RIRT Logo

Rochfords International Rose Trials (RIRT) trial roses on behalf of rose breeders from across the world. Varieties which are not yet commercially available are submitted to trial by the breeders. RIRT is the only independent trials site in the UK which trials unnamed seedling roses providing a unique opportunity for rose enthusiasts to view and judge roses not yet available. Rochfords aims to support and inform rose breeders and growers, by promoting horticulture and roses to a new generation.

This not-for-profit venture is part of Rochfords CSR commitment and we aim to include not only experts, but also the wider public and in particular, schools, colleges and horticultural societies.

See all our RIRT details below

As ever, we are very grateful to our team of judges; they represent as wide a spectrum of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm as possible and we welcome enquiries from those who would like to get involved. Once the scores are received, they are collated and checked by a small panel led by the Chair of Judges, Adrian Pickett, and the winners are announced.

Across our trials we have varieties submitted by breeders and growers from various countries including entries from the UK, Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, Ireland, Denmark, and Canada.

Completed Trials

Trial 1

We had a total of 68 entries for Trial 1. The first plantings took place on the field at Birch Green in the autumn of 2018. After an 18 month establishment period, the roses were assessed over two growing seasons by a panel of judges. There was an overall total of 2,339 individual judging’s from 16 judges, with a rose of the day selected from the end of season bash. A great start to a challenging few seasons through the COVID pandemic.

Trial 1 Results PDF

Trial 2

Trial 2 judging ended in July 2022. Growing conditions varied dramatically over the two years of judging, with a lot of spring frosts in the first year and record high temperatures in year two.

This year over the entire trial period we managed over 2,500 individual judgings from 30 judges.

Trial 2 Results PDF

Trial 3

Trial 3 judging ended in early August 2023. Overall we received 3,338 individual scores from 21 judges.

Trial 3 Results PDF

Trial 4

Trial 4 completed in August 2024, there were 66 varieties, scored by 20 judges. Entrants were submitted from 14 different breeders.

Trial 4 Results PDF

Trials still underway

Trial 5

Trial 5 will be completed Summer 2025, with the end of trial event planned for September 9th. There are 64 varieties under trial from 13 breeders.

Trial 6

Trial 6 was planted during the winter of 2023–24 — comprising of 74 varieties from 19 breeders.

Trial 7

Trial 7, planted winter 2024–25 is currently in its establishment phase. A record breaking 98 varieties from 15 breeders. If sufficiently established, judging will commence Autumn 2025.

Rose of the Year and Gold Standard Roses

We currently hold the trials for Gold Standard Roses (see below). Trial GS 24-26 is underway with 25 varieties. Previous trials GS 22-24 had 17 entries. GS 21-23 held 19 entries. We also hold the trials for Rose of The Year (see below) (ROTY 28 was completed in 2024).

Education and presentations

Our programme of education and information on roses has continued, with presentations, talks and workshops. These are held both at the trial ground and locations across the UK. We are particularly keen to introduce the work of the Rose Trials to primary and secondary schools. For further information email roses@rochfords.net.

Other Rose trials completed by Rochfords

For more information on the Rose of The Year visit www.rosesuk.com/rose-of-the-year .

For more information on the Gold Standard award visit https://www.rosesuk.com/content/gold-standard-roses .

As part of our ongoing commitment to horticulture, alongside our international rose trials we have planted a heritage border. This border contains a mix of species roses and heritage fruit trees. Please visit Heritage Border page for more information.

We are keen to use the trials and the trial grounds to promote the horticulture industry in as many ways as possible. We would like to encourage careers in horticulture through educational visits for adults and for children. We hope to hold art and poetry workshops along with work experience days. We are pleased to welcome representatives from the following charities and organisations that we are delighted to support:

Perennial Logo SHP Logo Bankside Open Spaces Trust Logo Waste Not Want Not Logo Future Gardeners Logo

Rose pruning courses are held in spring every year.

Please follow our social media for further information

or Roses@rochfords.net