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...

Blue September

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month so what better rose to feature than ‘Blue September’, a new release for 2024. ‘Blue September’ features clusters of fragrant lilac blue blooms, opening to reveal bee-friendly stamens. A medium growing plant with few thorns, this is an easy care variety suitable for all gardens. Bred by Bob Matthews, himself a prostate cancer survivor, $2 from the sale of each plant will be donated to the Prostate … [Read more...]

Mulberry Wine

Rose trials, such as the New Zealand Rose Society International Trials in Palmerston North, are a great place to see the latest trends in roses. This month we feature the overall winner from the most recently concluded trial presented last November. ‘Mulberry Wine’ was a standout winner for breeder Rob Somerfield.  Masses of fragrant purple cerise blooms cover the medium growing, slightly spreading plant. Very healthy with rich glossy … [Read more...]

Allison Scott

Every now and again, a rose variety will produce a sport which is a naturally occurring change in a characteristic of that variety. This month’s featured rose is a sport from the very popular rose ‘My Mum’. ‘Allison Scott’ is named after a well-known Hutt Valley Rosarian who discovered this sport in her garden. With all the characteristics of ‘My Mum’ other than bloom colour, a glowing warm coral orange. Grows to 1.4 metres high with strong … [Read more...]

In Friendship

Roses are often named for special occasions or to raise funds for various causes. This month’s featured rose has been named to mark the centenary of Inner Wheel, a voluntary service organisation for woman. ‘In Friendship’ has clusters of true red blooms on a bushy, healthy plant that grows to one metre.  A very free flowering variety, it will make a great display in any garden.  Bred by Bob Matthews, ‘In Friendship’ is only … [Read more...]

Centurion

The colour red is one of the most popular, if not the most popular colour in roses and this month we feature one of the best new red coloured releases in recent times. ‘Centurion’ is a bush rose with large clusters of vibrant orange-red blooms that attract the bees. A good rose for picking, the flowers last well in a vase. A medium-growing compact plant with dark glossy foliage and good disease tolerance. Named for the 100th birthday in … [Read more...]

Snow Bunny

Kordes of Germany are among the most well-known and successful rose breeders in the world with many fabulous creations to their credit. Our featured rose this month is one of their new releases onto the New Zealand market.‘Snow Bunny’ smothers itself with clusters of petite snow-white blooms. The compact growing bushy plant is very health with mid green foliage. Growing to 90cm, it is ideal for smaller gardens, pots or grown as a small … [Read more...]

Attention Seeker

Every year rose lovers look forward to the new releases being launched. This month we feature one of the new releases for winter 2023. ‘Attention Seeker’ is well named with striking golden apricot blooms catching the eye in the garden. Produced in clusters, the blooms have a good scent to enjoy.A vigorous medium growing plant with healthy, medium green glossy foliage. Bred by Rob Somerfield, this was a Certificate of Merit winner at the New … [Read more...]

ROMANZA® Ascot

Hybrid Tea roses have traditionally been about perfectly formed blooms, often borne one to a stem.  In recent times, Hybrid Teas have developed more of a nostalgic shaped bloom, mainly as a result of using shrubs in their breeding to improve health. ‘ROMANZA® Ascot’ is one such Hybrid Tea that has been recently released in New Zealand. The ball shaped blooms are red shaded violet and purple and are produced in small clusters. Sweetly … [Read more...]

A Gardeners Dream

To kick off 2023, we feature a welcome addition to the apricot coloured roses available. ‘A Gardeners Dream’ produces clusters of ruffled apricot blooms with the added bonus of a scent to enjoy. A low to medium growing plant, it is an easy care variety and looks especially stunning growing in groups. One of the ‘My Rose’ series bred by Bob Matthews, this rose was named for Wanganui Garden Centre who celebrated 75 years in business in 2022 … [Read more...]

FLORANZA® La Fillette

People either love or loath striped roses but no one can deny they are different. This month's featured rose is a recent release to the range of striped roses that shows much promise. ‘FLORANZA® La Fillette’ (French for Little Girl) covers itself in candy pink and white striped blooms that have a white reverse. Moderately scented with a tea scent. Medium growing to 1.1 metres, the foliage is light green and semi-glossy.  Bred by Australian … [Read more...]