It is a sport of the deep pink hybrid perpetual 'Heinrich Schultheis', introduced by Henry Bennet in 1882.

The RHS Encyclopedia of Roses lists 'Paul's Early Blush' (Paul 1893) and 'Mrs Harkness' (Harkness, 1893) as two separate sports of 'Heinrich Schultheis',[2] while Peter Beales uses the names synonymously.

Harkness' has large double flowers with a cupped bloom form and 17 to 25 petals and a strong cinnamon fragrance.

The leaves grow on thick have a dark greyish green colour.

Harkness' tolerates poorer soils,[1] is winter hardy down to −20 °C (USDA zone 6), but is susceptible to mildew.