Its almost rose pruning time in New Zealand so its time to think about pruning yours – roses are usually pruned between late June and mid August depending on where you live. Despite what is often said or written about rose pruning being difficult, it is actually very easy provided a few basic principles are followed. If you are not sure on what to do with your roses, one of the best ways to learn is to attend a pruning demonstration that many … [Read more...]
May – Wedding Celebration
May is Royal Wedding month and what better way to celebrate than with a rose with a wedding theme ‘Wedding Celebration’ features large blooms of dark red, fully double with a pleasing perfume borne mostly solitary on long stems. A good variety for picking. Tall growing with glossy dark green foliage and has good health. Bred by Poulsens of Denmark, this variety has a name that is bound to sell it as a wedding gift and is a welcome addition … [Read more...]
April – Smart & Sassy
This month, we feature a new Bambina® rose from Canadian Rose Breeder Brad Jalbert that will attract attention in any garden. ‘Smart & Sassy’ has classic shaped blooms of velvet red with a golden reverse, which changes intensity with the weather. Blooms are mostly borne one to a stem on the bush that grows to 50cm high with glossy dark green foliage. A moderate sweet scent adds to the appeal of this variety. Looks good grown as a short … [Read more...]
March – The Lady Gardener
The David Austin or English roses have been popular with rose lovers in New Zealand since the first varieties were introduced over 30 years ago. This month, we feature one of the new introductions coming onto the market in winter 2018. ‘The Lady Gardener’ has large, full petalled blooms of a stunning rich apricot that pales towards the edges of the bloom. Strongly scented with a tea-vanilla scent. A bushy, medium growing plant with good … [Read more...]
2018 New Zealand Rose Review
On sale now, the 2018 Rose Review is your full-colour guide to the newer roses sold in the nurseries and garden centres around New Zealand. Rose nurseries also feature their latest releases. An essential guide if you are wanting to plant some roses in your garden today or order ahead for winter 2018. As advertised in the Kiwi Gardener magazine. For further information and to order your copy, click here Advertisers for 2018 Amore … [Read more...]
February – Kiss the Bride
February is, of course, the month of Valentine’s Day (14th in case anyone has forgotten) and although our Rose of the Month is not red, it does have a romantic name. ‘Kiss the Bride’ is a newer variety with clusters of cream to pale pink blooms, lightly scented and opening to reveal golden yellow stamens. A tall grower with very healthy mid-green foliage, this variety is a great addition to any garden. A Certificate of Merit winner at the … [Read more...]
January – Quintessential
We begin 2018 by featuring a promising new rose variety that will be released this winter in New Zealand. ‘Quintessential’ comes from the breeding program of Rob Somerfield and combines his signature traits of lots of flowers and exceptional health. The medium pink blooms have a lighter reverse to the petals and as they are packed with petals, they have an old fashioned appearance and are lightly scented. A medium, bushy grower with dark … [Read more...]