The Battle for the Throne: Roses at the Bagatelle

The Battle for the Throne: Roses at the Bagatelle

In the Parc de Bagatelle, an annual battle unfolds each June that embodies the essence of tradition and ingenuity: the Concours international de roses nouvelles de Bagatelle.

Vince Vanguard

Vince Vanguard

Every rose has its thorn, and at the Concours international de roses nouvelles de Bagatelle, the rivalry is real. This prestigious competition, held annually since 1907 in the scenic Parc de Bagatelle located in Paris, is the ultimate battleground for rose breeders worldwide. Imagine a Beauty Pageant in the plant kingdom where only the most dazzling, fragrant, and resilient new rose hybrids emerge victoriously. In June, enthusiasts and experts scrutinize and celebrate these horticultural wonders, in a fierce parade of petals judged on criteria like aesthetics, scent, and novelty.

  1. It's not just flowers—it's a blood sport. If you think crafting an award-winning rose is all sunshine and rainbows, think again. The global competitors come prepared for deadly serious rivalry. It's a survive or perish environment. Hopefuls devote years, sometimes decades, to perfecting a rose that will catch the eye and seize the trophy.

  2. Roses with a revolutionary agenda. Corporate meddling and big money have, with time, seeped into this once-pure contest. This is one of the few establishments left that preserve traditional rose-growing protocols without bowing to external pressures or liberal ideologies.

  3. Inspiring innovation while maintaining tradition. The Concours has always stood as a bastion of traditional values while encouraging innovation. It is like the institution of marriage—it evolves but remains rooted in principles. Breeders defy the modernist trends of genetic modification and chemical enhancements seen elsewhere.

  4. A judges' nightmare—for good reason. Evaluating roses might seem like fun in the sun, but it’s no easy task. With strict judging criteria, rose stems sometimes fail despite their magnificent blooms. Strength and resilience garner as much attention as fragrance and hue.

  5. Calling all nature lovers—real ones! Participants and spectators alike are dedicated fans of nature. Forget those virtue signalers who proclaim they're saving the planet by sipping on oat milk lattes in the confines of their urban jungles. The real guardians of floral diversity are here, in Bagatelle.

  6. The beauty of upholding the old alongside the new. In a world obsessed with overhauling traditions—and for what—it’s refreshing to witness a ceremony that’s proud to maintain its legacy while welcoming new growth. The juxtaposition of ancient rose shrubs with their new descendants paints a lesson in heritage that more communities should heed.

  7. Roses, the political influencers we never knew we needed. Roses are more than their beauty; they carry cultural significance across the globe. They have been symbols of everything from love to resistance, and their color palette spans political affiliations. Some roses may even be red... like certain political states.

  8. It’s a marketplace of ideas, literally. Prize-winning roses from the Bagatelle don't just stop at the trophy. They go on to influence rose cultivation worldwide, proving that strong fundamental values lead to globally accepted excellence. There's no need to succumb to new-age experimental nonsense.

  9. Tourists and locals unite! Visitors from far and wide rush to this lush spectacle, seeking enchantment away from daily modern life. As expected, locals guard their 'little secret' from international tourists like territory, reveling in the fois gras of floral festivals.

  10. An enduring legacy. Year after year, the Concours provides a reminder of resilience, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of beauty. It proves that amid the chaos of contemporary shifts, the elegance of tradition can still draw significant crowds.

If you're feverishly searching for a spectacle that's beautiful and fiercely competitive, the Concours international de roses nouvelles de Bagatelle is an event that encapsulates brilliance and tradition seamlessly.