Biltmore International Rose Trials – 2016 Results

Princesse Charlene De Monaco® (Meidysouk) / House of Meilland – Star Roses & Plants

We’ve wrapped up another Biltmore International Rose Trials held at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Wow, what a weekend. I still pinch myself that I get to be a part of it in some small way. The weather was perfect, which was no small feat considering the amount of rain we’ve had this season, and the roses were in full bloom having been lovingly tended by new Head Rosarian Clare Cottrell and her team.

To refresh your memory, the Biltmore International Rose Trials have been held in Biltmore’s Historic Rose Garden since 2011 and contain over 200 cultivars from around the world. This year’s competition came from breeders based in the United States, Great Britain, France and Germany. The trials are open to any breeder who wishes to enter, regardless of experience. The roses are cared for by Biltmore staff without the use of pesticides and fungicides and are evaluated by experts in rose culture over a 2 year trial period. The judges are looking for roses that show resistance to disease and pests, and also for their overall vigor, fragrance, habit and remontance.

On a personal note, I feel extraordinarily lucky to have been part of the “permanent juror” team which judge the roses not only in September during the final awards weekend, but several other times throughout the year including the dead of winter. Parker Andes, Director of Horticulture for Biltmore Estate, summed it up perfectly when he reminded everyone at the luncheon that these roses are getting seen at their best and their worst throughout the year and the cream will always rise to the top.

When I’m judging on other days of the year, I’m often alone and that’s why I so appreciate the awards weekend when I get the opportunity to chat with other rosarians while we review the roses. It’s also fun to see what grabs everyone’s attention: there is always excitement over a truly fragrant rose and exclamations of delight over one that looks particularly disease-free and vigorous. However, when it comes to appearance, there are differing opinions: Some may love roses in blush tones and others in vivid colors. Some appreciate roses with prominent stamens and a wild look, while others are drawn to those with a more cultivated appearance. That’s one of the things that’s so great about these types of trials: the roses are seen and evaluated by rosarians with varying gardening styles.

And now for the 2016 winners….

BILTMORE INTERNATIONAL ROSE TRIALS – 2018 AWARDS DAY

WINNERS FOR ROSES ENTERED IN 2016

Oso Easy® Urban Legend® (R. ‘ChewPatout’) / Chris Warner – Spring Meadow Nursery