Winners crowned in Biltmore rose trials

Since 2011, Biltmore’s historic Rose Garden has been home to the Biltmore International Rose Trials where more than 75 varieties from growers and breeders worldwide were planted. Each trial lasts two years and a permanent jury judges the roses four times per year. On May 18, the international and permanent jury conducted the final round of judging for the first trial group of 25 roses planted in 2011.

This is the first international trials on the East Coast, and only one of two held in the U.S. Rose trials in Europe are a more common occurrence, with trials held in 20 different locations in 15 countries

"The trials are a valuable way for the home gardener to learn what roses do well and what may be potential candidates for their own gardens," said Paul Zimmerman, coordinator of the trials. "Trials of this type are usually open to all rose breeders around the world – from professional to beginner."

“Biltmore’s historic Rose Garden is the perfect setting for trials,” said Lucas Jack, Biltmore’s rosarian. “We’ve enjoyed introducing these new varieties to our guests as they stroll through the gardens. It has been an educational experience, and it complements the work we do to care for Biltmore’s collection of heirloom roses.”

New rose varieties will be planted for trials each May. They are evaluated for garden performance, fragrance, disease resistance and ability to be used in varying landscape situations. The next awards will be in 2014 for the trials planted in 2012 and will continue annually.

The winners of the first Biltmore International Rose Trials:

* George & Edith Vanderbilt Award for Most Outstanding Rose Of The Trials (Best in Show): ‘ATHYfalaa’ bred by Mike Athy of Mike Athy Roses, New Zealand

* Award of Excellence For Best Established Rose: ‘Belinda’s Dream’ bred by Dr. Robert E. Basye, United States (Wisconsin)

* Award of excellence for International Jury Favorite: ‘ATHYfalaa’ bred by Mike Athy of Mike Athy Roses, New Zealand

* Frederick Law Olmsted Award for Best Groundcover: ‘Roxy’ bred by Kordes Rosen, Germany

* Edith Wharton Award for Best Floribunda: ‘Milwaukee Calatrava’ bred by William Radler of Conard-Pyle/Star Roses, United States

* The Honorable John Cecil Award for Open Group: ‘Sunshine Daydream’ Grandiflora rose bred by Michèle Meilland Richardier, France

* Gilded Age Award for Best Climber: ‘ATHYfalaa’ bred by Mike Athy of Mike Athy Roses, New Zealand

* Pauline Merrell Award for Best Hybrid Tea: ‘Beverly’ bred by Kordes Rosen, Germany

* Chauncey Beadle Award for Best Shrub: ‘Darcey Bussell’ bred by David Austin of David Austin Roses, United Kingdom

* Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil Award for Most Fragrant Rose: ‘Beverly’ bred by Kordes Rosen, Germany

* William Cecil Award for Best Growth Habit: ‘ATHYfalaa’ bred by Mike Athy of Mike Athy Roses, New Zealand

* Lord Burleigh Award for Most Disease Resistant: ‘ATHYfalaa’ bred by Mike Athy of Mike Athy Roses, New Zealand
 

‘ATHYfalaa’ from Mike Athy Roses

Belinda's Dream

Photo courtesy of Jackson & Perkins