New roses from New Zealand and overseas breeders lead the way with awards at the New Zealand International Rose Trials in Palmerston North in late November 2013.
The trials, which are operated as a partnership between the New Zealand Rose Society (Inc) and the Palmerston North City Council, aim to trial un-released rose varieties from leading New Zealand and International rose breeders with the view to their possible release onto the local market. At the conclusion of each trial, those roses which have gained an average of 70% are recognised with awards and reflect the consistently high performance that they have achieved over the two years of trial. This year’s trial has seen 20 judges assess entries in areas such as freedom of flowering, health, plant quality, flower quality and fragrance.
Gold Star of the South Pacific
The premier award of the trial grounds was awarded to an un-named rose, code named ‘Kentrooper’ bred by David Kenny of Ireland and entered by Tasman Bay Roses of Motueka. Masses of single russet red blooms cover the spreading, healthy plant. Yet to be named but will be introduced by Tasman Bay in the near future.
Nola Simpson Novelty Award and Certificate of Merit
The award for most novel rose on trial was awarded to ‘Bright as a Button’ (Chewsumsigns) bred by Chris Warner of England and entered by Tasman Bay Roses of Motueka. The single pale pink blooms have a dark pink eye. A spreading bush with a habit more like a shrub rose, it is exceptionally healthy. Already on the market in New Zealand
Certificates of Merit
‘Scott Base’ (Somfrilla) bred by Rob Somerfield, New Zealand and entered by Glenavon Roses of Tauranga. Clusters of creamy white blooms with good fragrance. A medium grower with good health. To be released 2015. ‘Somtopteen’ bred by Rob Somerfield of New Zealand and entered by Glenavon Roses, Tauranga. Creamy blooms with raspberry red edges. Very healthy with glossy foliage, medium height. To be released in the near future.
World Federation of Rose Societies Peoples Choice Award
Voted by delegates to the World Federation of Rose Societies Regional Convention held in Palmerston North, this award was won by ‘Sompounamu’, bred by Rob Somerfield of New Zealand and entered by Glenavon Roses in Tauranga. Lime buds open to lime green blooms which deepen in colour as the blooms age. Small to medium grower with matt green foliage. Top be released in the near future.