'ONE of Herefordshire's finest farmers' has been honoured with a new rose being named after him.

Allensmore Nurseries have named their first world exclusive rose, ‘The Prior Rose’ after well-known Hereford farmer Ian Prior.

The nursery ventured into rose production two years ago after realising there was a shortage of roses being grown in the UK.

With over a million plants now having been planted in the ground in Vowchurch, every one hand-grafted by specialist horticulturists, it makes for a spectacular sight. 

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The new rose bred by world-renowned breeder Colin Dickson in Belfast has been carefully propagated by Allensmore and they hope to have their first plants available for sale next year.

Managing director Mark Taylor said: "It seemed only right to name our first exclusive variety after one of Hereford’s finest farmers who has supported us in this exciting venture.

"It takes several years to produce a rose from a seedling to an established flowering plant and the utmost care is needed in the field to make this happen. This Prior Rose exhibits an open flower perfect for bees and other pollinators with a beautiful rose-red colour."