Coral Gardens Crowned Rose of the Year 2026

Roses UK has officially announced Coral Gardens® (KORzwanlio), bred by the renowned German breeder Kordes Rosen, as the prestigious Rose of the Year® 2026. This standout variety impressed judges with its remarkable beauty, resilience, and health, making it a worthy winner of the coveted title.

A stunning shrub rose with upright growth reaching approximately 80 cm in height and 50 cm in width, Coral Gardens® produces elegant dark coral buds that open into an exquisite blend of pink-coral petals, gradually softening to hues of apricot-salmon. The blooms, whether borne singly or in generous clusters, are gently scented with a delicate fruity fragrance, enhancing their garden appeal.

Gardeners will appreciate the rose’s outstanding weather resistance, thriving in conditions of rain, humidity, or heat. Its dark green, glossy foliage offers exceptional disease resistance, making it an ideal low-maintenance choice for modern gardens.

In addition to its Rose of the Year accolade, Coral Gardens® has achieved international recognition, earning awards in prestigious rose trials held in Adelaide, Courtrai, Lyon, The Hague, and Warsaw. Its official trade debut took place at the HTA National Plant Show in mid-June.

Coral Gardens® will be available to gardeners in the UK this autumn, offered as bareroot or newly potted plants through selected rose nurseries and garden centres.

About the Rose of the Year® Competition

The Rose of the Year® title is awarded annually by Roses UK on behalf of the British Association of Rose Breeders (BARB). UK-based breeders and agents representing international breeders are invited to submit their most promising new varieties for assessment.

Each candidate rose undergoes an extensive two-year trial, commencing six years prior to commercial release. Throughout the trial, roses are evaluated for key qualities including flower and plant form, colour, scent, abundance of blooms, disease resistance, and ease of maintenance.

Kordes Rosen, the breeder behind Coral Gardens®, is a proud member of BARB and has a longstanding reputation for producing award-winning, environmentally resilient rose varieties.

With its enchanting colour palette, delightful fragrance, and robust performance, Coral Gardens® is set to become a garden favourite and a worthy ambassador for the Rose of the Year® title.