Waitrose has made a commitment to stock ‘forgotten’ varieties of English roses as part of a drive to stock British flowers.
The retail chain has sought out the ‘perfect rose’ - one that can be produced in an ecologically sound way, has a long vase life and a strong scent, ‘synonymous with the heady scent of forgotten English summers’.
Hampshire growers the Real Flower Company will produce the roses, which will include St Cecilia, Just Joey and Chandos Beauty. The producer is described as producing country-cottage style flowers for the ‘Cath Kidston’ generation.
The flowers are produced using drip-type irrigation systems to avoid erosion and waste, and are never sprayed in bloom to ensure the protection of insects feeding on the plants.
Rosebie Morton of the Real Flower Company said: “There is something amazing about the English rose. It has a unique charm and character. I started growing flowers in my walled garden more than then years ago and am thrilled to supply flowers to Waitrose during the summer months.”
Waitrose flower buyer Louise Motala added: “We wanted to revive interest in the English rose and have been searching to find the perfect grower in this country. I’m sure we all remember making rose water from petals as children, and it was heartening to find beautiful home-grown roses - which not only smell heavenly but also meet the environmental and ethical standards our customers expect from Waitrose.”
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