From late October through to early December is the time for rose shows and displays throughout New Zealand. Rose enthusiasts look forward to this time of the year as they show off their blooms to fellow rose lovers. There are a wide range of classes in which roses are entered from the more formal 'one bloom per vase' through to novelty classes where imaginations can run wild around various themes. No matter what your preference is, there is … [Read more...]
Endless Summer
As we head towards summer, we will be anticipating the first blooms on new varieties that will be flowering for the first time.One new variety to look out for is ‘Endless Summer’ bred by Rob Somerfield of New Zealand. ‘Endless Summer’ features classically formed blooms of yellow that hold their colour well. Great for picking with long stems. A vigourous, healthy growing rose to 1.5 metres high. Available from resellers of Glenavon … [Read more...]
Phlox Meidiland®
This month we feature a new release rose from one of the oldest and leading rose breeding families in the world with a history stretching back to 1850.Phlox Meidiland® from Meilland of France is a very healthy rounded shrub with masses of single rose pink blooms with a white centre. There is a medium sweet old fashioned rose scent to please those who love fragrant roses. Grows to one metre high. A Certificate of Merit winner at the NZRS trials … [Read more...]
Waikato 2025
Celebrating 80 Years with the Daltons National Spring Show & Convention!The Waikato Rose Society is proud to host the Daltons National Spring Show and Convention this year, marking our 80th anniversary!Dates & Times:• Saturday, 8th November – Open to the public from 12:30pm – 5pm• Sunday, 9th November – Open to the public from 10am – 4pm Location:Hamilton Gardens PavilionWhat to Expect:Stunning rose displays – admire the "Queen of … [Read more...]
Twinkle
This month we feature a very easy care new rose that will twinkle in any garden.‘Twinkle’ features a mass of petite white blooms that smother the compact, bushy plants. The lightly scented blooms feature golden yellow stamens which are attractive to the bees. A great landscaping variety with very healthy deep green foliage. Bred by Bob Matthews and available as a bush or standard from Matthews Nurseries and their … [Read more...]
Old Friends
Our featured rose this month is another new release and one to plant to remember friends from years gone past. ‘Old Friends’ features masses of blooms, larger in size with creamy petals surrounding the lemon centre. The blooms are lightly scented and create an outstanding display. Winner of a Certificate of Merit at the New Zealand Rose Society trials in Palmerston North 2019. Bred by Rob Somerfield and available from resellers of … [Read more...]
Aroha
Everyone loves a red rose and this month we feature one to look out for as a new release for winter 2025. ‘Aroha’ starts with the most amazing bud form, opening to cherry red blooms that are great for picking. Good repeat bloom on a healthy plant with deep glossy foliage. Grows to 1.2 metres high. Bred by Bob Matthews of Matthews Nurseries Ltd, Whanganui. Available from Matthews Nurseries www.matthewsroses.co.nz or their resellers as … [Read more...]
Frank Penn Award
Congratulations to Lyn Anisy from the Westland Rose Society who has been awarded the Frank Penn Memorial Award for 2025. This award recognises service at a local level and Lyn is a most deserving recipient. Lyn has been a member of the Westland Rose Society for 28 years, a committee member for all that time and their Secretary for the past eight years. Lyn was made a life member of Westland last year. Lyn is a tremendous fundraiser, selling … [Read more...]
Life membership
Congratulations to Rachael Chalmers who was presented with Life Membership of the New Zealand Rose Society at the South Island Rose Ranfurly in Rangiora. Rachael first joined the Southland Rose Society in 2005, holding several positions until moving to Dunedin in 2013. In 2011, Rachael was appointed as Editor of the New Zealand Rose Annual, a position she held until 2018. During that time, Rachael oversaw the change to a full colour … [Read more...]
Adorable
Purple is a colour that seems to be either liked or loathed by rose lovers but our featured roses is one that could tempt anyone to grow it in their garden. ‘Adorable’ features purple blooms which are produced on an upright bushy medium plant to 1.4 metres. There is a very strong rich perfume, perhaps the best feature of this rose which makes it appealing to anyone who loves a scented rose. Bred by Kordes of Germany who are known for … [Read more...]