National Rose Trial Garden

In 1992 at a meeting in Sydney, the National Rose Society of Australia decided to investigate the possibility of establishing a Rose Trial Garden in Australia.

This was deemed necessary, as at least 95% of new roses introduced into Australia came from overseas breeders. Up to that time, each introducing nursery or agent undertook some trial before new roses were released and, unfortunately in many cases, this was insufficient for Australian climatic conditions.

Experience had suggested that many overseas roses did not perform well when introduced to Australian conditions or, alternatively, performed too well (for example, Graham Thomas – which is a fine shrub in England, is more suitable as a climber or pillar rose in Australia.) By trialing these roses, it is hoped that the buying public can receive accurate information on how these roses will perform in Australia. In addition, the trial ground offers the opportunity to test and promote Australian bred roses.

At that meeting, 3 main parameters were set for the proposed garden:

  1.  Close proximity to a major city,
  2. Provide reasonable security,
  3. Free access to the public in daylight hours.

Delegates from the various Australian states were asked to present their proposals at a meeting the following year. South Australia put forward a proposal, which met all 3 criteria. It proposed the establishment of a trial garden within the grounds of the Adelaide Botanic Garden, which is within easy walking distance from the city centre, has free access and is reasonably secure. The proposal was accepted and its implementation handed over to the South Australian Rose Society.

The National Rose Trial Garden of Australia was initially established to simply trial roses not yet commercially released in Australia – be they bred in Australia or overseas.

This charter remains today and incorporates the following:

  • To identify and promote those roses best suited to Australian growing conditions.
  • To develop and promote Australian Rose Breeding.
  • To provide general information on roses to the public.
  • To provide feedback to rose breeders, growers and retailers as to those roses judged by the public to be the most popular.

View the National Rose Trial Garden website click here.