A NEW rose has been created to mark the 200th birthday of Emily Brontë.

Celebrated rose breeder David Austin has named his new English Rose ‘Emily Brontë’ (Ausearnshaw) as part of a year of celebrations for the bicentenary of the birth of the Wuthering Heights author.

The rose, launched this week at the Chelsea Flower Show, is soft pink with a subtle apricot hue and has a strong tea fragrance, which is complimented by hints of old rose, lemon and grapefruit.

Brontë Society executive director Kitty Wright said: “Over many years of piecing together Emily’s short but plenteous life, we know that she was completely at one with nature and the outdoors, so this is a really fitting tribute and celebration.

“David Austin Roses has created a beautiful bloom with charming colours and delicate details and its free-flowering nature makes it a perfect match for Emily.”

David Austin Jnr, Managing Director of David Austin Roses and eldest son of founder David Austin said the company introduced only a few new roses each year.

“This follows a nine-year breeding programme and therefore naming a rose is exceptionally important and personal to my father and I.

“We always want to choose a name that captures the character of the rose and also to reflect elements of British culture that are close to my father’s heart.

“Historically, many of our English Roses have been named after literary characters or authors and therefore to name the rose Emily Brontë for the bicentenary year was a fitting tribute.”

The new rose is part of a major programme of events curated by the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth.

Visit davidaustinroses.co.uk to buy the Emily Brontë rose, which costs £21.00 for a bare rooted rose, and £27.00 for a potted rose.