The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has announced the rose as its June plant of the month.
With the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and forthcoming Olympics, the HTA's British Rose Group is pulling out all the stops to encourage patriotic planting this summer.

HTA horticultural adviser David Gilchrist said: "With such a wide range available you can find roses that will suit both large and small gardens, contemporary or traditional, varieties for planting into flower beds or traditional borders and for potting into planters for the courtyard or patio garden, giving instant appeal. Roses can be used for all aspects of the garden, from cladding walls and pergolas to providing informal barriers. Rambling roses can be used to cover old stumps and unsightly fences or walls."

Several new roses have launched this year to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Peter Beales recently launched a new collection of modern classic roses including the 'Queen's Jubilee Rose' and 'Red Letter Day' to commemorate the celebrations. Other roses with a royal theme include 'Countess of Wessex', 'Highgrove', 'Festive Jewel' and 'Royal Smile.'

David Austin Roses are also marking the occasion with a new rose 'The Royal Jubilee.' This joins regal themed 'William and Catherine', 'Queen Elizabeth', 'Prince Charles' amongst others with a royal connection that can be planted in the garden.

John Woods Nurseries' 2012 Rose of The Year, 'Moment in Time' makes the perfect choice for planting and was named to celebrate both the Diamond Jubilee and the UK hosting of the 2012 Olympics. 'Olympic Spirit' is also launched this year to mark the occasion.

Nominated and agreed upon by British growers and retailers, the HTA's Plant of the Month campaign highlights the plants that are widely available and looking especially good in garden centres each month. Different varieties are recommended together with simple planting and care hints and tips.

Plant of the Month point of sale materials can be purchased through HTA partners Hortipak and Floramedia.

The aim of the Plant of the Month campaign is to make it easier for gardeners by selecting a plant on a monthly basis that will be looking great, is widely available from UK nurseries and easy to maintain in the garden.