Rose of the Year

So many rose varieties! I’m passionate about so many of them, but I’m going to tell you about the Rose of the Year. This is a competition that has been running annually since 1982, managed by Roses UK on behalf of BARB (British Association of Rose Breeders, I’ll tell you more about them on another occasion). British rose breeders and the UK agents of international rose breeders, are invited each year to enter some of their most promising new varieties into the trial.

Flower and plant form, colour, scent, abundance of flower, health and easy maintenance are considered important characteristics of a winning Rose of the Year. Each Rose of the Year trial lasts for two years, commencing six years before the commercial introduction of the winning variety. Why so far in advance? Once the winning rose is chosen, commercial growers need time to bulk up production to ensure good availability of the winning variety when it makes its public debut.

Rose of the Year 2024 is the eye-catching floribunda ‘Meteor’. Bred by Kordes, this floribunda rose produces lightly-scented blooms of golden-yellow petals that flush red in bright sunlight. Keep dead-heading spent flowers and you’ll be rewarded with continuous blooms throughout the season. Growing to a height of about 70cms (27”) with healthy and lush foliage ‘Meteor' will do well in a large pot or as an eye-catching feature in a garden border.

‘Meteor’ plants are available to buy now from rose nurseries and garden centres country-wide.