In 2020, the New Zealand Rose Society International Trials in Palmerston North celebrate 50 years – a remarkable milestone as the oldest rose trials in the Southern Hemisphere.
To celebrate this occasion, the Mayor of Palmerston North, Grant Smith has commissioned a new rose to be named for Palmerston North, a city that has a long and proud association with the rose.
Donated by its breeder, Rob Somerfield, the medium growing Hybrid Tea has well-formed blooms of golden yellow with an orange flush to the outer petals. The blooms are slightly fragrant and last well when picked. It is very healthy with glossy green foliage.
There will be a limited first release of this variety at the 2020 National Spring Rose Show and Convention, which is being held November 28th & 29th 2020 at the Palmerston North Conference and Function Centre. This event will also celebrate 50 years of the rose trials.
It now needs a name and not just any name but something that will capture the city that was once known as New Zealand’s Rose City. For the person who comes up with the name chosen, the winner will receive six different rose varieties bred by Rob Somerfield, including one plant of the rose being named.
To enter:
Fill in the form below. Competition opens 1st August and closes 30th September 2019 with the winning name to be announced at the Rose Trials awards presentation for 2019 on Sunday, December 1st in Palmerston North.
Contact will be made with the winner if they are not present.
Update 1st October – competition has now closed. Thanks for all your entries.
Terms and Conditions
– The prize will consist of six rose plants donated by Rob Somerfield including one of the rose being named. Plants will be supplied bare root in winter 2020. – The winner consents to their name being used for publicity purposes
– Prize cannot be redeemed for cash.
– The name will be selected by a committee consisting of one representative from the Manawatu Rose Society, one representative from Palmerston North City Council and Rob Somerfield.
– The committee reserves the right not to use any name entered.
– The committee reserves the right to modify any submitted name to make it more suitable for naming the rose.
– Names must be three words or less.
– Names must not be similar to commercially grown rose varieties in New Zealand.
– Names must not be of persons or businesses, real or fictional nor any trademarks.
– As the prize cannot be sent overseas, entries will only be accepted from New Zealand residents.
I love the glow of this yellow rose would look nice with red or white plantings
Yellow is my favourite colour so I would love to win this rose. It looks lovely.
Name the rose :- Man whata Rose. Or. City of Joy
It is soft, beautiful and implies from its characteristics….longevity. Just like the Manawatu. Regardless i also buy for fragrance and am excited to purchase one
There is something irresistible about roses. They are the light of the soul.
I love it , very alive looking, with bright green leaves and golden colours , would love it to brighten my garden .
A beautiful shape and gold colour, plus scented makes for a glorious rose in this beauty. Having left a farmlet and large garden I am in the process of setting up a new garden in town with a stream running through it. I have plans to plant at least 10 roses along one boundary so will seriously consider this as yet unnamed beauty.
Thank you for another truly beautiful rose
What a loveiy colour rose i love Hybrid Tea Roses i have 37 up my drive way and room for more thank you.
A truly beautiful rose. Makes it so much better that it has a scent. Such a shame when some of the pretty roses on the market have no scent. Would look stunning in anyones garden
Can’t wait to smell this beauty, or to own one
What a beautiful rose which I would love in my garden. Thank you
for sharing it with us.
Rosalie Fisher
My wife and I are Rose lovers! And would love to own this lovely golden coloured rose!!! Very beautiful and attractive! It’s such a head turner!