This one we feature something different, a modern Polyantha rose that can be described as a violet blue version of ‘The Fairy’ Bred by Kim Rupert of the United States, ‘Pixy® Lauren’ features masses of small mauve – violet blooms in large clusters all summer long. The blooms have a medium sweet apple scent. Very easy to grow with great health, the rounded shrub grows to 90cm tall. Available from Amore Roses Photos courtesy Amore Roses … [Read more...]
The Poets Wife
This month we feature a newer English rose that will brighten up any garden and looks to be a welcome addition to the range of yellow roses in this category. ‘The Poets Wife’ has rich yellow cupped blooms which pale over time. Richly scented, the sweet scent has a hint of lemon. Very healthy with glossy green foliage, it grows as a nicely rounded shrub of a medium height. One to look out for, especially for those that are enthusiasts of … [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...]
November – Sweet Romanza
November is when roses are at their peak flowering in New Zealand and it is always good to see what newer roses look like when they begin blooming. This month we feature a newer variety with lots of promise. ‘Sweet Romanza’ is from Dutch breeders Spek and has blooms of white with the faintest tinge of pink to the blooms, moderately scented with a tea rose scent. It is super healthy with dark green glossy foliage. Grows to 1.2 metres and is an … [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...]
February – AMORE® Perfumed Kiss
February is of course the month of Valentine’s Day (14th for those of you who need reminding) and this month’s rose while not red, does have a romantic name that will appeal. ‘Amore® Perfumed Kiss’ is an appealing shade of lavender brushed with plum. The blooms are well-formed and have the most powerful fragrance you could wish for in a rose. Lovers of fragrant roses take note; this is another to add to your garden. A medium growing, very … [Read more...]
January – Graham Thomas
This month in tribute to David Austin who passed away aged 92 in December, we feature, without doubt, the most well-known of all the many fine roses he has bred and graced the gardens of rose lovers around the world. ‘Graham Thomas’ is well known to all rose lovers for its deep golden yellow cupped blooms which appear in clusters all season long. Bring the inside to enjoy in a vase or leave for a great garden display. The fragrance, while not … [Read more...]
November – Strawberry Blonde
November is the month when roses reach their spring peak across much of New Zealand and is also when we get to see the blooms on new release rose for the first time. One new release for winter 2018 was ‘Strawberry Blonde’ which we are featuring for November. This floribunda comes to us from Rob Somerfield and has masses of golden apricot blooms that soften with age. For those who like a bit of scent, this one has a good scent. Like other … [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...]
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...]