Portland International Rose Test Garden honors three roses at Farwest

Three roses were honored by the International Rose Test Garden Aug. 20 at the Farwest Show in Portland, Oregon.

The International Rose Test Garden was founded in 1917 and is the oldest continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States.

“It’s a magical place. If you haven’t visited before, I have 10,000 reasons why you should visit. Spoiler alert: There are 10,000 roses,” said Rachel Burlington, curator of the International Rose Test Garden. 

The honored roses are:

Photo courtesy of Star Roses

• Tequila Supreme, introduced in the United States by Star Roses and hybridized by Alain Meilland, was awarded the Gold Medal. The award has been given since 1919 and is chosen by a panel of nine judges over a 3- to 5-year cycle.  

Photo courtesy of Weeks Roses

• All Dressed Up, introduced by Springhill Nurseries/Weeks Roses and hybridized by Christian Bédard, was awarded Portland’s Best, Best of the Best Rose. “This award puts the power to the people,” Burlington said. “We have one day in June where people are given ballots, and they’re allowed to choose their favorite rose.” 

Photo courtesy of Springhill Nurseries

• Fashion Forward, introduced by Springhill Nurseries/Weeks Roses and hybridized by Christian Bédard, was awarded the Portland’s Best, Most Fragrant Award.