F.A.Q.
AARS Region's Choice identifies the best roses for regions across the U.S. The program's goal is to ensure a successful growing experience for novice to experienced gardeners by helping them choose the best roses for their gardens.
Recognizing that a rose that flourishes in Pasadena may not perform as well in Portland, each variety is hand-picked to be the easiest to grow and maintain in a particular region. These roses live up to the strict standards of the AARS, which has been selecting the best roses nationwide for 70 years.
How did AARS pick the regions for 2008?
There are many unique climate zones throughout the U.S., each presenting local gardeners with challenges to consider. From dry heat to lots of moisture and longer winters - these conditions impact what rose plant will grow the best.
To help take some of the guesswork out of the equation, the AARS Region's Choice program identified six unique regions of the country, each with its own climate and soil conditions to consider, when identifying which roses grow best under the given circumstances.
While the program will be rolled out throughout the U.S. in 2009, AARS Region's Choice currently focuses on these three regions:
- Northern California/Pacific Northwest
- Southern California/Southwest
- Mountain States
In 2009 and beyond, AARS will add roses to each region, as well as add additional regions for the eastern half of the United States.
What are the selection criteria for the roses?
The AARS selected rose varieties for each region based on their excellent performance in that climate zone. As a result, each of these roses requires minimal care, which AARS defines as regular water and sun, plus fertilizing and annual pruning.
Selection criteria for AARS Region's Choice roses include:
- Outstanding ease of growth and care
- Exceptional resistance to disease
- Overall beauty
How does AARS Region's Choice compare to the annual AARS Winners?
While all AARS Winners are selected because they've proven to flourish in the rigorous two-year trial program and embody all the characteristics homeowners desire in a garden plant, the Region's Choice roses are a select subset of roses that have proven to excel in specific climate and soil conditions of various geographic regions.
All AARS Region's Choice roses live up to the strict standards that the AARS is known for, providing the reassurance of knowing that each variety has been identified as the best in its region.
For more information about the AARS Region's Choice, call (415) 249-6776 or email rose@rose.org.
