“Strong, healthy and easy to grow”: how the Saga Rose was created
We go behind the scenes at the launch of our very special flower at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
We go behind the scenes at the launch of our very special flower at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
On a sunny Wednesday morning this week, a very special rose was unveiled in a ceremony at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to honour Saga’s 75th anniversary.
Created for the occasion by Harkness Roses, “The Saga Rose” – a soft pink floribunda – was displayed in prime position on the corner of the Harkness stand in the show’s bustling Great Pavilion.
Its vibrant blooms attracted a buzz from passersby, including many Saga customers, and a handful of Chelsea Pensioners. Curious punters could take a copy of Saga Magazine’s June issue, which has bright pink lettering that perfectly complements the rose. We even spotted Monty Don admiring the various flowers on the Harkness stand just before Saga’s ceremony at noon.
On the stand, Saga’s pink flowers helped form a sea of roses ranging in colour from peach to deep red and white, with some varieties climbing up a striking pergola centrepiece. A footpath of seashells allowed attendees to explore the best of Harkness Roses, which was founded in 1879 by two brothers in Yorkshire. Today, the nursery is based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.
This is the second time that Saga has collaborated with Harkness Roses to create a bespoke flower – 50 years ago, the breeder produced a white rose to celebrate the launch of Saga’s first cruise ship, Saga Rose.
As he presented the rose, Philip Harkness, chairman of Harkness Roses said: “It’s a pleasure to introduce the new Saga Rose, which has a rich pink colour, and opens beautifully into a wide flower.
“Whenever we breed a new rose, our goal is to make something that people love in their garden. It takes us seven years to breed a new variety, and we’re looking for beauty in the flower and plentiful foliage. It has to be strong, healthy, and easy to grow, with a powerful perfume – this one has a pleasing musky scent.
“When you plant it in your garden, it flowers and flowers, with lots of buds, blooming from June all the way through to autumn.”
Philip has been attending the Chelsea Flower Show for around 50 years. “I’m looking forward to going on a Saga holiday and talking to people about how this rose has given them joy,” he says. “I’d like to hear that it’s in their garden in full bloom.”
The Saga Rose will appear at other events throughout the year, including Gardeners’ World Live, The Royal Windsor Flower Show (where it will be available to buy), and RHS Sandringham Flower Show.
If you’d like a Saga Rose of your own to plant in your garden, you can order one from Harkness Roses for £24.99 (potted) or £17.99 (bare root, autumn only). It grows to 100cm tall and 80cm wide, producing clusters of five to nine blooms per stem.
We also have 75 to give away to lucky readers – enter the prize draw now for a chance to win one. Be quick, though: the draw closes at midnight on 29 May.
(Hero image credit: Saga)
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