Rose Catherine’s Rose

'Catherine’s Rose' is a richly scented, coral-pink Floribunda bred by Harkness Roses and publicly named in 2025 in honour of Catherine, Princess of Wales. This rose presents unusually large flowers for a Floribunda which are produced in abundance in substantial clusters capable of carrying as many as fifteen blooms, and a distinctive strong fragrance with notes of Turkish delight and mango. The flowers combine the orderly, high-centered opening associated with large-flowered modern roses with the generous collective display expected of a Floribunda. Dark, glossy foliage and a robust, upright-bushy plant give the flowers an effective background and make the cultivar suitable for borders, rose beds, substantial containers and informal low hedging. Although still too recent, it represents a particularly interesting modern British attempt to unite scent, floriferousness, health and commemorative significance in one garden rose.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

'Catherine’s Rose' belongs to the modern Floribunda class, but is quite unique because its individual flowers are large enough to approach Hybrid Tea scale while retaining a true Floribunda flowering architecture. Instead of relying upon a few solitary exhibition blooms, it develops branched inflorescences in which numerous buds and flowers can be present simultaneously. The result is a mass of pink from a relatively compact framework. Viewed closely, the flowers have a relatively formal, spiralled character; viewed from a distance, the plant behaves as a bedding and landscape rose.

Colour is more complex than simply pink, varying from coral-pink, medium to dark rose-pink, and the colour is not monotonous throughout the flower’s life. Opening buds can carry deeper pink to deep salmon-pink outer petals, while expanding flowers reveal softer coral, rose and salmon tonalities. The pink may deepen as the flowering season advances. This shifting colour gives established bushes a naturally varied appearance because tight buds, half-open flowers and mature blooms are visible together.

'Catherine’s Rose' is also significant as a scented Floribunda. Modern breeding has sometimes produced excellent Floribunda roses whose chief virtues are health and abundance but whose fragrance is barely noticeable. The scent in this rose is clearly strong and rich. The resulting plant consequently works particularly well where both visual display and scent can be appreciated: beside a path, around a terrace, near seating, at an entrance, or in a large container close to the house.

FLOWERING

The rose variety 'Catherine’s Rose' is repeat flowering, with flowering season extending from approximately mid-June into late autumn, with timing extending earlier or later according to climate and growing conditions. Flowers are typically produced in successive flushes, strong flowering shoots terminate in branched clusters carrying up to fifteen buds at different developmental stages. Consequently, even after the first flowers in an inflorescence begin to age, neighbouring buds continue to open, prolonging the decorative life of the flowering clusters.

The first strong flush should be substantial on established plants, followed by renewed flowering after spent clusters are removed and fresh shoots have matured. Deadheading is therefore worthwhile where maximum repeat is desired. Adequate feeding and water during active growth are especially important because a rose producing large flowers in multi-flowered clusters places considerable pressure on the plant.

Flower bud:

The buds have elongated to ovoid shape and distinctly pointed before opening, displaying the elegant silhouette typical of modern large-flowered roses. When the sepals start to open and petals become visible the outer petals in bud display a deeper pink, approaching a deep salmon-pink colour, before the expanding flower reveals a broader range of coral and rose tones. Opening proceeds from a narrow, deeper coral-pink bud through a relatively high-centred stage before the outer petals broaden and the flower becomes more open.

The calyx is green, with five narrow sepals surrounding the corolla. The sepals have lanceolate elongated shape, medium yellow green in colour and smooth and glandular surface on the upper surface and pubescent grayish inner surface. There are 3 sepals with medium to large lateral foliaceous appendages and 2 sepals unappendaged sepals with smooth edges. The sepals spread and eventually reflex as the petals expand.

Peduncles are medium green, reasonably slender but sufficiently firm to support the relatively large flowers. Within clusters they branch from the terminal flowering shoot and carry buds at several developmental stages.

Bloom:

The flowers of 'Catherine’s Rose' are large for a Floribunda, approximately 8 - 12 cm (3 - 4¾ in) in diameter. They are double and distinctly substantial, having typically about 17 - 25 petals. When the flowers start to open they initially present a relatively high, spiralled centre, very similar to the high-centered form of the classic Hybrid Teas. Inner petals rise tightly around the axis while the broader outer petals spread progressively outward. Yet fully open flowers become wider and softer in outline. The outermost petals may turn gently outward or downward, while the central petals retain some spiral organisation, becoming more cupped.

Colour ranges through coral-pink, warm rose-pink and salmon-pink. The deepest colouring is particularly evident in young outer petals and tight buds. As individual flowers expand, tonal differences between the inner and outer petals can become noticeable, producing greater depth than a uniform clear pink. Seasonal changes add another dimension, with breeder-associated descriptions reporting deeper colouring later in the season.

Flowers are carried in clusters rather than predominantly singly. The largest inflorescences may hold up to fifteen blooms, although smaller clusters should be expected under ordinary garden conditions. Because buds open progressively, an inflorescence can simultaneously display tight buds, semi-open cups and mature blooms. This gives the cultivar an especially lively appearance and explains why its garden effect is stronger than flower diameter alone would suggest.

The blooms eventually open sufficiently for their reproductive centre to become accessible, and both Harkness and the RHS promote the plant as attractive to pollinating insects, however the accessibility increases primarily as the petals loosen with age and flower fully opens.

Petals:

The petals are broad, smooth and overlapping. Outer petals are larger and more expansive, helping establish the flower’s rounded outline, while inner petals are smaller and more closely arranged around the spiralled centre. Margins are generally smooth to very gently undulating, the petal substance is reasonably firm and thick, allowing flowers to preserve an organised form during opening.

Colour development in petals is dynamic. Deeper salmon-rose is strongest around the bud stage, after which the flower broadens into coral and rose-pink shades. Light exposure, temperature and flower age influence the precise shade as they do in other modern roses, although no controlled colour-chart description has yet been publicly issued for the cultivar.

Fragrance:

Fragrance is one of the defining characteristics of 'Catherine’s Rose' - rich, strong rose perfume with Turkish delight and mango notes. The “Turkish delight” should be understood as a sensory comparison rather than a chemical analysis: it evokes the sweet, rosy, confectionery quality traditionally associated with rosewater. Fragrance intensity naturally varies with temperature, humidity, flower age and time of day. Warm, still conditions generally make volatile compounds easier to perceive than cool or windy weather.

Reproductive parts:

As flowers mature and open, yellow stamens become increasingly accessible in the centre.

PLANT

Rose variety 'Catherine’s Rose' is classified as a Floribunda, the modern cluster-flowered class positioned horticulturally between the mass-flowering tradition of Polyantha roses and the larger, formally shaped flowers associated with Hybrid Teas. Mature and well-established plants of this rose variety can reach about 100 - 120 cm (3.3 - 4 ft) in height and about 60 -90 cm (2 - 3 ft) in width under average conditions. The variation is understandable in vigorous new roses because pruning, rootstock, soil fertility, climate and length of growing season can substantially alter mature dimensions.

The essential growth habit of this rose is robust, bushy and upright. Its proportions allow it to be used in several ways in landscaping. A single specimen can form a scented accent in a mixed border; several plants can create a dedicated rose bed or informal flowering hedge; and the cultivar is sufficiently restrained for a large container, provided that the pot has adequate root volume and irrigation.

Plant in fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Full sun gives the strongest flowering, although Harkness also notes partial sunlight as acceptable growing condition for this rose. In very hot continental climates, protection from the most intense afternoon heat may help preserve flower quality, whereas in cooler climates maximum sun promotes stronger wood and repeat flowering. Mulching with well-rotted organic matter in late winter or early spring helps conserve moisture and improve soil structure. A balanced rose fertiliser may be given as active growth begins and again in early summer. Heavy late-season nitrogen feeding should be avoided in cold climates because very soft autumn growth is more vulnerable to winter injury.

Annual pruning should follow best Floribunda practices: remove dead, damaged, diseased, crossing and congested shoots in late winter or early spring. Strong remaining shoots can generally be shortened to approximately 25 - 30 cm (10 - 12 in) above soil level, while weaker growth is pruned more severely and occasional old stems can be removed low to encourage basal renewal. In climates with severe winters, pruning is better delayed until the worst cold has passed and buds are beginning to show signs of growth.

Foliage:

The foliage is deciduous and consistently described as dark green and glossy. The plants of this rose are densely covered with foliage and it forms an important part of the ornamental effect because the saturated green surface provides a strong contrast to the warm coral-pink flowers. Leaves are of medium size in the modern-rose proportions sense, although cultivar-specific total leaf measurements have not been officially published. Their surface is smooth and slightly leathery, reflecting light noticeably, producing the polished appearance characteristic of many recent garden Floribundas. Foliage density is sufficient to cover much of the plant framework during active growth, so that established bushes appear leafy rather than skeletal between flowering clusters. New growth may naturally emerge somewhat lighter, with a light reddish-bronze tint, and matures to dark green.

Leaflets:

The leaves are pinnately compound in the normal manner of modern garden roses. The normal medium sized leaves in the middle of the stem typically have 5 leaflets, with occasional variation to 3 closer to the flowering clusters, including the terminal leaflet. The leaflets have ovate to elliptic shape with acute to acuminate tips and regularly serrated margins. The terminal leaflet is larger than the lateral ones. Venation pattern is pinnate, with a clear central midrib and lateral veins extending toward the serrated margin. The upper surface is darker and glossier than the lower surface.

Wood:

The plant produces upright to somewhat spreading basal canes that branch into floriferous laterals. Its overall structure is robust and strong, branches are capable of supporting upright heavy flowering clusters. The young stems are medium green, have smooth barks, and become more lignified with age. Regular renewal pruning encourages fresh basal shoots and prevents the bush becoming dominated by old, increasingly branched wood. Because Floribundas flower on current-season growth, preserving a framework of healthy vigorous canes while stimulating new shoots gives the best balance between plant size and flower production.

Prickles:

There is a normal quantity of prickles on the main canes from the base and on the laterals from the main canes of rose variety 'Catherine’s Rose'. Major prickles are large, have straight slightly inclined downward shape and broad base. The colour of the young prickles is bronze red.

Small prickles:

Smaller prickles and fine stem armature are not typically observed on the main canes and on the laterals from the main canes of this rose under normal growing conditions.

Disease resistance and stress tolerance:

Rose variety 'Catherine’s Rose' is easy to grow and has good disease resistance in most garden situations due to Harkness’s breeding and selection regime, stating that its new varieties have been tested without fungicide applications since 1994. Therefore this rose in normal garden conditions has much better resistance to black spot, powdery mildew or rust compared to older Floribundas.

The RHS assigns 'Catherine’s Rose' hardiness rating H6, corresponding to approximately –20 to –15 °C (–4 to 5 °F). That indicates suitability for all of the United Kingdom and many northern European conditions. This roughly corresponds to suitability for climates similar to USDA zones 6b - 9b. In regions substantially colder than approximately –20 °C, winter protection is advisable until wider experience demonstrates the cultivar’s limits.

The name 'Catherine’s Rose' was formally announced by the Royal Horticultural Society in May 2025 in honour of Her Royal Highness Catherine, Princess of Wales. The stated purpose was to recognise her emphasis on the restorative or healing value of nature and to draw attention to the role of gardens and outdoor environments in supporting physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Contemporary reporting records an additional naming consideration from Philip Harkness: the simple name “Catherine” was preferred to a title-dependent formulation such as “Princess Catherine” or “Queen Catherine” because the breeder wanted a name capable of remaining appropriate over a long horticultural life. In that sense the possessive form 'Catherine’s Rose' functions both as a personal dedication and as an intentionally durable commercial name.

Funds from sales have supported The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and a programme intended to develop prehabilitation and rehabilitation training for clinical teams caring for people with cancer.

No authenticated major competitive rose-trial award has been confirmed for 'Catherine’s Rose' as of the date.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

Rose variety ‘Harzenith’ / 'Catherine’s Rose' was bred by Harkness Roses in England, with Philip Harkness specifically noted as the breeder. The rose was publicly announced by the Royal Horticultural Society on 9 May 2025 and subsequently displayed at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show that month. The precise seed parent and pollen parent have not been publicly disclosed up to this date and remain unknown. Harkness described the cultivar as having “mixed blood”: older German rose material contributed to the fragrance, breeding associated with New Zealand rosarian Sam McGredy contributed abundant clustered flowering, and Harkness breeding lines were incorporated for health and resilience.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

Rose variety ‘Harzenith’ / 'Catherine’s Rose' belongs to the recent Floribunda generation. Its flowers are much larger than those of early varieties, and their spiralled opening retains something of the formal Hybrid Tea tradition. What identifies the plant as a Floribunda is the character of flowering: numerous buds, large clusters, repeated seasonal production and a bush intended for landscape effect rather than exclusively for cutting single exhibition stems. Its release also belongs to a long British tradition of commemorative rose naming. In this case the name was linked not merely to royal commemoration but to a charitable programme and to the idea of gardens and contact with nature as sources of wellbeing. Funds from sales were designated for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity to support training in cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

‘Harzenith’ / 'Catherine’s Rose' is a modern English Floribunda that combines the landscape abundance of a cluster-flowered rose with flowers of unusually substantial size, warm coral-pink colouring and a conspicuous perfume. Its upright-bushy habit, glossy dark foliage and repeated flowering make it suitable for conventional rose beds but equally useful in mixed planting, large containers and informal hedges. This rose variety incorporated the following unique combination of characteristics:

  large, double coral- to rose-pink flowers gathered in clusters of up to fifteen flowers;

  a strong sweet rose fragrance with notes of Turkish delight and mango;

  dark green, glossy foliage on a robust, upright and bushy repeat-flowering plant.

Propagation methods suitable for 'Catherine’s Rose' follows standard modern Floribunda practice: semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, hardwood cuttings in autumn, or chip budding in summer. As with any recently marketed named cultivar, commercial propagators should confirm current plant-breeders’ rights, licensing and trademark restrictions before undertaking propagation for sale.

COMPARISON WITH PARENTS

Precise seed and pollen parent documentation for this rose was not officially disclosed, therefore, a formal comparison cannot be made.

COMPARISON WITH THE CLOSEST COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE CULTIVAR

Among Harkness roses presently in commerce, rose 'Spark of Life' provides a useful contextual comparison because it is likewise a fragrant pink Floribunda selected for excellent garden performance. 'Spark of Life' produces shell-pink to dusky-pink clustered flowers, strong traditional rose fragrance, large dark green leaves and a compact bush around 90 cm high. Its flowers contain numerous petals and gradually expose their reproductive centre as they open. 'Catherine’s Rose' is taller and broader, its individual blooms are larger, and its colouring is warmer and more coral-salmon. Its perfume is also described more specifically, with the characteristic Turkish delight and mango association.

USDA 6

USDA Zone 6 - hardiness guide