JANE Austen’s House Museum in Chawton is continuing its bicentenary commemorations with the launch of its very own Jane Austen Rose.

The rose, developed by Harkness Roses, was unveiled by Jane Austen’s House Museum ambassador, celebrity gardener, presenter and author Alan Titchmarsh at the Chelsea Flower Show on Monday.

He was joined for the occasion by Philip Harkness, museum curator Mary Guyatt, and volunteer Sue Dell.

Harkness Roses will be donating a percentage of their proceeds to help support the museum’s fundraising appeal to restore and protect the author’s precious home.

The museum is of international importance as the place where Jane spent the last eight years of her life and where she wrote or revised all her novels.

The rose, a bright and vibrant orange bush rose, reflecting the vibrancy of Austen’s characters, celebrates Jane Austen’s life in her bicentenary year. With a light sweet scent and great depth of colour, the rose radiates warmth.

Later in this special commemorative year, Mr Titchmarsh will plant the Jane Austen Rose in the museum’s cottage garden. The roses will be onsale at the museum as well as via Harkness Roses.