

Ever since the earliest editions of the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, more than 30 years ago, roses have taken a starring role. These versatile plants can be transformative fence-covering climbers or border shrubs of all sizes and colours. Let’s not forget that knockout scent. It’s no wonder they’re often voted the nation’s favourite flower.

If you’re after ideas for your next planting project – or simply can’t resist the romantic allure of these beauties in full flower – head to the Festival of Roses marquee. Inside, you’ll find stunning displays from three of the country’s top breeders and nurseries, while outside, the inimitable David Austin Roses have created a spectacular seating area where you can immerse yourself in the heady aroma of these beautiful blooms.

So, whether you’re looking for a cottage garden rambler to cover an unsightly shed or a compact free-flowering shrub that will thrive in a pot on an urban balcony, you’ll find it here. But most of all, enjoy the experience: take in the kaleidoscope of colour, inhale deeply and feel your worries melt away.

Harkness Roses

 Rosa ‘Persuasion’ and R. ‘Emma’ on the Harkness Roses display in 2025, launched to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth

A bud is a small, undeveloped shoot that contains the potential for new growth. Buds are typically found on stems, where they can be apical (found at the tip) or axillary (found between leaf axils) and may develop into leaves, shoots or flowers.

bud

• Harkness Roses

Peter Beales Roses

The Peter Beales Roses display 2025 is framed by two rose-covered arches, a peaceful arbour and a welcoming bench

A shady garden alcove with seating inside – usually a simple wooden structure with climbing plants growing over it.

arbour

• Peter Beales Roses

David Austin Roses

Sumptuous display by David Austin Roses in 2025

• David Austin Roses