Gold Standard Rose Trials


The Gold Standard Trials are the result of a joint initiative between professional rose breeders represented by BARB (British Association of Rose Breeders) and NIAB (National Institute of Agricultural Botany). Unlike some other rose trials, breeders pay a fee for each rose variety submitted to the trials, independently managed by NIAB at their Cambridge headquarters.

Based on cumulative information from invited independent judges throughout the two year period of the trial, the Gold Standard is awarded to worthy varieties. Health, floriferousness, scent and commercial appeal are all considered key factors. The first trial was planted in 2004 (and judged during 2005 and 2006) with the results confirmed in autumn 2006. The second trial was concluded in autumn 2007 with a further seven roses joining the original 'magnificent seven' to give a total of fourteen varieties now awarded 'Gold Standard' status. The latest two year trial concluded in autumn 2008 and a further eleven varieties have been added to the 'Gold Standard Hall of Fame'.

Other rose trials conducted to establish the performance of new, and in some cases established, rose varieties include the International Merit Trials at the Royal National Rose Society in St Albans, the Glasgow International Trials at Tollcross Park, the Pencoed Trials in Wales, the City of Belfast International Rose Trials and, in its 27th year, the Rose of the Year trials.

The Gold Standard roses can be viewed at Roath Park, Cardiff and, from 2010, at Borde Hill Garden, Haywards Heath, West Sussex.

GOLD STANDARD ROSES

AWARDED IN 2006 (Trialled 2005 and 2006)

AWARDED IN 2007 (Trialled 2006 and 2007)

AWARDED IN 2008 (Trialled 2007 and 2008)

AWARDED IN 2009 (Trialled 2008 and 2009)

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