How could anyone choose the world's favourite rose? Well, they have! And the winner is one of my all-time favourites...
How could anyone choose the world's favourite rose? Well, they have! And the winner is one of my all-time favourites - Rosa 'Graham Thomas'.
National rose societies belonging to the World Federation of Rose Societies have been voting - 41 of them in total, representing over 100,000 rose lovers - and their decision certainly carries weight. First introduced in 1983, 'Graham Thomas' was bred by rosarian David Austin. His rose breeding programme aimed to combine the best qualities of old roses, such as flower form, colour and scent, with the repeat-flowering characteristics and performance of new varieties. This was admirably captured in 'Graham Thomas', one of his first English roses.
I was charmed by 'Graham Thomas' from the moment I set eyes on it. I grow it in a border close to the house, where I can admire it in full bloom from my kitchen window. It has rich yellow cup-shaped blooms that fade to pale yellow, a colour rarely found in old roses. The upright habit of 'Graham Thomas' means it stands head and shoulders above the lower perennials around it, reaching about 1.5m this summer. I'm told it will grow taller, perhaps reaching 2.4m, if trained to an arch or pillar.
And yes, as all good roses should, it produces a delicate tea rose scent.
For those who don't know, the late Graham Thomas was a horticulturist, garden writer and rose enthusiast. Graham was a frequent visitor to David Austin's nursery in Albrighton, in Oxfordshire, and their strong friendship was clearly acknowledged when David named this rose in his honour.
I've loved Rosa 'Graham Thomas' for many years, but it's reassuring to know that I'm in such good company, and the world's most passionate rose lovers share my enthusiasm.
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