The launch of the ‘Lady of Australia’ rose was celebrated at Government House in Canberra on 11 November, 2021 on a beautiful sunny afternoon. Their Excellencies David Hurley and Mrs Linda Hurley hosted members of the Rose Society of NSW, and special guest rose breeder Mr Bruce Brundrett who bred this gorgeous rose, his daughter Gayle and representatives of the War Widows of Australia organisation. A donation of $2 for each rose sold will be contributed to the Australian War Widows Inc. providing support and advocacy for all war widows from all conflicts. Mrs Hurley officially launched the rose. Colin Hollis who is the Immediate Past President of The National Rose Society of Australia (NRSA) spoke about the sourcing of this multi-award winning Australian bred rose, and Kristin Dawson, NRSA Secretary, gave a vote of thanks. Mrs Hurley and Colin Hollis then planted the rose and launched it with a champagne toast conducted by all present, following the European tradition to baptise a new rose with champagne. The audience was twice delighted with a song by Mrs Hurley, one song she especially composed for this occasion.
LADY OF AUSTRALIA Celebrating the Wives of the Governors-General of Australia
This Australian bred rose made history when it scooped the prize pool at the National Rose Trial Garden Awards in 2018, receiving the top Gold Medal, Trophy for Best Rose of the Trial, Best Floribunda rose, Most Pest and Disease Tolerant rose of the Trial and ‘The Australian Bred Rose of the Year’ proving that Australian bred roses can match and surpass their overseas rivals. This was the first time in the Trial Garden’s 25-year history that an Australian rose won the best overall rose, beating the international competition.
This highly acclaimed floribunda rose was bred by Bruce Brundrett in Victoria. Bruce spent his entire life in the rose industry and is now recognised as one of Australia’s most successful rose breeders.
The rose is named ‘Lady of Australia’ to honour the wives of the Governors-General of Australia.
The bush produces clusters of fragrant, classically-shaped, bright yellow flowers, showing ruffled petals when fully opened, fading to lighter yellow/cream on the reverse. The plant is healthy and highly disease resistant, very free flowering with dark green foliage on a well-shaped bush 1.2m tall and 1m wide.
For further information on Australian War Widows Inc. Visit: www.warwidows.org.au
Wagner’s Rose Nursery
Ph. 08 87393321 – P.O. Box 51 Kalangadoo S.A. 5278
