The Monaco International New Rose Competition returned to the Princess Grace Rose Garden this week on Thursday, March 30, drawing breeders from across Europe, Asia and North America for a celebration of innovation, fragrance and floral craftsmanship rooted in the legacy of Princess Grace.
Now in its eighth edition, the biennial competition welcomed 70 newly-created rose varieties from 16 breeders representing eight countries, with entries judged under standards set by the World Federation of Rose Societies.
Unlike traditional rose contests, Monaco’s competition focuses exclusively on roses grown in pots — a format considered particularly demanding among breeders because it requires precise timing, controlled growth and peak presentation on the exact day of judging.
Behind the scenes, preparation begins months in advance. Young plants selected internationally arrive in the Principality at the end of autumn before being transferred to a discreet nursery in Saint-Laurent-d’Èze, where they adapt to local conditions ahead of the spring showcase. Growers carefully manage blooming schedules, sometimes manually pinching stems weeks before the event to ensure each rose flowers at exactly the right moment.
An international jury assessed the entries across several categories, including visual impact, flower quality, resistance to disease and fragrance.
This year’s top honour — the Piaget Rose Trophy — went to German breeder Kordes Roses for its ground-cover variety Simsalabim KORnekcraz.
France also featured prominently among the winners. The Fragrance Cup was awarded to the Perugino Oralipar hybrid tea rose, created by R.O.S.E. Roses Orard Selection Edition, while the Friends of the Princess Grace Rose Garden prize went to Meiconfiz, a multi-flowered rose developed by Meilland International.
The competition continues a tradition closely linked to Princess Grace’s lifelong love of flowers. More than four decades ago, Prince Rainier III commissioned the Princess Grace Rose Garden in her memory. Today, the site contains almost 6,000 roses and over 450 varieties arranged across themed displays — including a design that forms the shape of a giant rose when viewed from above.
Among the garden’s most recognisable blooms is the Yves Piaget rose, known for its vivid pink petals and powerful scent, which remains one of the collection’s signature flowers.
The public can also take part in this year’s competition, with online voting now open for the People’s Choice Award until 15 June through the Friends of the Princess Grace Rose Garden association.
