Early in 2025, Harper Beckham wanted to give a special present to her father to celebrate his 50th birthday. Fourteen-year-old Harper had no hesitation: nothing could be better than a beautiful, white, scented rose, bred by the great David Austin. The new, hitherto unnamed variety was chosen and 10 large flowerpots containing bushes in full bloom were delivered in time for David Beckham’s birthday celebrations on May 2. We do not know exactly how the choice was made, but sports editors point out that white is the colour of the English football shirt.

Every new rose that comes from a well-known breeder such as David Austin has its own story, which begins with the process of choosing its parents. This is a job for cold winter days, when little else can be done in a rose nursery. It is by st

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