No other brand can boast such prestige and heritage as Rolls-Royce. These cars are always timeless, while still pushing the boundaries of possibilities in the world of luxury. Each model is unique in its individuality and style. And now, in addition to cars, the brand has also become world-famous for growing roses. The Phantom Rose has been in development for eight years and it became an inspiration for automotive designers.
With the upcoming RHS Chelsea Flower Show approaching, Rolls-Royce introduces the development of a rose bred exclusively for this brand. The creation of the unique plant is the work of award-winning British grower Philip Harkness. The only place in the world where this rare rose grows is the courtyard of the Rolls-Royce plant in Goodwood, West Sussex.
Rose growing has been a long tradition in the Harkness family, his ancestors have been enganged in their breeding since 1879.
The Phantom Rose grows in specially designed flower beds lined with lavender. The flower is creamy white, with more than 50 petals and a rich aroma. It was, as they say, a work full of love.
"A rose has the ability to captivate you on many levels. It is a thing of beauty, it can stimulate the senses with wonderful perfume, the soft touch of the petals or the rasping pain from a thorn. It touches our emotions, signifies love and appears in some of our finest poetry."
The Phantom Rose first appeared as a design accessory in Rolls-Royce cars in the Phantom car gallery in 2017. Part of the dashboard is made of glass filling, the backlight of which emphasizes the impression of an illuminated stage. In this case, the stage was represented by sophisticated porcelain decor.
For it to be created, the Phantom rose stems were brought to Nymfenburg, Bavaria, to the world-famous porcelain manufacturer's craftsmen. They examined the rose in various stages of growth - from buds to full bloom. Only then the rose flower motif could be made by hand in black and white from the finest porcelain.
"The rose pattern was supposed to embody the balance, elegance and charm of the Rolls-Royce brand. The result was a clean, delicate and at the same time voluminous flower - a sensual flower with a tempting scent that is extremely resistant to winter weather,"
Later, this unique flower also served as an inspiration for one of the designers of the Bespoke custom program for the Phantom car, Iehuan Hatherall. The result was a richly decorated car interior with unique rose embroidery consisting of more than a million precise stitches. The order was commissioned by a Swedish businessman with a passion for flowers. The Phantom rose is illustrated here in various stages of flowering, from the finest small buds and flowers to the Phantom rose in full bloom.
"There is a transcendent beauty when a rose garden is in full bloom. The patron wanted to create that same feeling of awe; an abundance of flowers to lift the spirit and celebrate nature's decadent beauty, in the Rose Phantom's serene interior,"
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which takes place from 18 to 23 May, will be held online for the first time due to Covid-19.