Famous in the horticultural world for its gorgeous, award-winning roses, British family business, Peter Beales Roses, has been acquired by Bells Horticultural, an esteemed specialist in ornamental plants. The two historic businesses, which have well over a century of growing and cultivation between them, are thrilled to now be entering future flowering seasons together.
The Peter Beales business consists of a thriving garden centre close to Attleborough in Norfolk, where it has been based since its foundation by Peter Beales himself in 1968. The site incorporates a spectacular two-acre rose garden, home to the National Collection of Species Roses (Rosa Spp). Free to enter to the public, each year the garden welcomes visitors from all over the world, all wanting to view the hundreds of champion roses that are grown to perfection under the watchful eye of Nursery Manager, Ian Limmer. Ian is pleased to be staying with the business under its new ownership and is now looking forward to this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where he has high hopes of scooping a 29th gold medal for Peter Beales Roses.
For Bells Horticultural, which was established by the Bell family in the early 1960s, this joining of forces with the legendary rose grower is an exciting but natural progression. The Lincolnshire company is headed up by the sixth generation of family members to work there since its formation, who oversee an active arable farm and modern glass house production, which utilises both green energy in the form of biomass and solar, rainwater harvesting systems, full program of recycling and peat reduction initiatives.
Retail Director, Holly Bell, says: “Having long admired and respected the work of Peter Beales and his famous roses, it is a dream come true for us to be joining forces with the devoted team there. There is a lot of natural synergy between our two family businesses, which are united by a rich heritage together with love and respect for British horticulture. We are very excited about the future and committed to nurturing the exceptional reputation and ethos of Peter Beales Roses to the very best of our ability, both locally and worldwide. 2024 is already shaping up to be a blooming good year for us all!”
Blending the Ancient & Modern for Perfect Plants
With Peter Beales enjoying an impeccable reputation as one of the best-loved rose growers in the world – famous for such varieties as Queens Jubilee, St Ethelburga, Ivors Rose, Frilly Cuff, and Everest Double – the importance of maintaining this legacy has not been lost on the Bell family. They and their dedicated team are fully committed to keeping an infinite passion for roses at the heart of Peter Beales and building on that legacy with their own expertise and resources.
A world-class rose breeding programme, which has brought some of the most historic varieties back from the brink of extinction, will continue to grow strong alongside ongoing development of the Peter Beales’ Modern Classics range. These Modern Classics blend the glorious beauty of old English roses with all the disease-resistance and vigour that horticultural science can deliver, for hardier plants that flower abundantly and bring joy to the world for longer.
Ian Limmersays: “We will keep on doing what we do best: cultivating champion roses which combine a genuine historical value with the best of modern breeding techniques. Thanks to the new investment and resources that Bells Horticultural can bring, we will expand our breeding programme and work towards safeguarding more heritage roses, as well as developing unique new plants which build on the superb legacy of Peter Beales.”
RHS Chelsea 2024 Showcase
With 28 gold medals to its name already, preparations for the highlight of the gardening calendar – RHS Chelsea 2024 – are well underway; and you can be sure that Peter Beales will have their sights set on another top prize!
Chelsea visitors will be able to find Peter Beales in the Great Pavilion with their largest display yet – over 100m sqm of space dedicated to what it hopes will be another medal-winning rose extravaganza. You can look forward to seeing an opulent display of plants in their ultimate technicolour glory, which is guaranteed to delight rose lovers of all ages. Keep your eyes peeled and noses clear for perfumes and petals that are truly worthy of a King, Queen, Prince or Princess!
In another exciting development, it has been confirmed that Peter Beales Roses will be working in collaboration with one of the UK’s most respected institutions. The precise details are under wraps for now, but the project will be designed to honour and celebrate some very brave individuals who tirelessly work to keep others safe. Set to be supported by a spectacular limited edition rose, full details of this historic collaboration will be unveiled in the coming months.
Workshops & Courses
The Peter Beales onsite Workshops & Courses programme is already in full flow with a packed agenda scheduled for spring and summer as the team once again throw open their doors to rose lovers from all corners of the globe. Already this month you can join the Planting & Pruning day-long workshop (Friday 16th and Monday 19th February), a comprehensive rose advice course that will give you all the know-how you need for cultivating stunning roses in your own garden. Then, in the height of summer, the Caring for Roses morning workshops (10th, 11th and 12th of July) will provide more invaluable advice from Peter Beales’ expert Rosarians.
Roses are the most picturesque of plants, so why not make the most of them with a Garden Photography Workshop, running on 28th June? Not only will you learn to photograph roses to perfection, but award-winning photographer, Kevin Sawford, will help you capture the beauty of other garden flowers at the same time.
The day-long workshops both include onsite accommodation, whilst other courses include the Alpine Garden Workshop, Hanging Basket Workshop and Maintaining Climbing and Rambling Roses Workshop. You should also mark your calendars for the highlight of the Peter Beales event calendar, The Rose Festival Weekend, returning on 22nd – 23rd June, where visitors can marvel at the stunning rose gardens and glimpse the historic collections for themselves.
Visit the website for a full list of Workshops & Courses available this year and to purchase tickets.
Find out more
Peter Beales Roses can be found on London Road, Attleborough, Norfolk. The garden centre is open daily, 9am – 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am – 4pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays. In addition to the garden centre, visitors can tour the Rose Gardens year-round, take part in workshops and courses, or join one of the guided tours, which provides insight into the history and daily work of developing such world-leading gardens.
See more at www.classicroses.co.uk or call 01953 454707.
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About Bells Horticultural
Bells Horticultural, based in Lincolnshire, is a six-generation family farm with a longstanding tradition in horticulture. Committed to quality and innovation, the company is dedicated to providing customers with premium plants and gardening solutions. With a rich heritage, Bells Horticultural is a trusted name in the world of horticulture.
About Peter Beales Roses
Peter Beales Roses, established in 1968, is a celebrated brand, synonymous with the cultivation of exceptional roses. With a history spanning 56 years, the brand has been a beacon in the world of roses, known for its commitment to quality and timeless elegance. The acquisition by Bells Horticultural ensures the continued legacy of Peter Beales Roses in the horticultural landscape.
For more information, interviews or images please contact:
Kimberley Hornby by email: kimberley@hornbywhitegeorgepr.com or call 07851 610573.