All-American Rose Selections (AARS) is non-profit organization of introducers and growers of roses that evaluates new roses not only on how well they look, but also how well they can deal with various changes in climate and even how well they can ward off the peskiest of pests and disease.
It might surprise you to know that not all roses are worthy of the AARS’ Seal of Approval. If a rose cannot measure up to the strict standards set forth by the AARS, then it won’t get this seal that since 1983 has become synonymous with quality in the world of roses.
The Test Gardens
For two long years, several new rose specimens are grown in approved test gardens that are located all over the United States. These testing areas are located in California, Massachusetts, West Virginia, Illinois, Wisconsin, Washington and 13 other states of varying climate zones to see how well each specimen can tolerate the different weather patterns.
Those in charge of the test gardens agree to follow the growing guidelines developed by AARS, ensuring consistency throughout the evaluation phase. The guidelines are not overly complex. If a rose earns the AARS Seal of Approval, it can be successfully grown and maintained by anyone, regardless of their level of rose-growing expertise.
Besides the climate, the rose specimen under evaluation receives numerical scores in many other areas including its fragrance, its color when it opens and when it peaks, its foliage, its ability to flower, its buds, stems and flowers, its vigor and finally its overall value.
The 2006 AARS Winners
Each year several new specimens pass the test and are awarded the AARS Seal of Approval. The 4 winners for 2006 are:
- Julia Child, an old-fashioned grand dame (floribunda), just like its namesake with a buttery gold color and excellent disease tolerance;
- Rainbow Sorbet, a floribunda with a medium sized flower in a bright mix of orange, yellow and red;
- Wild Blue Yonder, a grandiflora with shades of lavender and the scent of citrus and rose; and
- Tahitian Sunset, a grand hybrid tea that produces peach-apricot-pink flowers 5 inches in diameter with up to 30 petals each, finished off by the scent of licorice.
Bayer Advanced™ float, Jack and the Rose Stalk, led the 2006 Rose Parade. The float featured the 2006 AARS winners.
Remember, part of the testing criteria is that the AARS winners must be easy to grow by an average gardener. So make plans to visit your local nursery or garden or home center this spring to snatch up these best of breed roses. They’re also available online and via mail order.
* Photo courtesy of Bayer Advanced™
