With the arrival of the month of May, the city of Madrid once again fills with life, aromas, and colors, and one of the places where this spring explosion is best appreciated is undoubtedly the rose garden in the West Park. This iconic garden is hosting the 69th edition of the International Competition of New Roses Villa de Madrid this year, a prestigious international event that turns the capital into the epicenter of floral art.
Founded in 1955, the rose garden named after Ramón Ortiz, honoring the former Director of Parks and Gardens of Madrid and successor to the legendary Cecilio Rodríguez, spans 32,000 square meters. Inside, more than 20,000 roses of about 700 different varieties bloom, making it not only a visual spectacle but also a valuable space for botanical adaptation in the urban and climatic environment of Madrid.
An internationally renowned competition
The International Competition of New Roses Villa de Madrid has established itself over the decades as one of the most relevant events in the global panorama. This edition features participants from nine countries: Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, the United States, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and New Zealand.
Participants send their unpublished specimens two or three years in advance to be grown in the Madrid garden and evaluated by a permanent commission that monitors the evolution of each plant and assesses its vigor, flowering, climate and disease resistance, as well as its fragrance.
This year, 2025, the International Competition of New Roses Villa de Madrid features 75 new rose varieties in different categories, representing 20 breeders. The new rose varieties for this year are distributed in the following categories:
• HT (Hybrid Tea): 16 varieties
• FLO (Floribunda): 33 varieties
• MIN (Miniature): three varieties
• ARB (Shrub): ten varieties
• CS (Ground Cover): eight varieties
• SX (Climber): five varieties
The final evaluation will take place on May 23, the day when the rose garden will be closed to the public until 4:00 pm, and will be conducted by an international jury composed of representatives from renowned rose gardens, experts in nursery, gardening, and landscaping. The evaluation criteria include the overall health of the rose, its vigor, flowering, climate and disease resistance, fragrance, and originality. Awards include gold, silver, and bronze medals, as well as special prizes such as Best Spanish Variety and Best Fragrance.
Popular Competition and activities for all audiences
In addition to the professional competition, the rose garden is hosting the 25th edition of the Popular Competition, where the public can choose their favorite rose among the 75 varieties in the competition. Voting will be open from Friday the 16th at 10:00 am until Wednesday the 21st at 9:00 pm. Participation can be done in person at the garden, where tables and ballots will be set up, or online through this link during the same dates and times.
The 21st will be the last day of popular voting, and from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm, all individuals who vote in person will receive a cut rose and can enjoy various activities, including musical performances and activities for all ages. At 5:30 pm, there will be children’s activities such as painting, crafts, and games related to roses and environmental respect. At 7:00 pm, there will be an outdoor concert performed by the Arcos School Orchestras.
The most voted rose variety by the public will be awarded the ‘Rose of Madrid 2025’ distinction, and all those who vote for the winning variety will participate in a draw for ten rose plants for each of them.
A colorful heritage in the city
The rose garden in the West Park offers a fully accessible route and, throughout the year, provides an incomparable sensory experience: in spring and summer, with its maximum bloom and vitality; in autumn and winter, as a place of reflection and serenity in the city center. Entry to this unique garden is free.
The garden was recognized in 2006 with the distinction of International Garden of Merit (Award of Garden Excellence), a prestigious award given by the World Federation of Rose Societies to gardens dedicated to roses that stand out for their quality, uniqueness, and beauty in the world.
With the celebration of these competitions, Madrid reaffirms its commitment to the preservation of green spaces, the promotion of landscape culture, and the participation of citizens in caring for and respecting the green heritage of the capital.
