With over 600 varieties of flowers on display and workshops galore, rose fever has gripped the town

KIRANMAI TUTIKA  I AMARAVATI

This weekend, Vijayawada is basking in vibrant shades of red, pink, yellow and lavender as the city transforms into a miniature ‘Rose City’, thanks to the ongoing 8th Rose & Agri Horticulture Show at the Siddhartha Hotel Management College grounds.

The three-day event, organised by the Rose Society of Andhra Pradesh in association with the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation, Harita Priya Plant Lovers Association, and state horticulture and agriculture departments, has turned into a major attraction for nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts.

Spread across lush green lanes fragrant with fresh blossoms, the exhibition showcases an impressive 600 varieties of roses and more than 7,000 rose plants, making it one of the most extensive rose displays the city has ever witnessed. Visitors entering the venue, after paying a modest Rs. 30 entry fee, are greeted by a vivid tapestry of colours and intoxicating scents that linger long after the visit ends.

Twenty-year-old Siddhartha Mahila Kalasala student V.Manasa, stood beaming near the grafting demonstration corner. “I adore roses, but my grafting attempts always failed,” she admitted. “For the first time, I learnt the complete technique, from selecting stems to soil preparation. Now I can’t wait to experiment with colour combinations and grow my own full-bloom rose garden.” Such learning experiences have become a highlight of the exhibition, with visitors often spending long hours conversing with experts and absorbing tips on cultivation.

Of all the floral displays, the species roses, noted for their wild origins and 5-6 petal structures with delicate colour-tipped edges, have captivated most visitors. Among them, Rosa Rugosa, celebrated for its strong, fresh fragrance and its adaptability to Vijayawada’s tropical climate, has become the show-stopper. Many visitors queued up to purchase these hardy plants known for flourishing in sunny conditions.

Explaining the science behind the blooms, S. Usha Rani, President of Rose Society AP, said, “Floribunda roses produce clusters on each stem, making them ideal for rose water, essences and premium oils. Hybrid Tea varieties, on the other hand, are admired for their long, upright stems and elegant single blooms.”

The plants showcased at the event have been sourced from some of the finest nurseries across West Bengal, Karnataka, and other states, with nearly 126 varieties brought exclusively from West Bengal. Society members carefully selected each plant to match Andhra Pradesh’s climatic conditions.

For homemaker Jyothi Priya, the show has been a nostalgic return to her childhood passion. “This is an incredible opportunity to introduce gardening to my children,” she said. “They selected two plants each and are excited to start their own rose corner at home.”

G. Lakshmi, Secretary of the Rose Society of AP, expressed satisfaction with the turnout. “All our plants were grown using drip irrigation with carefully mixed nutrients. The response has been overwhelming. Such exhibitions must be supported by the state government so we can bring more shows to different districts.” As Vijayawada continues to bloom, the Rose Show has not only beautified the city but also sparked a renewed interest in home gardening, sustainable practices and the art of nurturing roses.