- The English Roses That Came Before:A Look Back as Chelsea Draws Near
As Chelsea approaches, there’s a familiar feeling of anticipation, one we’ve come to know well over the years. Each rose we release carries with it over a decade of care, dedication and trust in the process. This year, we’re preparing to introduce a rose we hold especially close, our most prestigious yet, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Before we do, we wanted to take a moment to look back at the five roses that came before. Each has its own story and personality, and perhaps one or two have already found a place in your garden.
Playful and expressive, this rose captures the spirit of the iconic British potter it's named for. Its medium-sized blooms unfold like brushstrokes on a canvas, shifting from soft pink with a golden eye to coral, then to gentle mauve and lilac. Each flower is slightly different, giving the impression of a living work of art. Its light tea fragrance adds to the experience, creating little moments of delight as you pass by.
Where it works best:
Plant near a pathway or just outside a window where you can take in its colours throughout the day. Pair it with lavender or blue salvia to pick up on the cooler tones within its petals and to create a balanced, painterly palette.
With its soft apricot blooms and quietly confident air, Dannahue brings an easy grace to the garden. Its rounded form and warm fruit-scented fragrance give it an instantly familiar feel, like something that’s always belonged. Ideal for smaller spaces, this rose is perfectly at home in partial shade, making it an inspired choice for urban gardens or tucked-away corners where sunlight is softer.
Where it works best:
Place in a pot on a patio, terrace or balcony where it can bask in dappled light. Complement with herbs like thyme or soft silver foliage for a natural look that doesn’t ask for too much attention but rewards you richly over time.
There’s a quiet confidence to this rose. Its mid-pink flowers appear in open sprays and fade gently to a lavender blush, giving a sense of rhythm and softness throughout the season. The fragrance is warm and nostalgic with hints of raspberry, citrus and a touch of myrrh. Upright and well-shaped, this is a rose that brings both beauty and consistency, season after season.
Where it works best:
Tuck into a border among other cottage garden favourites like foxgloves, phlox and lady’s mantle. It lends a romantic charm to any space and naturally draws the eye, while blending gently with other perennials.
Graceful and full of quiet strength, Elizabeth is a rose with real presence. Its soft pink rosettes are touched with a delicate apricot hue that fades almost to white, glowing gently in early morning or late evening light. The fragrance is fresh and sweet, with subtle hints of lemon and old rose, inviting, but never overpowering.
Where it works best:
Let it take centre stage in a classic rose border or use it to add a gentle sense of structure near a bench or arbour. It pairs beautifully with silver-leaved plants or soft blues, reflecting and enhancing its gentle tones.
Joyful and uplifting, this is a rose that instantly changes the mood of a garden. The rich orange-yellow petals feel sunlit even on cloudy days, softening to a mellow apricot as they age. There’s depth in the scent too - a warm, complex myrrh that lingers in the air. With its upright habit and generous flowering, it brings a burst of light and optimism to any spot.
Where it works best:
Place in a mixed border where the colour can shine through. It plays beautifully against cooler tones such as catmint, veronica or even deep purples, creating contrast and warmth in all the right ways.
As we look ahead to Chelsea once again, we carry the stories of these roses with us. Each one has made its way into gardens up and down the country, bringing colour, scent and a sense of joy to everyday life. Now, as we prepare to begin a new chapter, we’re excited to welcome another rose to the family - one we’ve been waiting a long time to share.
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