The awards for Trial 46 (2014 – 16) at the New Zealand Rose Society International Trials were presented on December 4th at the Dugald Mackenzie Rose Gardens in Palmerston North.
A panel of 20 judges have assessed around 40 entries from New Zealand and overseas rose breeders (via their New Zealand agents) over a range of categories including freedom of flowering, health, plant quality, flower quality and fragrance. Certificates of Merit are awarded to those entries which score over 70 points while the Gold Star of the South Pacific is presented to the highest scoring rose on trial. Awards may also be presented for the best fragrant rose, the most novel rose and the best rose bred by a New Zealand amateur breeder provided they have scored 70 points or more.
Gold Star of the South Pacific &
World Federation of Rose Societies Peoples Choice Award.
‘Quintessential’ (Somhearteen)
Rob Somerfield, New Zealand. Entered by Glenavon Roses, Tauranga
Clusters of medium pink blooms with white reverse. Free flowering, very healthy with dark green foliage.
Nola Simpson Novelty Award
‘Eye of the Tiger’ (Chewbullseye)
Chris Warner, England. Entered by Tasman Bay Roses, Motueka.
Single blooms, yellow with red eye. Healthy, bushy grower. Free flowering.
Certificate of Merit
‘Mattliandup’ (Un-named)
Bob Matthews, New Zealand. Entered by Matthews Nurseries, Wanganui.
Pink blooms in clusters, strong healthy growing plant with glossy foliage. Scented.
Certificate of Merit
‘Purple Pizzazz’ (Somcarfume)
Bred by Rob Somerfield, New Zealand. Entered by Glenavon Roses, Tauranga.
Cerise purple flowers with white centre and reverse, scented. Compact grower with glossy foliage.