The Tropical Rose Society annually puts its finest flowers on display in the winter because the plants are at their best in South Florida with lower humidity and less rain.

This year, a judged rose competition runs from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 25 at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables. In addition, the society will offer a selection of roses for sale, including the new disease resistant award-winning roses, Pink Knock Out and Red Knock Out, as well as floribundas.

The Society is working with horticulturists at the botanic garden to test roses appropriate to South Florida conditions so that few if any pesticides have to be used to combat black spot. The Knock Out series of plants produce two-inch flowers continuously throughout the year.

The shrubs will be available in 3-gallon containers at the sale. Grafted roses will cost $25; roses growing on their own roots will cost $15.

source : www.miami.com