Royal Mail Launches Stamp Collection Celebrating English Roses

The latest stamp collection from Royal Mail highlights the elegance of English roses, featuring ten vibrant designs that celebrate both wild and cultivated varieties. This new release showcases original watercolour illustrations by acclaimed botanical artist Marie Burke, aimed at capturing the unique characteristics of these beloved flowers.

Commemorating a Legacy

Among the featured roses is Constance Spry, the first English rose bred by David Austin in 1961. This particular variety is notable for pioneering a new era in rose breeding, marrying the beauty and fragrance of traditional roses with the vigorous flowering of modern types. The stamp collection coincides with the centenary of Austin’s birth, marking 100 years since his contributions transformed the world of rose cultivation.

David Gold, Royal Mail’s Director of External Affairs and Policy, remarked, “Roses are a familiar part of many British gardens as well as holding a special place in British culture and heritage. These beautiful stamps bring together art and horticulture through original illustrations of ten distinctive roses, each carefully interpreted to capture its unique character.”

A Diverse Selection of Roses

The stamp set includes a stunning variety of roses, from delicate wild species to classic garden favourites. Notable inclusions are the dog rose (rosa canina), rosa Queen Elizabeth, rosa Just Joey, rosa Paul’s Himalayan Musk, rosa Étoile de Hollande, rosa gallica versicolor, the field rose (rosa arvensis), rosa Charles de Mills, rosa Peace, and of course, rosa Constance Spry.

The collaboration for this collection involved renowned horticultural historian Jennifer Potter, who provided insights into the rich history of roses. All cultivated roses trace their lineage back to wild flowers native to the northern hemisphere, which typically exhibit single, five-petalled blooms, such as found in the dog and field roses of the UK.

Garden varieties have emerged over centuries through natural mutations and targeted breeding efforts. Historic European roses, including gallicas, albas, damasks, and centifolias, are celebrated for their rich scents and early summer blooming. The introduction of Chinese roses in the 18th century brought about the ability for repeat flowering, leading to the development of modern hybrid tea roses that are popular today.

The stamps, along with a series of collectible products, are available for purchase through the Royal Mail website or by calling their customer service. A presentation pack containing all ten stamps is priced at £13.75. With this release, Royal Mail not only honors the beauty of roses but also pays tribute to the enduring legacy of rose breeding in the UK.