Barcelona is set to bloom once again as the city prepares to welcome the 26th International New Roses Competition from 8 to 10 May at the celebrated Parc de Cervantes. Held during the peak flowering season, the annual event has become one of Europe’s most respected showcases for rose breeding, horticultural excellence and floral innovation.
The competition will bring together 33 rose breeders from countries including Spain, France, Italy, Japan, Belgium, South Africa and New Zealand, all presenting newly developed varieties for expert judging. Entries will compete across categories such as hybrid tea, floribunda, landscape, groundcover, miniature and climbing roses.
An international jury of around 70 specialists will assess each rose for qualities including vitality, fragrance, resistance and overall beauty. Adding a unique sensory dimension to the event, a panel of master perfumers will also evaluate the blooms to identify the variety with the finest scent.
The public will also have a chance to take part. Visitors to the rose garden can vote for their favourite entry in the Citizen Rose 2026 award, helping to make the event both a professional competition and a community celebration. Guided tours, workshops and family-friendly activities are also planned throughout the weekend.
With thousands of rose bushes already in flower, Parc de Cervantes offers an ideal setting for the competition. As Barcelona continues to strengthen its reputation for urban green spaces and garden culture, the event promises a vibrant meeting point for growers, designers and flower lovers alike.
Read more at Barcelona.
The SuperFloral Team brings you news, trends and practical ideas for supermarket and mass-market floral professionals. Our editors gather and curate the stories that matter most to floral teams in grocery and retail, from industry news and events to merchandising inspiration and business advice. Have a story idea or news tip? Write to us at editorial@superfloral.com.