The New Zealand Rose Society

Join the New Zealand Rose Society to attend local rose meetings, rose shows, pruning demonstrations, rose trials, publications, rose of the month and more...

Valerie Webster

For the first month of 2021, we feature one of the winners from the NZRS International Rose Trials in Palmerston North which were announced at the end of November. Clusters of pure yellow blooms, lightly scented feature on a very healthy, medium growing plant with glossy green foliage. Named in celebration of Zonta International’s Centennial year in 2019 and for their beloved past Governor Valerie Webster. Presented with a Certificate of Merit … [Read more...]

Showpiece Berry

This month we feature one of a new series of roses from the same breeder as the popular Flower Carpet® roses which are being introduced to New Zealand this month. ‘Showpiece Berry’ is one of the Showpiece™  series from Werner and Reinhardt Noack of Germany and features purplish/pink blooms, other colours being introduced at the same time are ‘Blush’ (light pink) and ‘Lipstick’ (red/pink)with more in the pipeline. All the Showpiece … [Read more...]

December – Everlasting Hope

This month we feature the winner of the New Zealand Rose of the Year competition where the public gets to vote for the best rose on show at Rogers Rose Garden in Hamilton. It also won the award for best New Zealand raised rose and the best shrub rose. ‘Everlasting Hope’ has been named for Postnatal Depression Canterbury for the amazing work they do by breeder Rob Somerfield.  The blooms are soft to medium pink with a gorgeous perfume which … [Read more...]

Wollerton Old Hall

This month we feature a recent English rose to be released in New Zealand and is proving to be a worthy addition to the range of English roses available here ‘Wollerton Old Hall’ is a large shrub that is perhaps best grown as a climber under New Zealand conditions. Quick to repeat, the blooms are produced in clusters and open apricot, turning cream as they age.  Strongly scented, it is a welcome addition to the range of English roses in this … [Read more...]

March – Feeling Better

Over the coming months, we’ll be profiling some of the newer roses coming onto the market in winter 2019 and this month’s rose is one named for a good cause. ‘Feeling Better’ has been bred by Rob Somerfield and is a follow up to his successful ‘Looking Good’, both of which have been named for the Look Good, Feel Better Foundation to highlight their fantastic work done with post-cancer treatment. The blooms are soft cream with a thin … [Read more...]

August – Golden Gate

Rose of the Month – Golden Gate Good yellow flowering climbing roses are few and far between so this month’s featured rose is a welcome addition to the range of climbing roses available in New Zealand. ‘Golden Gate’ features semi-double blooms of golden yellow that cover the plant with good repeat over the summer months. Even better, there is a good scent to the blooms to enjoy. Bred by Kordes of Germany who are known for creating super … [Read more...]

July – Eye in the Sky

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...]

June – Everlasting Hope

Many roses are named for good causes and this month’s featured rose has been named for a worthy cause worth supporting. ‘Everlasting Hope’ has been named for Postnatal Depression Canterbury by its breeder Rob Somerfield and is being released this winter to promote the amazing work they do. A shrub rose, ‘Everlasting Hope’ bears clusters of large blooms of soft pink, strongly scented. Long stems make this rose a good one for picking while … [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...]

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...]