WINNING PLANTS

American Garden Rose Selections

- MEGHAN SHINN

TRAITS THAT GARDENERS

value in roses are the hallmark of the American Garden Rose Selections testing program: beauty, fragrance, disease resistance and ease of maintenance.

Award candidates are tested for two years in six different geographical regions of the United States, each containing two test gardens. Along with the abovementioned traits, the plants are evaluated on vigor, foliage proportion, habit and hardiness. Flowers are studied for their effect and form, how they age and if they rebloom.

To earn an award, a rose must demonstrate superior performance in at least three of the six regions. In 2023, American Garden Rose Selections announced these five winners:

BRICK HOUSE PINK

Brick House Pink grows as a compact bush reaching 30 inches tall and wide. A floribunda type, it produces hot-pink petals that form a cup around a gold center.

Pollinator-friendly flowers appear continuously from spring through autumn. This cultivar has also been recognized by the American Rose Trials for Sustainability and the UC Davis Blue Ribbon program.

Award: Regional Choice in North Central, Northwest and Southwest

Background: Bred by Dr. James Sproul and introduced by Star Roses and Plants.