Royal Mail Unveils New Stamp Collection Celebrating English Roses

Royal Mail has launched an enchanting new stamp collection celebrating the beauty of English roses. The collection features ten stamps adorned with original watercolour illustrations created by renowned botanical artist Marie Burke. Each stamp showcases a unique selection of wild and cultivated roses, aiming to highlight the national affection for this iconic flower.

Showcasing Timeless Beauty

The stamps include a variety of roses such as Constance Spry, the first English rose bred by David Austin in 1961, which marked a pivotal moment in rose breeding. This flower is notable for combining the beauty and fragrance of traditional roses with the blooming efficiency of contemporary varieties. The collection presents an array of roses, from the delicate dog rose (Rosa canina) to the classic Rosa Peace and the fragrant Rosa Paul’s Himalayan Musk.

Other roses featured in this collection include Rosa Queen Elizabeth, Rosa Just Joey, Rosa Étoile de Hollande, Rosa gallica versicolor, Rosa Charles de Mills, and the field rose (Rosa arvensis). Each stamp artfully captures the unique colour, form, and character of these beloved flowers, showcasing their significance in both gardens and British culture.

A Celebration of Heritage and Innovation

This stamp issue coincides with the 100th anniversary of the birth of David CH Austin OBE, whose innovative work in rose breeding has left a lasting impact. Austin’s efforts helped revive the romance and fragrance of roses, making them a staple in gardens across the UK and beyond.

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.” He added that the stamps merge art and horticulture through Burke’s original illustrations, which aim to authentically represent each rose’s character.

The collection was developed in collaboration with horticultural historian Jennifer Potter, who contributed valuable insights into the history of these remarkable flowers. All modern garden roses can trace their lineage back to wild ancestors native to the northern hemisphere, which traditionally bore single, five-petalled flowers.

Over centuries, these wild varieties gradually evolved into garden cultivars, first through natural mutation and later through intentional breeding techniques. Old European roses, such as gallicas, albas, damasks, and centifolias, are particularly cherished for their rich scents and early summer blooms.

In the 18th century, the introduction of Chinese roses marked a significant shift in rose breeding practices, leading to repeat flowering and the emergence of the popular hybrid tea roses of today. This evolution reflects the ongoing appreciation and fascination with roses, which continue to inspire both gardeners and artists alike.

The new stamps and a selection of collectible products are available for purchase at royalmail.com/roses or by calling 03457 641641. A presentation pack containing all ten stamps is priced at £13.75.