The Persica or Hulthemia roses have recently made their mark in New Zealand with their distinct blooms, each with a darker ‘eye’ in the centre of the blooms. To date, these have been floribunda or shrub type roses but the rose we feature this month breaks the mould. ‘Eye in the Sky as the name suggests is a climber and climb it does but it is not too vigorous and takes over everything. The blooms are single, cream – apricot in colour with a … [Read more...]
January – Eye of the Tiger
We begin 2017 by featuring of the winners from the New Zealand Rose Society trials in Palmerston North last year whose novelty caught the eye of the judges. ‘Eye of the Tiger’ received the Nola Simpson Award for the most novel rose in the trials which run over two years. This variety is another of the Hulthemia or Persica roses that are characterised by a darker base to the petal giving the impression of an ‘eye’. In the case of ‘Eye of the … [Read more...]
Rose Trial winners 2016
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 … [Read more...]
September – Sugar Plum
Patio climbing roses have been around for many years with the last 20 years seeing a number of varieties released from English Rose Breeder Chris Warner. These have become popular with their smaller blooms and generally more contained growth habit making them ideal for small gardens. This month, we feature one of the best ‘Sugar Plum’ is one of the first roses to flower each season and produces small, well formed blooms of magenta purple - a … [Read more...]
New Zealand Rose of the Year 2014
The New Zealand Rose of the Year trials were held 13th - 16th November at Rogers Rose Garden, Hamilton. The public judged the roses over the four days while VIPS judged on the final day before the presentation of awards. The trials are for varieties already on the market in New Zealand. New Zealand Rose of the Year 2014, Best Hybrid Tea and Best NZ Raised Rose: 'Love Heart' (Somsirwith) Bred by Rob Somerfield, New Zealand. Entered by … [Read more...]
2013 NZRS Trial winners
New roses from New Zealand and overseas breeders lead the way with awards at the New Zealand International Rose Trials in Palmerston North in late November 2013. The trials, which are operated as a partnership between the New Zealand Rose Society (Inc) and the Palmerston North City Council, aim to trial un-released rose varieties from leading New Zealand and International rose breeders with the view to their possible release onto the local … [Read more...]
March – Taffeta
As summer fade into autumn, it is time to take note of how our roses have performed over the summer months. … [Read more...]
December – Bright as a Button
For this month, we feature a fairly newish rose to New Zealand but one that can trace its origins back some years. … [Read more...]
March – Nelson Girls
This month as Nelson prepares to host the National Autumn Rose Show and Convention, we are featuring a rose named for the 125th celebrations of Nelson College for Girls and one that is a good all-round performer in any garden. … [Read more...]
May – Sundancer
With winter quickly on its way, this month we feature a vibrant coloured climbing rose that will warm the garden come summer time. … [Read more...]