The National Rose Trial Garden of Australia 2026 Awards

The awards were held on Tuesday 27 October at the Robin Hood Hotel, Norwood where the winning roses were celebrated. On the night one Gold Medal, one Silver Medal, five Bronze Medals and three Certificates of Merit were awarded.

A Gold medal was awarded to an Australian Bred floribunda rose, ‘Shepherd’s Delight’ bred by John Nieuwesteeg from Victoria and exhibited by John and Reuben Nieuwesteeg. ‘Shepherd’s Delight’ was awarded the Marion de Boehme Trophy for the Best Rose of the trial, the Rose Hills Perpetual Challenge Bowl (USA) for the Best Floribunda of the trial, the Davis Trophy for the Best Australian Bred Rose of the trial, Australia’s Rose of the Year 2026, NRSA Sponsorship for the Australian Bred Rose of the Year and the WFRS People’s Choice Award.

‘Thierry Marx’ a floribunda rose bred by Georges Delbard, France was awarded a Silver Medal and was exhibited by Wagner’s Nursery.

A Bronze Medal and The Hamilton Gardens NZ Perpetual Challenge Award for the Best Hybrid Tea of the trial was awarded to ‘Sophie Rochas’, bred by Georges Delbard and exhibited by Wagner’s Nursery.

A Certificate of Merit and the Governor of Gifu Award (Japan) for the Most Fragrant Rose of the trial went to ‘Pompadour’ a hybrid tea rose bred by Georges Delbard and exhibited by Wagner’s Rose Nursery.

‘Gayle’s Gift’ a shrub rose bred by Bruce Brundrett, Victoria, was awarded the Irwin Award for the Most Pest and Disease Tolerant rose of the trial and was exhibited by Wagner’s Rose Nursery.

Also, on the night Life Member Awards were given to Jon Hall and Kim Syrus for outstanding support of the National Rose Trial Garden of Australia. Jon and Kim have both given 31 years of wonderful service and commitment to the trial garden.

Thanks, was also given to all our volunteers that give great support to the trial garden.

The Awarded Roses

Gold Medal - ‘Shepherd’s Delight’- Bred by John Nieuwesteeg – J & R Nieuwesteeg

Silver Medal – ‘Thierry Marx’- Bred by Georges Delbard – Wagner’s Rose Nursery

Bronze Medal – ‘Sophie Rochas’- Bred by Georges Delbard – Wagner’s Rose Nursery

Bronze Medal – ‘Moonlight in Paris’ – Bred by Georges Delbard – Wagner’s Rose Nursery

Bronze Medal – ‘Maria Theresia’ – Bred by Rosen Tantau – Knight’s Roses

Bronze Medal – ‘Apricot Cream’ – Bred by Bruce Brundrett – Wagner’s Rose Nursery

Bronze Medal – ‘Forevermore’ – Bred by Bruce Brundrett – Wagner’s Rose Nursery

Certificate of Merit – ‘Pompadour’ – Bred by Georges Delbard – Wagner’s Rose Nursery

Certificate of Merit – ‘Gayle’s Gift’ – Bred by Bruce Brundrett – Wagner’s Rose Nursery

Certificate of Merit – ‘Enrico Caruso’ – Bred by Rose Barni – Wagner’s Rose Nursery

Photos by Les Johnson