American Garden Rose Selections announces 2026 winners

The American Garden Rose Selections program has announced its 2026 award-winning roses, which it said are exceptional varieties chosen for their superior performance across diverse U.S. climates and regions.

"These selections represent the pinnacle of garden excellence, combining beauty, resilience and fragrance to inspire gardeners nationwide," the program said in a news release. "This year's winners were rigorously trialed and evaluated by AGRS test gardens across the country."

Each rose is evaluated on disease resistance, bloom quality, foliage, habit and overall garden performance. The Regional Choice Awards highlight roses that thrive in specific regions, while the Fragrance Award honors varieties with outstanding scent.

The 2026 AGRS winners are:

• Buttercream Drift, introduced by Star Roses and Plants: Regional Choice winner in four regions (South Central, Southwest, North Central and Northwest)
• Butterfly Bliss, introduced by Antique Rose Emporium: Regional Choice winner in all six regions (Northeast, North Central, Northwest, Southeast, South Central and Southwest)
• Glass Slipper, introduced by Antique Rose Emporium: Regional Choice winner in all six regions (Northeast, North Central, Northwest, Southeast, South Central and Southwest)
• Make Me Blush, introduced by Weeks Roses: Regional Choice winner in three regions (Northwest, South Central and Southwest)
• Persian Eye, introduced by Altman Plants: Regional Choice winner in three regions (Northwest, South Central and Southwest)
• Reminiscent Pink, introduced by Spring Meadow Nursery: Regional Choice winner and Fragrance Award winner  in three regions (Northwest, South Central and Southwest)
• True Crush, introduced by Altman Plants: Regional Choice winner in four regions (Northeast, North Central, Northwest and Southwest)
• True Happiness, introduced by Altman Plants: Regional Choice winner in five regions (North Central, Northwest, Southeast, South Central and Southwest)
• White Lies, introduced by Certified Nurseries: Regional Choice winner in three regions (Northwest, South Central and Southwest)

"Each year, the AGRS program celebrates roses that not only dazzle with their beauty but also prove their worth in gardens across America," said American Garden Rose Selections Chair Pat Shanley. "The 2026 winners are a testament to the innovation and dedication of our breeders and growers. These roses will bring joy, fragrance and resilience to gardeners from coast to coast."