Winter is rose show season in India. Kolkata hosted nearly 2,500 cut rose exhibits at the 42nd Indian Rose Convention and All India Rose Show in January, and Delhi and Bhopal hold their own big shows too. If you dream of a ribbon on the show bench, the right variety makes the climb easier. Here are five exhibition roses worth growing this winter.
1. Double Delight
A classic show rose, Double Delight has creamy white petals brushed with deep red. It won the All-America Rose Selections award in 1977 and entered the World Federation of Rose Societies’ Hall of Fame in 1985. The blooms carry a strong spicy fragrance, and the red deepens in the sun. It flowers repeatedly and opens to roughly six inches across, so it is a strong choice for bicolour classes.
2. Ingrid Bergman
Ingrid Bergman is a deep, velvety red hybrid tea with classic high-centred blooms. It was bred in Denmark by Pernille and Mogens Olesen and has won medals at Geneva, Rome and Belfast, including best large-flowered rose at Belfast in 1985. Blooms are large, with about 30 to 35 petals, and they last well on the plant and in the vase. The fragrance is mild, so judges will notice its form first.
3. Bohurupi
Bohurupi is a Bengal-bred hybrid tea created in 2007 by Subrata and Sandhya Ghosh of Durgapur, West Bengal. They crossed the varieties Headliner and Mrinalini. Its pink and coral-red blooms change colour as they age, which fits its name, a nod to something with many forms. It is a good choice for growers who want a show rose with a local story.
4. Calcutta 360
Calcutta 360 is a name that Bengal’s rose growers will recognise. Treat it as you would any exhibition hybrid tea: give it strong sun, loose, well-drained soil and regular feeding through winter. Choose a healthy, grafted plant from a reliable nursery.
5. White Avalanche
A white rose is a test of a grower’s skill, because every mark shows. White Avalanche suits growers who want a clean, pale bloom on the show table. Shield young buds from rain and strong sun so the petals stay unblemished.
Easy Winter Growing Tips
- Give every rose at least six hours of direct sun.
- Plant in rich, well-drained soil mixed with compost.
- Water deeply, but let the top layer of soil dry between waterings.
- Feed regularly through the growing season.
- Pinch off side buds on exhibition stems so one large bloom develops.
- Cut stems early in the morning and place them straight into water.
Discover Gardening, Flower Bulbs and Rooftop Gardens in Bangladesh With Bangla Pulse
1. Which plants are suitable for gardening during the Rabi season in Bangladesh?
The Rabi season is suitable for growing many winter vegetables, herbs and flowering plants. Gardeners can choose crops and flowers according to local temperatures, sunlight and available space. Read our guide to Rabi season gardening in Bangladesh.
2. Can Dutch tulip and lilium bulbs help farmers earn more during winter in Bangladesh?
Dutch tulip and lilium bulbs offer opportunities for specialised flower cultivation and premium winter flower production. However, profitability depends on bulb costs, suitable growing conditions, temperature management and market demand. Learn more about Dutch lilium and tulip bulbs and their potential to boost winter agricultural profits in Bangladesh.
3. How can beginners create a rooftop flower garden in Bangladesh?
Beginners can start with suitable pots, well-draining soil, adequate sunlight and flowers adapted to local conditions. Regular watering, proper drainage and seasonal plant selection help maintain a healthy rooftop garden. Explore our guide to creating a rooftop flower garden.
4. How can gardeners grow healthy roses during winter?
Healthy roses need sufficient sunlight, well-draining soil, appropriate watering and regular monitoring for pests and diseases. Seasonal pruning and balanced fertilisation can also support healthy growth and flowering. Find practical advice in our rose gardening guide with care tips for healthy blooms.
5. What are the benefits of winter gardening in Bangladesh?
Winter gardening allows people to grow seasonal vegetables, herbs and flowers in home gardens, balconies and rooftops. It can also encourage household food production, improve green spaces and create opportunities for small-scale flower cultivation. Discover more about Rabi season gardening in Bangladesh
