Growing roses without chemicals: transitioning the collection at Auckland Botanic Gardens (New Zealand) 2000–2020

Abstract

The Rose Garden at Auckland Botanic Gardens displays rose cultivars which perform well and remain healthy in Auckland, New Zealand, without pesticide applications. Miticides, insecticides and fungicides are not used. Suitable cultivars are chosen for public display to inspire gardeners and encourage visitors to make their own rose selections based on personal preferences from an array of proven performers. These are identified to the public as ‘Star Performers’. Here the process of trialling, identifying and displaying old shrub and modern rose cultivars that have achieved Star Performer status over the past 20 years is presented. This work demonstrates the role that botanic gardens can play in promoting sustainable horticultural practices.