The rose is our most popular flower, and rightly so. A single rose bud captures perfection, slowly opening to celebrate nature at its very best.

And as well as being a thing of beauty, roses are the perfect plant to grow as a celebration of life.

When a close friend lost her husband in a tragic accident at work, she wanted a way to ensure he was always remembered, whilst at the same time benefitting others. Together, the idea evolved of naming a rose in his memory, providing an opportunity to raise money for charity in the process.

A call to rose expert Robert Wharton identified several exciting new rose seedlings, so a visit was arranged to his Norfolk nursery to see them. My friend selected the best to be named in loving memory of her husband. ‘The One & Only’ was born – a fitting name for such a generous, kind-hearted man.

This stunning rose was bred in France by the famous Meilland company as part of their ‘Parfum de Provence’ programme. It’s a rose of quality and character, with rich crimson-red petals that feel like velvet. Forming a perfect rose bud, each flower is tightly packed with petals so opens like an old-fashioned fully double English rose.

With inbuilt disease resistance and a strong growth habit, this hybrid tea rose is one of the most striking introductions I’ve seen in recent years. But ‘The One & Only’ doesn’t just look beautiful it smells stunning too. It’s absolutely intoxicating, captivating everyone who sees and smells it.

Every rose sold will raise £5.00 for a charity that creates and maintains gardens for children’s hospices throughout the country, enabling children and their families to enjoy wonderful gardens and play areas.

This is a rose whose name says it all. ‘The One & Only’ is the perfect rose to give or to grow yourself. We all have someone special in our lives or memories of loved ones we’d like to remember. And enjoying a perfect rose like this will bring those memories flooding back.