Rose growers have often commemorated landmarks in the Queen’s history by breeding a new variety of her favorite flower. Innovations created in the Queen’s name have also changed the history of rose horticulture. The three roses included in this elegant design are the Queen Elizabeth, the Silver Jubilee and the Gracious Queen.

The Queen Elizabeth Rose was introduced by Dr W. E. Lammerts at the beginning of her reign and was presented in 1954 one year after the Coronation. It is a stately rose that lives up to its name. Growing tall it is especially suited to the backs of borders and hedges and is china pink in colour with a light fragrance. The Royal National Rose Society presented a bed of the rose to the Queen, which was planted in the gardens at Buckingham Palace.

The Silver Jubilee Rose was bred by Alec Cocker and introduced in 1976 as a tribute to H.M. the Queen’s 25th year of reign. The Silver Jubilee is an unusual colour - a mixture of peachy-pink and cream with a dash of red on the reverse. It is slightly fragrant with an abundance of glossy green and bronze leaves growing to the ground. James Cocker & Sons were granted a royal warrant as suppliers of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's roses in 1975.

The Gracious Queen Rose was raised by James Cocker and Sons under a special commission by the Royal Warrant Holders to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and it was officially launched at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2002. This rose bush is a wonderful golden-yellow colour and has a strong fragrance. The Royal Warrant Holders presented fifty of these rose bushes to H.M. Queen Elizabeth and were planted in the gardens at Buckingham Palace.

Source: www.pobjoy.com