<\/b><\/p>\n

Biltmore announces winners of the estate\u2019s first\u00a0<\/span><\/b>International Rose Trials Competition\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

ASHEVILLE, N.C.<\/b> \u2013 The first trial in the Biltmore International Rose Trials competition came to a close on Saturday, May 18, 2013, when an international jury selected the winning roses in 12 categories.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since 2011, Biltmore\u2019s historic Rose Garden has been home to the Biltmore International Rose Trials in which to date more than 75 varieties from growers and breeders worldwide have been planted\u00a0and cared for by Biltmore\u2019s expert horticulturists. Each trial lasts two years and a permanent jury judges the roses four times per year. During Saturday\u2019s judging, the international and\u00a0permanent jury conducted the final round of judging for the first trial group of 25 roses planted in 2011.<\/p>\n

This is the first international trials on the East Coast, and only one of two held in the U.S. Rose trials in Europe are a more common occurrence, with trials held in 20 different locations in 15 countries.\u00a0“The trials are a valuable way for the home gardener to learn what roses do well and what may be potential candidates for their own gardens,” said Paul Zimmerman, coordinator of the trials. “Trials of this type are usually open to all rose breeders\u00a0around the world \u2013 from professional to beginner.”<\/p>\n

\u201cBiltmore\u2019s historic Rose Garden is the perfect setting for trials,\u201d said Lucas Jack, Biltmore\u2019s rosarian. \u201cWe\u2019ve enjoyed introducing these new varieties to our guests as they stroll through the gardens. It\u00a0has been an educational experience, and it complements the work we do to care for Biltmore\u2019s collection of heirloom roses.\u201d<\/p>\n

New rose varieties will be planted for trials each May. They are evaluated for garden performance, fragrance, disease resistance and ability to be used in varying landscape situations. The next awards will be\u00a0in 2014 for the trials planted in 2012 and will continue annually.<\/p>\n

The winners of the first Biltmore International Rose Trials<\/b><\/p>\n

George & Edith Vanderbilt Award for Most Outstanding Rose Of The Trials (Best in Show)<\/b>
\n\u2018ATHYfalaa\u2019 bred by Mike Athy of Mike Athy Roses, New Zealand<\/p>\n

Award of Excellence For Best Established Rose\u00a0<\/span><\/b>
\n\u2018Belinda\u2019s Dream\u2019 bred by Dr. Robert E. Basye, United States (Wisconsin)<\/p>\n

Award of excellence for International Jury Favorite<\/b>
\n\u2018ATHYfalaa\u2019 bred by Mike Athy of Mike Athy Roses, New Zealand<\/p>\n

Frederick Law Olmsted Award for Best Groundcover<\/b>
\n\u2018Roxy\u2019 (KORsineo) bred by Kordes Rosen, Germany<\/p>\n

Edith Wharton Award for Best Floribunda<\/b>
\n\u2018Milwaukee Calatrava\u2019 (RADfragwhite) bred by William Radler of Conard-Pyle\/Star Roses, United States<\/p>\n

The Honorable John Cecil Award for Open Group<\/b>
\n\u2018Sunshine Daydream\u2019 (MEIkanaro) Grandiflora rose bred by Mich\u00e8le Meilland Richardier, France<\/p>\n

Gilded Age Award for Best Climber<\/b>
\n\u2018ATHYfalaa\u2019 bred by Mike Athy of Mike Athy Roses, New Zealand<\/p>\n

Pauline Merrell Award for Best Hybrid Tea<\/b>
\n\u2018Beverly\u2019 (KORpaulvio) bred by Kordes Rosen, Germany<\/p>\n

Chauncey Beadle Award for Best Shrub<\/b>
\n\u2018Darcey Bussell\u2019 syn. Monferrato (Ausdecorum)\u00a0bred by David Austin of David Austin Roses, United Kingdom<\/p>\n

Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil Award for Most Fragrant Rose<\/b>
\n\u2018Beverly\u2019 (KORpaulvio) bred by Kordes Rosen, Germany<\/p>\n

William Cecil Award for Best Growth Habit<\/b>
\n\u2018ATHYfalaa\u2019 bred by Mike Athy of Mike Athy Roses, New Zealand<\/p>\n

Lord Burleigh Award for Most Disease Resistant\u00a0<\/span><\/b>
\n\u2018ATHYfalaa\u2019 bred by Mike Athy of Mike Athy Roses, New Zealand<\/p>\n