“The King’s Rose is particularly special - it’s our first striped rose, created in collaboration with The King’s Foundation. The rose is a tribute to the enduring values of His Majesty King Charles III through the work of the foundation, investing in education, sustainable practices, and the revitalisation of heritage.”
— David J. C. Austin
Distinctive, striped fuchsia and white petals create a bold yet natural look reminiscent of old Gallica roses. Its semi-double blooms appear in profusion, attracting pollinators to its central, vibrant yellow stamens, and a medium Musk fragrance with a hint of fresh apple and rosewater. A versatile and robust shrub with a vase-shaped growth habit and heart-shaped leaves.
The Story Behind the NameAt the Chelsea Flower Show in the 1990s, David J.C. Austin met HRH The Prince of Wales. During their conversation, they discovered they had both grown Ferdinand Pichard as the first rose in their gardens - a shared memory that stayed with David.
Years later, when a newly bred rose flowered for the first time, David was struck by its beauty. The striped, semi-double blooms brought back memories of that meaningful encounter, and he felt the rose captured the values of The King's Foundation, reflecting His Majesty King Charles III lifelong commitment to nature, sustainability, and heritage.
A Closer Look at the RoseEnglish Shrub Roseview more
Colour: Bi-Colour (Deep Pink/White stripe)
Bloom size: Medium
Flowering: Repeat Flowering
Size: 4ft (125cm) x 3ft (100cm)
The King’s Rose has been created in partnership with The King’s Foundation. As part of this collaboration, we will donate £2.50 from every sale to support the Foundation’s vital work. This gesture reflects our shared commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and a deep respect for the natural world.
Not only is The King’s Rose a beautiful addition to your garden, but it also supports local wildlife. Its semi-double, open blooms are a favourite for pollinators like bees, and the small hips, which turn a warm orange in winter, provide food for birds. With its strong disease resistance and easy care, this rose is repeat-flowering, bringing beauty and benefits to your garden throughout the year.
The King’s Rose is the first striped rose in the David Austin collection, making it a truly remarkable addition. Its semi-double blooms are soft and open, with vibrant fuchsia petals striped with white. The delicate colouring gives each flower the look of a watercolour painting, with no two blooms ever exactly the same. Its unique beauty makes it a standout in any garden.
The King’s Rose thrives when planted in groups, creating a fuller, more impactful display. Its natural beauty makes it ideal for both modern and cottage-style gardens, where it can serve as a striking focal point or seamlessly bridge different colour schemes. For smaller spaces, companion planting helps enhance its presence without overwhelming the area.
A new English rose, over a decade in the making, is ready to make its debut in the Great Pavilion at the Chelsea Flower Show. After years of careful cultivation, it will finally share its beauty with the world in full bloom, for the very first time.
The journey to this moment is long and exacting. From the initial pollination to the day it graces a garden, breeding a new English rose takes twelve years. Every season matters; there are no shortcuts. It demands patience, precision, and a dedication that never wavers, year after year.
