Gold Medal rose
Gold Medal Rose: A Champion in the Garden
The Gold Medal rose is a standout variety known for its resilience, stunning color, and delightful fragrance. Bred by the renowned Jack E. Christensen and introduced in the United States by Armstrong Nursery in 1982, this Grandiflora hybrid tea rose continues to capture the hearts of gardeners with its remarkable qualities.
Characteristics of Gold Medal Rose
- Name: Gold Medal
- Registration Name: AROyqueli
- Exhibition Name: Gold Medal
- Breeder: Jack E. Christensen (United States, 1982)
- Introduced by Armstrong Nursery as ‘Gold Medal’
- Type: Grandiflora, Hybrid Tea
- Bloom Description:
- Color: Golden-yellow with copper shading, aging to cream
- Fragrance: Mild, fruity, spice, tea scent
- Petal Count: 30 to 40 petals
- Bloom Form: Classic hybrid tea, high-centered to cupped, reflexed
- Average Diameter: 4.5 inches
- Growth Habit:
- Height: 30 inches to 6 feet (75 to 185 cm)
- Width: 3 feet (90 cm)
- Foliage: Large, semi-glossy, dark green, dense
- Stems: Long, low-thorned
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 7b and warmer
- Heat Tolerance: Yes
- Disease Susceptibility: Very disease-resistant
- Uses: Cut flower, garden, specimen
Stunning Blooms and Fragrance
The Gold Medal rose is celebrated for its vibrant golden-yellow blooms, often brushed with hints of orange and copper. These large, full flowers boast 30 to 40 petals each, averaging about 4.5 inches in diameter. They open from shapely dark gold buds and are known for their classic high-centered, cupped form. As the flowers age, they gently fade to a creamy hue, adding a dynamic visual interest to the garden. The mild, fruity, spice and tea fragrance enhances the overall appeal of this exquisite rose.
Vigorous Growth and Robust Health
Gold Medal rose thrives with vigorous growth, reaching heights up to 6 feet and spreading about 3 feet wide. Its tall, bushy, and well-branched habit is complemented by large, semi-glossy, dark green foliage that remains dense and attractive throughout the growing season. This variety is remarkably hardy and heat tolerant, ensuring robust performance in moderate and warmer climates. Its long, nearly thornless stems make it an excellent choice for cutting and displaying in vases.
Continuous Blooms and Easy Maintenance
One of the standout features of the rose is its ability to bloom in flushes throughout the season. This continuous blooming habit ensures the garden remains vibrant and colorful from spring through fall. Despite its stunning appearance, the Gold Medal is a low-maintenance rose. It is highly resistant to diseases, making it a reliable choice for gardeners. In spring, pruning is essential to remove old canes and any dead or diseased wood, encouraging healthy new growth. Pruning the remaining canes by about one-third is recommended in warmer climates, while colder areas may require more pruning and spring freeze protection.
This rose lives up to its name, offering a winning combination of beauty, fragrance, and resilience. Its golden-yellow blooms with copper highlights, vigorous growth, and disease resistance make it a prized addition to any garden. Whether used as a cut flower, garden centerpiece, or specimen plant, the Gold Medal rose shines brightly, bringing a touch of elegance and charm to any outdoor space.
