Exploring the World’s Leading Rose Breeding Companies: A Guide for Rose Enthusiasts

As a passionate rose grower and enthusiast, I’m always keen to explore the best options for acquiring and cultivating the most beautiful rose varieties. Whether you’re looking to start a new collection or enhance your existing garden, understanding the different breeding companies and their offerings can make a big difference in the types of roses you choose. Today, I’ll be sharing some insights into some of the top rose breeding companies around the world, each known for their unique and high-quality rose varieties.

France: The Rose Heart of the World

Meilland (MEILLAND)

A name that’s synonymous with rose breeding, Meilland has been a dominant force in the industry for years. One of their standout creations is the ‘Creamy Eden’ (2006), a high-yielding, nostalgic-toned cream-colored rose that is surrounded by full buds with upward-facing leaves. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a rose that adds a touch of elegance to their garden.

For those seeking something a bit bolder, Meilland’s ‘Moulin Rouge’ is a stunning light pink variety with a high flower yield and a 15–17-day vase life. This variety is ideal for cut flowers, with a petal count of 45 and an annual output of 200-220 stems per square meter. If you’re after a yellow rose, the ‘Yellow Sunset’ will charm you with its 35-40 petals and vibrant color.

Meilland’s ‘Zen’ series is great for large-scale growers, featuring wild-type roses with only four petals, and an easy-to-handle design that suits any garden landscape. These roses are not only beautiful but have been bred for resilience and productivity, making them a great addition to any serious grower's collection.

Italy: NIRP Rose Company

NIRP Roses brings to the table some truly eye-catching varieties. Their ‘Grande Classe’, a red medium-sized rose, is known for its long vase life and classic soft pink color, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy both visual appeal and longevity. Another favorite of mine is the ‘Florida’, which is one of the more recent hybrids, offering beautiful blooms with an extended vase life.

If you love the warmth of orange, peach, and mango-colored roses, NIRP's collection of multi-colored roses will be a feast for your eyes. Their ‘Rosemantic’ and ‘Magdalena’ are must-haves, both having long-lasting flowers that remain vibrant even in extreme temperatures. For heat-tolerant gardens, ‘Aubade’ (a pink and cream color mix) is bred for areas with temperatures reaching up to 40°C.

Germany: Kordes and Tantau

Kordes Roses has been a pioneer in breeding long-lasting, high-yield roses. The ‘Ballerina’ is a fragrant pink variety, perfect for both bouquets and gardens. If you're looking for something with a rich yellow hue, their ‘Impala’ is a standout, providing beautiful blooms that last up to 17-18 days in a vase.

Tantau Roses, another powerhouse from Germany, introduced the ‘Revival’ (2007), a lovely pink rose perfect for warmer climates. It’s high-yielding with large heads and an extended vase life, making it suitable for both the commercial grower and home gardeners who want to add some elegance to their flower beds.

New Zealand: Franko Roses

For those looking to grow roses in hot climates, Franko Roses’ ‘Capitola’ is the go-to variety. This pink rose has a remarkable vase life and is heat-resistant, thriving even in temperatures above 40°C. It's currently being trialed in India and shows immense potential in high-temperature regions.

The Netherlands: De Ruiter and Interplant

De Ruiter Roses has been a leader in producing hybrid tea roses, with their ‘Faith’ (light purple) and ‘Fiction’ (yellow with red-brown undertones) being some of the most popular choices for Nordic climates. If you're based in Europe and want a rose that thrives in cooler conditions, their ‘Mylo’ with champagne and apricot hues is perfect for you.

Interplant Roses is another Dutch company with some exquisite creations. Their ‘Sushi’, with its striking golden yellow color and red edge, is perfect for high-altitude growers and is particularly suited to the Japanese market. Other varieties like ‘Lavinda’ and ‘Chelsea’ are known for their long vase life and high yield, making them ideal for both commercial growers and hobbyists.

Kenya: Schreurs Roses

Kenya has become one of the biggest exporters of roses globally, and Schreurs Roses has been at the forefront of this movement. They’ve developed roses like ‘Audio’ and ‘Stereo’—beautiful pink varieties that are thornless and grow well in the warm Kenyan climate. These roses are perfect for bouquet arrangements and are especially popular in European wedding markets.

Conclusion

No matter where you are in the world, there’s a rose breeding company that can provide you with the perfect varieties for your garden. From France’s elegance to New Zealand’s heat tolerance, these companies have a diverse range of roses suited to different climates and purposes. By understanding the strengths and specialties of these breeding companies, you can make an informed choice and grow the roses that best suit your needs, whether for personal enjoyment or commercial cultivation.

The world of rose breeding is vast and exciting, and with the right knowledge, you can embark on a journey of cultivating roses that will brighten your garden and your life. Happy gardening!