ROSE OF THE YEARŽ
Rose Of The YearŽ was introduced in 1982 and its aim is to discover by trials the best rose(s) in any given year.
Rose breeders are invited, through Roses UK, to enter what they consider to be the best of their up and coming varieties in to the Rose of the Year competition; generally up to 20 varieties are submitted annually.
Trials are conducted throughout the UK from as far north as Aberdeen, to Hampshire in the South, Northern Ireland and East Anglia with the varieties trialled in different soil and climate conditions.
The trial lasts for a two year period and is judged by both amateurs and professional with the most worthy variety being selected as Rose Of The Year®. Selection is some 6 years in advance of its availability to allow for the building up of sufficient stock levels for its introduction to the public.
A selection of Rose of the Year ® varieties are on display at Roath Park, Cardiff.
Previous Winners
 Mountbatten (1982) |
 Beautiful Britain (1983) |
 Gentle Touch (1986) |
 Glad Tidings (1989) |
 Harvest Fayre (1990) |
 Melody Maker (1991) |
 Top Marks (1992) |
 Festival (1994) |
 Chatsworth (1995) |
 Magic Carpet (1996) |
 Sunset Boulevard (1997) |
 Fascination (1999) |
 Irish Eyes (2000) |
 Great Expectations (2001) |
Best of the Best
Many of the previous ROTY winners have shown their popularity over a number of years and included in a list of what are considered to be 'The Best of the Best' are the following:
 Amber Queen (1984) |
 Polar Star (1985) |
 Sweet Magic (Joint 1987) |
 Sweet Dream (1988) |
 Royal William (Joint 1987) |
 Dawn Chorus (1993) |
 Penny Lane (1998) |
 Simply The Best (2002) |
 Rhapsody In Blue (2003) |
 Golden Memories (2004) |
 Summertime (2005) |
 Champagne Moment (2006) |
2007 Rose of the Year - 'TICKLED PINK'
The 2007 ROTY was launched at the 2006 Hampton Court Palace IFS and is the brilliant Floribunda rose ‘Tickled Pink’ (Fryhunky) bred by Gareth Fryer.
Tickled Pink (Fryhunky)
2008 Rose of the Year - 'SWEET HAZE'
'Sweet Haze' (Tan97274)
Rose of the Year 2008 is 'Sweet Haze' (Tan97274) bred by Rosen Tantau and best described as a shrublet. This variety has glossy, mid-green, dense foliage and is covered with very large clusters of single lilac-pink flowers. The rose has a sweet fragrance, flowers early and repeats rapidly. In keeping with tradition 'Sweet Haze' was launched at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in July 2007. Hybridised roses with their complex petal arrangements are not generally a first stop for Bumblebees seeking nectar or pollen; the single flower form of 'Sweet Haze' is rather more 'bee-friendly' than most and given recent reports about the dwindling bumblebee population in the UK we are happy to promote the Bumblebee Conservation Trust in conjunction with Rosa 'Sweet Haze'.
2009 Rose of the Year - 'LUCKY'
'Lucky' (Frylucy)
Rose of the Year 2009 is 'Lucky' (Frylucy) bred by Gareth Fryer, and is described as a phenomenal new floribunda rose, quite different from anything previously seen with pretty lilac-pink blooms that are scented and borne in abundance on huge wave like clusters. The plant itself is remarkable and effortlessly produces a wealth of strong growth, lavishly covered with whistle-clean foliage. It makes a bold statement when used for specimen planting and is equally impressive for mass bedding and for adding colour to mixed borders.
This variety is scented, easy to grow and has amazing diseases resistance and will win praise and adoration from modern and old fashioned rose enthusiasts alike.
Rosa 'Lucky' was launched at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in July 2008.
Special Awards
If in any Rose of the Year trial an exceptional character is detected in a variety (i.e. fragrance, novelty, etc.) then a special award may be given. ‘Hot Chocolate’ (Wekpaltlez) was the first variety selected in this way (Novelty Rose 2006), due to its very unusual colour.
Hot Chocolate (Novelty 2006)