Youth Without Limits Rose
The DofE’s new ‘Youth Without Limits’ charity rose has launched at Chelsea Flower Show 2026.
The charity rose, in vibrant shades of orange and pink, was designed and cultivated by Harkness Roses’ Chairman and ‘Rose-Grower-In-Chief’ Philip Harkness.
The winning design was selected by DofE Youth Ambassadors, Alexandra and Lucy, and by DofE alumna, Gillian, 86.
Pre-order your Youth Without Limits rose for £23.99, with £5 from every rose sold being donated back to the DofE charity.
About the 'Youth Without Limits' rose
Colour: Pink and Peachy yellow combination
Size: Tall x Wide 75 cm x 60 cm
Scent: 5/10
Type: Bush Rose – Floribunda
This rose delights with clusters of five to seven blooms, each up to 9 cm across and filled with around 40 petals. From early summer until late autumn, the perfectly rounded flowers open in glowing shades of golden amber and yellow, gradually softening to cream while the outer petals deepen to pink. The fragrance is light yet intriguing, with a subtle spiciness reminiscent of cloves and cinnamon. The mid to dark-green foliage, glossy and resilient, provides a handsome backdrop, while the fresh red tones of young leaves add an extra touch of vibrancy. Robust and disease-resistant, it is a rewarding rose for any garden.
Selecting the rose
Gillian was one of the first girls to take part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award after it was opened to girls in 1958. Talking about selecting the ‘Youth Without Limits’ rose, Gillian said: “I chose this rose because it’s vibrant, it stands up and it stays standing up. I feel that if you do DofE, you can achieve a lot, and go on ahead, and this rose seemed symbolic of that.”
Gillian’s daughter Hazel, and granddaughter Megan, also both went on to become DofE Gold Award holders. Reflecting on her DofE Award journey, Gillian said: “Being one of the first girls to do the DofE gave us a great opportunity to do something that not a lot of girls had the chance to – it gave us confidence to try new things, it’s character building, it was something we could achieve on our own, and we could be part of a group and make lots of friends.”
Planting the rose at Springwest Academy, Feltham
DofE participants at Springwest Academy in Feltham have been cultivating their school garden, Springwest Blooms, as part of their DofE Volunteering activities, where they also planted the first ‘Youth Without Limits’ rose.
Rose Quincey, 14, a student at Springwest Academy in Feltham, who is working towards her Bronze DofE Award said: “Planting the first DofE rose here feels very special. Before I started my DofE, I didn’t have a garden because was I living in a flat, so being able to volunteer in our school garden was a great opportunity for me.
“Through DofE I’ve made new friends and we always have the funniest moments. I’m outside, being active, and not on my phone twenty-four-seven! I’ve also just moved house, so I have a garden at home now which is brand new! I’m looking forward to using my gardening skills to help my parents make it look nice.”
Why Harkness Roses supports the DofE
Philip Harkness, Chairman and ‘Rose-Grower-in-Chief’ at Harkness Roses, said: “One of the joys of our business is that we sell plants that give people pleasure – and what makes this Youth Without Limits rose even more special is that every time somebody buys one, there’s a five-pound donation per plant that goes to the DofE. And that money helps fund places for young people on the Award, who might not otherwise be in a position to take part.”
“Anything that gets young people involved in nature, horticulture and plants is so important for wellbeing and the future of the planet. So, anything we can do to help share that message and involve young people has got to be our number one priority.”
