'Roald Dahl' rose wows Chelsea Flower Show 2016

Tuesday 7th June 2016


A new rose bred by David Austin Roses has been named after the world-famous author - and keen gardener - Roald Dahl.  Launched at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May 2016, the rose was the centrepiece of the stand full of blooms, helping to gain the grower a much-coveted Gold award.

The English Rose 'Roald Dahl' appropriately has peach-coloured blooms, acknowledging Roald Dahl’s children’s story 'James and the Giant Peach', which was first published in 1961.

The rose was displayed alongside a giant copper peach sculpture - a one-off piece by sculptor Stephen Myburgh, commissioned as a tribute to the new rose, etched with words and  illustrations from the classic children's story - together with a beautiful new illustration by Quentin of James and his insect friends enjoying the delicious scent of some of the roses atop the peach. 

£2.50 from the sale of each rose will be donated to Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity.  Quentin's original drawing (pictured, above ) will be auctioned later in the year, with proceeds also benefitting the charity.

Links:
Find out more about the work of Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity: www.roalddahl.com/charity
To buy a 'Roald Dahl' rose, visit David Austin Roses online at: www.davidaustinroses.co.uk/