An independent family-owned garden business that has a centre in St Albans has launched a new rose at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

With the new species Notcutts celebrates the life of horticulturalist Charles Notcutt OBE. Charles was instrumental in the growth of the company which is celebrating its 120th anniversary throughout 2017.

The Deben Sunrise rose is named after Charles’ favourite view over the River Deben from his garden in Woodbridge, Suffolk.

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He loved the rich yellow hues of the early morning sun and the rose develops from cream to rich yellow throughout the season reflecting the changing colours of the sunrise.

The repeat flowering floribunda with its distinctive fragrance has medium growth up to one metre and flowers from late May through to September.

The new variety of rose was bred by specialist rose breeder Harkness Roses, based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, and was launched on the Harkness exhibit at the show.

Caroline Notcutt, Charles Notcutt’s daughter and vice chairman of Notcutts Garden Centres, said: “I am delighted that my father’s unrivalled passion for gardening and outstanding contribution to the horticultural community has been recognised with this wonderful rose.

“It is very special, particularly in Notcutts 120th anniversary year, and I hope it will continue to bring joy to his fellow gardening enthusiasts for many years to come.”

Philip Harkness, managing director of Harkness Roses, added: “It’s an absolute delight to introduce this rose with the connection to Charles Notcutt. I knew Charles for many years and am sure that the wonderfully fragrant and healthy rose would delight him as much as it will for anyone who plants it in their own garden.”

The Deben Sunrise rose will be available to purchase in all 18 Notcutts garden centres from today.