Rosa Belmonte (syn. 'HARpearl') is a robust pearly blush Floribunda Rose, with medium scent, created by Robert Harkness of Harkness Roses at Hitchin, Hertfordshire.
| Rosa 'Belmonte' | |
|---|---|
| Details | |
| Hybrid parentage | see text |
| Cultivar | 'Rosa Belmonte' |
| Origin | Harkness, U.K., 2007 |
Rosa Belmonte was named in honour of Her Excellency Donna Francesca Elbrick di Belmonte, descendant of the Dukes of Acerenza and daughter of TE the Prince and Princess of Belmonte, to mark the occasion of her marriage to the grandson of Ambassador Charles Elbrick.
The rose was introduced at the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show in 2007, by celebrated English television gardener Alan Titchmarsh MBE DL
At the request of the Donna Francesca, proceeds from the sale of Rosa Belmonte are donated to support the work of the charity The Prince's Trust.
Rosa Belmonte represents the latest in disease-tolerant hybrid roses, having the capacity to grow without regular fungicide spraying. The end of routine spraying brought about by such hybridisation is welcomed by all those who have an interest in sustainability.
Rosa Belmonte was a Gold Standard Award Winner in 2009. A few roses are selected each year for this prestigious award, initiated in 2006. The Gold Standard Trials are the result of a joint initiative between professional rose breeders represented by BARB (British Association of Rose Breeders) and NIAB (National Institute of Agricultural Botany). Unlike some rose trials, breeders pay a fee for each rose variety submitted to the Gold Standard trials, independently managed by NIAB at their Cambridge headquarters.
Based on cumulative information from invited independent judges throughout the two year period of the trial, the Gold Standard is awarded to worthy varieties. Health, floriferousness, scent and commercial appeal are all considered key factors.
The parentage of Rosa Belmonte' is:
x
Freedom)
Cockers Roses (Aberdeen) describe Rosa Belmonte as follows: 'The lovely pearly pink blooms of this beautiful repeat flowering floribunda will make a delightful addition to any garden. Foliage is glossy and dark green and compliments the flowers well. The delicate fragrance is citrusy and fruity.'
Harkness Roses (Hitchin) write of the rose: 'This perfumed, pearly-blush beauty is a bedding rose par excellence, outstanding for ease of cultivation and healthy foliage. It can be grown with confidence and makes an ideal choice for anyone not experienced with roses. The perfume is fruity with citrus undertones, a delight when cut for the vase.'