A NEW rose being unveiled at this week’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been named after Lady Salisbury.

David Austin Roses has dedicated the pink bloom as part of the 400th anniversary celebrations of Hatfield House.

Lady Salisbury said: “We are delighted and consider it a great honour to have been given the named Lady Salisbury rose by David Austin.

“It is particularly significant in this year, which is the 400th anniversary of the building of Hatfield House, and we are very grateful to David Austin for having selected us to launch one of his new roses.”

Lady Salisbury roses – which their creators say have ‘Old Rose’ charm – have an informal rosette shape.

Rich rose pink buds open to reveal pure pink flowers, which gradually become a softer shade as the flowers age.

They will flower with remarkable continuity from early summer onwards.

The roses are on show at the annual extravanga at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, which opened to the public today (Tuesday) and runs until Saturday.

After this week’s launch, the rose will be planted in Hatfield House’s West Garden, near the new longitude dial.