Princess Alexandra of Kent Rose
The Princess Alexandra of Kent Rose is a variety of true distinction. Named for Princess Alexandra, a cousin to Queen Elizabeth II and a keen gardener, this rose lives up to its royal title by producing some of the largest and most opulent blooms in the David Austin collection. It is the ultimate choice for those who desire the “wow factor” of a peony with the elegance and fragrance of an English rose.
Signature Features & Aesthetics
- Luminous Color Gradient: The blooms are a warm, glowing pink. As the petals catch the light, you’ll notice the inner petals are a deeper, more vibrant pink, while the outer petals soften to a delicate, pale blush.
- Intricate Rosette Form: This rose is famous for being “deeply cupped.” Even when fully open, the many petals (approximately 130 per bloom) remain neatly tucked within a perfectly round, chalice-like shape.
- Complex Fragrance: A delight for the senses, it carries a strong and delicious “Old Rose” fragrance that evolves into a fresh, zesty lemon scent as the flower ages, eventually taking on hints of blackcurrant.
- Seasonal Versatility: Its robust pink hue is a staple for classic spring weddings but possesses enough “body” and depth to hold its own in rich, multi-colored summer arrangements.
Why Choose Princess Alexandra of Kent Roses?
- The “Giant” of Pink Roses: Because the blooms are unusually large for an English Rose, just a few stems are enough to create a full, lush look in a vase.
- Reliable Rebloomer: For gardeners, this variety is prized for its health and its ability to produce flower after flower from early summer until the first frosts.
- Garden-to-Vase Elegance: With its strong stems and healthy, matte-green foliage, it provides a sophisticated, “stately home” aesthetic to any floral display.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Breeder | David Austin (United Kingdom) |
| Color | Warm Pink to Soft Blush |
| Flower Form | Very Large, Deeply Cupped |
| Petal Count | 130+ Petals |
| Fragrance | Strong (Old Rose, Lemon, Blackcurrant) |
| Vase Life | 5 to 8 Days |
| Bloom Size | Large (10 cm – 12 cm) |
Professional Care Instructions
To ensure your Princess Alexandra of Kent Roses display their full royal splendor:
- Hydration is Key: Upon arrival, trim 1 inch from the stems at a 45-degree angle to help the large heads drink efficiently.
- Room Temp Water: Place in a clean vase with room-temperature water and the provided floral food.
- Support the Heads: Due to the sheer size and weight of the blooms, ensure your vase offers adequate neck support so the roses can stand proudly.
- Timing Your Event: These roses are dense with petals and need 2–3 days to open fully. For a weekend event, we recommend a Tuesday or Wednesday delivery.
- Cool Environment: To maximize their beauty, keep the vase away from direct sunlight, drafts, and ripening fruit.
