Rosa 'William and Catherine' - English Rose

The English rose 'William and Catherine' is particularly romantic. Its flowers are opulent, relatively fragrant, shaped like shallow cups, with numerous petals that strongly resemble old-fashioned roses. They bloom in a soft, ephemeral light apricot shade, briefly fading to beige before remaining pure white. It is an extremely healthy variety, forming a lovely upright bushy rose.

This rose grows as a 1.25m (4ft) tall and 1m (3ft) wide bush. Its stems are covered with dark green foliage that is highly disease-resistant. It flowers from May-June until the frosts. Its flowers, with a very full shape, have numerous petals and strongly resemble old-fashioned roses. A cluster of small petals folded inward forms the heart of each flower. The blooming bush gives an overall impression of a bouquet of frothy white flowers. When they fade, the petals detach very cleanly, with great aesthetic for a white rose. Their fragrance, of medium intensity, is that of old-fashioned roses, resembling pure myrrh.

With its frothy and pale roses, as light as whipped cream, the rose 'William and Catherine' brings an elegant and refined touch to all the plants it accompanies, during a long period, and takes over with the power of its flowering. It can be planted alongside other roses, lilacs, flowering shrubs or perennial plants with light blooms such as gypsophila, white or pink yarrows, penstemons, bellflowers and many more. Its upright growth makes it suitable for both formal and informal flowerbeds. It is a true living bouquet, essential in a bridal bouquet!

This rose was named to celebrate the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine, which took place on April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abbey.

Obtained by David Austin in 2011.