Rosa (rose), persica hybrid trial 2025–2028

Objectives and purpose of the trial

The purpose of this trial is to assess new and established Rosa (rose) persica hybrids. Persica roses are hybrids derived from Rosa persica, native to Iran and Afghanistan. Most have single or semi-double flowers with a coloured eye at the centre with abundant flushes of flowers throughout the season. The RHS Trials team will compare, record and display the merits of new additions against established cultivars at RHS Wisley, Surrey. Those that show all-round garden worthiness for the RHS Recommended: Award of Garden Merit.
Colourful flowers of Rosa SMILING EYES stand apart from its foliage
Rosa EYES FOR YOU with clusters of scented flowers

Judges and criteria

Judging criteria

The following factors are all taken into consideration as part of the judging of the trial:

  • General impression (including foliage, vigour and novelty)
  • Flowers (colour, abundance, repeat blooms)

  • Disease resistance
  • Fragrance

Discoveries

While carrying out the trial, a lot of time is spent observing the plants, and details were noticed that did not relate to the formal trial assessment. Here are some of the interesting findings from the trial so far:
Powdery mildew

Powdery mildew found on rose thorns | July 2026

In July 2026, powdery mildew was found on Rosa SUNSET BABYLON EYES (‘Intereybabnus’) with an unusual presentation on both the stems and thorns. This fungal disease appears as a white, powder-like coating and can reduce plant vigour. Rather than treating the plant, it will remain under observation so its progress can be monitored throughout the trial.

Black spot identified on trial roses | July 2026

Black spot was identified on the leaves of several roses in the trial in July 2026. This fungal disease causes purple, yellow or black spots to develop on leaves, which can then fall prematurely and reduce plant vigour. The disease will be managed by removing fallen leaves and mulching the bed to help prevent reinfection.

List of plants in the trial

View all of the Rosa (persica hybrids) on trial at RHS Wisley
  • Rosa AMIROSE (‘Korhulth005’)
  • Rosa ARIA BABYLON EYES (‘Ipb126516’)
  • Rosa ARGUS (‘Vispanredbig’)
  • Rosa BERRY DELIGHTFUL (‘Chewdelight’) (syn. Angel Eyes)
  • Rosa BIENENWEIDE BERNSTEIN (‘Tan19505’) (Orienta Series)
  • Rosa BLUSHING BABYLON EYES (Babylon Eyes Series)
  • Rosa BRAVO BABYLON EYES (‘Ipb069914’)
  • Rosa BRIGHT AS A BUTTON (‘Chewsumsigns’)
  • Rosa C342B
  • Rosa CENTRE OF ATTENTION (‘Weksaqureref’)
  • Rosa CHAWTON COTTAGE (‘Harxcel’)
  • Rosa D329J
  • Rosa ‘Diva Babylon Eyes’
  • Rosa ‘Eye Candy’
  • Rosa EASY ON THE EYES (‘Wekswechefy’)
  • Rosa EYES FOR YOU (‘Pejbigeye’)
  • Rosa ‘Eye Love You’
  • Rosa EYE OF THE STORM (‘Wekeots’)
  • Rosa EYE OF THE TIGER (‘Chewbullseye’)
  • Rosa FANCY BABYLON EYES (‘Intereybabnaf’)
  • Rosa FLAME BABYLON EYES (‘Ipb027710’)
  • Rosa FOR YOUR EYES ONLY (‘Cheweyesup’)
  • Rosa GLORIOUS BABYLON EYES (‘Intereybabolg’)
  • Rosa JOJO PEACH (‘Noa813219’)
  • Rosa KO 16/ 3327-04
  • Rosa KO 17/ 3538-99
  • Rosa LOOKING UP (‘Chewpopeye’)
  • Rosa MAESTRO BABYLON EYES (‘IPB046310’)
  • Rosa OL’ BLUE EYES (‘Wekyolovefoy’)
  • Rosa ORIENTA ALADDIN (Orienta Series)
  • Rosa ORIENTA AYLIN (Orienta Series)
  • Rosa ORIENTA DJAMILA (Orienta Series)
  • Rosa ORIENTA FARINA (Orienta Series)
  • Rosa ORIENTA LAILA (Orienta Series)
  • Rosa ORIENTA MAGNOLIA (‘Tan15555’) (Orienta Series)
  • Rosa ORIENTA SHILA (Orienta Series)
  • Rosa PATRICIA BOE (‘Hardandy’)
  • Rosa PERSIAN DAWN (‘Viseureye’)
  • Rosa PERSIAN SUN (‘Vispersun’)
  • Rosa PETER’S PERSICA (‘Chewgoldeneye’)
  • Rosa RT 21536
  • Rosa SEE YOU IN APRICOT (‘Korhulth007’) (See You Series)
  • Rosa SEE YOU BABY (‘Korhulth006’) (See You Series)
  • Rosa SEE YOU IN LEMON (‘Korhulth008’) (See You Series)
  • Rosa SEE YOU IN PINK (‘Korhulth002’)
  • Rosa SEE YOU IN PURPLE (‘Korreform 500’)
  • Rosa SEE YOU IN ROSÉ (‘Korhulth 004’)
  • Rosa SEE YOU IN RED (‘Korhulth003’)
  • Rosa SMILING EYES (‘Chewrocko’)
  • Rosa STAND, SPEAK, RISE UP! (‘Visperpur’)
  • Rosa ‘Sunset Babylon Eyes’
  • Rosa SWEET BABYLON EYES (‘Intereybabews’)
  • Rosa THIS MORNING (‘Harzephyr’)
  • Rosa TRENDY BABYLON EYES (‘Intereybabert’)
  • Rosa YOUR LOVELY EYES (‘WEKnecflopats’)
  • Rosa Y333J
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For more information on our RHS Plant Trials or to access older trial reports, please get in touch with our team via email at [email protected].

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