Rose Titans Win 30th Chelsea Gold

Norfolk Rose Titans Clinch Record Thirtieth Chelsea Gold in Milestone Year

Peter Beales Roses, a celebrated name in specialist rose cultivation, has triumphed once more at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The Norfolk-based nursery proudly accepted its thirtieth top award, a remarkable feat, particularly following a demanding twelve-month period notably influenced by harsh winter conditions. This latest accolade underscores the company's enduring commitment to horticultural excellence and innovative garden design. Judges lauded this year's display for its captivating fusion of artistic presentation, delightful fragrance, and profound environmental consciousness. The achievement marks a pinnacle in the company's long and storied history at the world-renowned floral exhibition in London.

A Golden Legacy Forged in Norfolk

From its home in Attleborough, Norfolk, Peter Beales Roses has been a consistent presence. The company started appearing at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a tradition commencing in the nineteen seventies. Over these decades, the company has amassed an impressive collection of medals, testament to the quality of its presentations featuring roses. The journey to thirty gold medals reflects an unwavering dedication to the art and science of rose growing. Founded in 1968 by the eponymous Peter Beales, the nursery quickly established itself as a sanctuary for classic and wild rose varieties, many of which Peter himself saved from vanishing. This passion for preservation and cultivation continues to define the company's ethos.

Praise for a Harmonious Chelsea Display

The evaluating panel at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show specifically commended the 2025 presentation by Peter Beales Roses for its masterful integration of several key elements. They highlighted the delightful combination of creative skill, noting the visual appeal and thoughtful arrangement of the roses. The captivating scent of the display also drew praise, creating an immersive experience for visitors. Crucially, the judges recognised the strong emphasis on environmental awareness woven into the exhibit's design. This combination of aesthetic beauty and ecological sensitivity clearly impressed the panel, leading to the coveted gold medal.

A Team Honoured by Acclaim

Ian Limmer, the head rosarian at Peter Beales Roses, conveyed the immense pride felt by the entire team upon receiving this significant award. He stated that securing their thirtieth gold distinction from Chelsea, coupled with achieving maximum achievable scores from the evaluating panel, stands as a tremendous honour for everyone involved with the horticultural business. Mr. Limmer, whose career with Peter Beales Roses began in 1977 as a Saturday assistant, has risen to become the Nursery Manager, overseeing the hybridising programme and sharing his vast knowledge globally through lectures. His long tenure speaks to the deep-rooted expertise within the company.

Animals and Sustainable Practices at the Forefront

The award-winning display received expert advice from the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Its central theme centred its theme on animals and sustainable green methods, aiming to vividly illustrate the capacity of roses to serve as the foundational element of a garden full of varied plant and animal life. This focus reflects a growing trend in horticulture towards creating gardens that are not only beautiful but also beneficial to the natural environment. The collaboration highlights a commitment to showcasing roses as key contributors to biodiversity, providing both aesthetic appeal and ecological value in garden design.

Birches and Blooms: A Haven for Birds

A striking feature of the exhibit included two imposing Silver Common Birch trees, each standing at twenty feet (approximately six metres) tall. These trees were integral to illustrating the manner in which roses might gracefully ascend and intertwine with larger structural plants. This design element effectively showcased the potential for roses to become vital habitats for birds, offering shelter and nesting opportunities. The display thoughtfully demonstrated a practical application of combining ornamental plants with ecological benefits, emphasising the role of roses in supporting garden wildlife.

Thousands of Plants Nurtured for Prestige

The plant-growing establishment meticulously prepared around 3,000 plants specifically for this highly regarded exhibition. Among this extensive collection, 1,500 were rose plants, each cultivated with the utmost care and attention to detail. This significant horticultural undertaking highlights the dedication and resources required to participate in the Chelsea Flower Show. The sheer volume of plants also indicates the diversity of varieties Peter Beales Roses is capable of presenting, showcasing the breadth of their collection and their expertise in bringing a multitude of roses to peak condition simultaneously for such a high-profile exhibition.

Image Credit - BBC

Weather Woes: A Difficult Growing Year

Before the announcement of their celebrated victory, Ian Limmer acknowledged the substantial challenges the weather had posed throughout the preceding year. He described it as a particularly challenging period for the vegetation, citing a significant lack of rainfall. This drought condition was particularly problematic when new rootstocks were installed at their growing site, as there was insufficient rain to help them establish properly in the soil. Such climatic difficulties underscore the resilience and horticultural skill required to achieve Chelsea gold.

Intense Summer Conditions Add to Plant Stress

Mr. Limmer further elaborated on the adverse weather, noting an unusually intense and early summer period. This brought with it considerable heat and strong light, creating additional hurdles in preparing the roses for the demanding standards of the Chelsea Flower Show. He remarked that the plants themselves seemed disoriented by the erratic weather patterns. These observations highlight the increasing unpredictability faced by horticulturists and the adaptability needed to manage plant health under fluctuating environmental stress.

Introducing 'Ashton Wold': A Rose with Heritage

The Chelsea Flower Show also provided the perfect stage for Peter Beales Roses to unveil a brand-new type of rose named 'Ashton Wold'. This special rose was developed to pay tribute to the Ashton Wold Estate, a place of historical significance, located in Northamptonshire. The introduction of new cultivars is a hallmark of leading nurseries, and 'Ashton Wold' represents the latest innovation from their breeding programme. This naming pays tribute to a site known for its connection to pioneering conservationist Charles Rothschild and its own rich ecological heritage.

Characteristics of the 'Ashton Wold' Rose

The 'Ashton Wold' rose presents as a radiant yellow shrub. It features soft, buttery-yellow semi-double blooms that release a gentle fragrance, particularly noticeable on warm summer days. Bred in-house by Peter Beales Roses, this variety was specifically developed with pollinators in mind, making it an excellent selection for any wildlife-friendly garden. Exhibiting glossy green foliage, strong upright growth, and superb disease resistance, 'Ashton Wold' is designed to be a joy for gardeners to cultivate. It promises repeat flowering from early summer until the first frosts.

The Legacy of Ashton Wold Estate

Ashton Wold, the namesake of the new rose, is an estate with a profound history rooted in conservation. It was the family home of Charles Rothschild (1877–1923), a pioneering naturalist and an early champion of wildlife conservation in Britain. In 1912, he founded the Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves, which later evolved into The Wildlife Trusts. Rothschild meticulously managed the estate of Ashton Wold to maximise its suitability for wildlife, particularly butterflies. The estate itself, including Ashton Wold House designed by William Huckvale around 1901, remains a cherished site for wildlife and ecological preservation.

A Rich History at Chelsea

The initial appearance of Peter Beales Roses at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show occurred during the nineteen seventies. Their initial participation led to their very first official recognition, which was a Bronze Flora award, in 1973. This marked the beginning of a long and successful relationship with the renowned exhibition. From that early recognition, the nursery has consistently demonstrated excellence, culminating in a remarkable series of gold medals. The period from 1989 through to 2025 has been particularly golden, establishing the company as a stalwart of the event.

The World's Most Prestigious Horticultural Event

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, formally known as the Great Spring Show, holds a unique position in the horticultural world. Its origins trace back to 1833 when the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) held shows in Chiswick, later moving to Kensington Garden. The show found its permanent home at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, in 1913. Despite interruptions during the two World Wars and the 2020 pandemic, it remains the most prestigious horticultural event globally, attracting around 157,000 visitors annually to its 11-acre site.

Royal Patronage and Enduring Appeal

The Chelsea Flower Show enjoys a long association with the British Royal Family. Queen Alexandra attended the first show in 1913. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II became a royal patron of the RHS in 1952 and made her first visit as Queen in 1955. This royal patronage continues, with members of the Royal Family regularly attending previews. The show serves as a major event on London's social calendar, showcasing horticultural excellence and innovation from around the world.

The Rigours of RHS Judging

Achieving a gold medal at RHS Chelsea is a significant accomplishment, reflecting adherence to stringent criteria. Independent judges, with expertise in horticulture, garden design, and landscape architecture, assess the exhibits. The judging process is meticulous, evaluating aspects such as the realisation of the designer's brief, overall impact, originality, design layout, construction quality, and planting excellence. Gardens are graded, and a score of 75% or higher is required for a gold medal. The process aims to be fair and transparent, celebrating the pinnacle of horticultural achievement.

Peter Beales: The Visionary Founder

The story of Peter Beales Roses began in 1968 when Peter Beales established his nursery, initially in Swardeston, Norfolk, before relocating to Attleborough. His deep passion was for wild and classic rose varieties. He dedicated himself to collecting and breeding these roses, saving many from extinction. Over time, the nursery evolved into a major specialist centre, cultivating over 1,200 different rose varieties. The RHS recognised his collection of over 100 wild rose types as Britain's most extensive. Peter Beales passed away in 2013, leaving a rich legacy.

Image Credit - BBC

Continued Success and New Ownership

Even after the founder's passing, Peter Beales Roses has continued its tradition of excellence. The company's commitment to quality and innovation remains strong, as evidenced by its continued success at Chelsea. In early 2024, Bells Horticultural of Lincolnshire acquired Peter Beales Roses. The new owners expressed their commitment to preserving the essential elements of the business, including the garden centre, rose garden, and the vital breeding programme, ensuring the "magic" of Peter Beales Roses endures.

The Art and Science of Rose Breeding

Creating new rose varieties, like 'Ashton Wold' or the 'With Courage' rose launched in 2024 for the RNLI's 200th anniversary, is a lengthy and intricate process. It can take around ten years from the initial cross-pollination to a variety being ready for launch. Breeders cross thousands of different varieties annually, producing tens of thousands of seeds. Only a small fraction of these, perhaps six to ten varieties after a decade of evaluation, will be deemed good enough to introduce to the market. This meticulous selection focuses on traits like disease resistance, fragrance, flower form, and overall vigour.

Roses for a Greener Future: Sustainability in Focus

The theme of sustainability and wildlife support in the Peter Beales Roses' Chelsea display reflects a broader shift in gardening. Modern rose breeding increasingly emphasises developing varieties that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also resilient and beneficial to the ecosystem. This includes breeding for disease resistance to minimise pesticide use and selecting varieties that provide food and habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. Roses, with their long flowering periods and often pollen-rich blooms, can be vital for bees, hoverflies, and other insects.

The Ecological Importance of Roses

Roses contribute significantly to garden biodiversity. They provide nectar and pollen for insects. Their dense structures can offer nesting sites for birds, and rose hips become a valuable food source for birds and small mammals during autumn and winter. Single and semi-double flowered roses are particularly beneficial for pollinators as their pollen is more accessible. The trend towards wildlife-friendly gardening sees roses playing a central role in creating balanced and thriving garden ecosystems.

Challenges of a Changing Climate

The "demanding twelve-month period" mentioned by Ian Limmer reflects the broader impact of climate change on UK horticulture. Shifts in plant phenology, such as earlier flowering times, are already noticeable. Altered rainfall patterns, with increased intensity of summer and autumn downpours and periods of drought, present significant challenges for cultivation. Warmer winters can affect plant dormancy and produce storage, while also potentially allowing new pests and diseases to thrive. Gardeners and nurseries must adapt by selecting more resilient plant varieties and implementing water-wise gardening practices.

Adapting to New Horticultural Realities

The horticultural industry is actively seeking solutions to mitigate climate change impacts. This includes breeding new plant varieties with greater tolerance for drought, heat, and waterlogging. Improving soil health is crucial for water retention and nutrient availability. There is also a focus on understanding and managing the changing life cycles of pests and diseases. The ability of nurseries like Peter Beales Roses to succeed despite these challenges demonstrates a proactive and knowledgeable approach to modern horticulture.

The Enduring Allure of the Rose

Despite the challenges, the popularity of roses remains undiminished. They are cherished for their beauty, fragrance, and incredible diversity of form and colour. From classic old roses to modern hybrids, they continue to captivate gardeners worldwide. The dedication of specialist nurseries like Peter Beales Roses ensures that these beloved flowers continue to thrive and evolve, bringing joy to gardens and supporting wildlife for generations to come. Their ongoing success at events like the Chelsea Flower Show is a testament to this enduring passion.

A Milestone Achievement Celebrated

The thirtieth gold medal for Peter Beales Roses during the RHS Chelsea Flower Show event is more than just an award. It represents decades of passion, expertise, and resilience. It celebrates a commitment to preserving horticultural heritage while embracing innovation and ecological responsibility. For the team at Attleborough, and for rose enthusiasts everywhere, this milestone is a cause for significant celebration, acknowledging a truly outstanding contribution to the world of roses.