CELEBRITY gardener Alan Titchmarsh has planted a rose in the garden of Jane Austen’s House Museum at Chawton.

It came as the museum marks 200 years since the famous author died.

The Jane Austen rose was specially developed by Harkness Roses for the museum and was launched by Alan at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show.

Alan, who is also an ambassador for the museum, planted the rose alongside Philip Harkness, of Harkness Roses, and Celia Simpson, head gardener at the museum.

Mary Guyatt, curator at the museum, said: “Everyone was really happy to see Alan planting the Jane Austen rose in the author’s very own garden.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with Harkness Roses and today was another high point in Jane’s bicentenary year.”

The bright and vibrant orange bush rose, reflects the vibrancy of Austen’s characters.

Harkness Roses is donating a percentage of the proceeds from sales of the roses to help support Jane’s Fund, the museum’s fundraising appeal to restore and protect Jane Austen’s home. The Jane Austen rose is available to order from the museum shop as well as via Harkness Roses.