The awards for Trial 47 (2015 – 17) at the New Zealand Rose Society International Trials were presented on November 26th at the Dugald Mackenzie Rose Gardens in Palmerston North. It was a clean sweep for rose breeder Rob Somerfield of Glenavon Roses in Tauranga with all four awards presented on the day by the Mayor of Palmerston North, Grant Smith.
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.
The 2017 winners will be released on the New Zealand market in the next 2-3 years.
Gold Star of the South Pacific
‘Love Bug’ (Somheartlo)
Rob Somerfield, New Zealand. Entered by Glenavon Roses, Tauranga
Cardinal red blooms in clusters. Dark glossy green foliage on a strong, vigourous growing plant
Certificates of Merit
‘Night Light’ (Somserenteen)
Rob Somerfield, New Zealand. Entered by Glenavon Roses, Tauranga
Medium sized blooms of lemon. Compact, upright bush with good health.
‘Tabasco’ (Sombousel)
Rob Somerfield, New Zealand. Entered by Glenavon Roses, Tauranga
Medium sized blooms of orange salmon, compact grower with good health.
‘Strawberry Blonde’
Rob Somerfield, New Zealand. Entered by Glenavon Roses, Tauranga
Fragrant blooms of soft apricot. Medium, spreading bush