From deep red to pink, white, orange, and even cerise, the rose is a versatile flower variety that communicates emotions and celebrates life’s most special occasions. Kenya, thanks to its strategic location along the equator, high altitude, fertile soils, and year-round sunshine, has become a global powerhouse in rose production. Kenya is Africa’s largest cut-rose exporter and one of the top five floriculture producers worldwide.
But among the many types of flowers grown in Kenya, some rose varieties stand out as true icons of beauty, resilience, and export demand. These are the seven Kenyan roses you need to know — each a favorite for florists, event planners, and flower lovers across the globe.
Where Are Kenya’s Most Popular Roses Grown
Kenya’s roses are cultivated in prime floriculture regions, including Naivasha, Nakuru, Thika, Athi River, Isinya, areas around Mt. Kenya, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Kericho, Trans Nzoia, and Uasin Gishu. These regions provide the perfect climate for producing Kenyan roses with long stems, vibrant colors, and extended vase life. With these ideal growing conditions being consistent year-round, reliable production, quality, and supply throughout the year is guaranteed.
Prominent farms such as Black Tulip Flowers, Subati Flowers, Sian Flowers, Tambuzi Ltd, Karen Roses, Nini Flowers, Fontana, Bloomingdale, Credible Blooms, East African Growers, Rift Valley Roses, Timaflor, Kisima Farm, Flamingo, and Isinya Roses are among the leaders exporting rose flower varieties to global markets.
Popular Rose Varieties Shaping Kenya’s Floral Exports
Kenya’s floriculture industry is built on rose varieties that stand the test of time. A few roses have earned global recognition not only for their beauty but also for their consistency in production, vase life, and wide appeal in international markets. These roses are a common thread across farms of all sizes, forming the backbone of exports to Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Rose Athena – The Classic White Powerhouse
Bred by Kordes, Rose Athena is the most successful and widely grown rose in Kenya. Nearly every farm grows it, making it the country’s signature white rose. Athena stands out for its reliable and enormous production, strong transport qualities, and adaptability across altitudes, which ensures a steady supply year-round. For buyers, it is the definition of reliability, while for growers, it is a cornerstone variety that continues to dominate the market.
Some of the farms in Kenya growing Rose Athena include: Valentine Growers, Panocal, and Subati Flowers, Sian Flowers, Bloomingdale, Black Tulip, just to name a few.
Rose Madam Red – The Universal Intermediate
From the breeder United Selections, Rose Madam Red is grown across nearly all farms in Kenya. It is the quintessential intermediate red rose, loved for its striking red tone and adaptability. Madam Red has become the go-to choice for florists who want a versatile red rose that works in every type of arrangement. Its universal presence reflects its strong balance of color appeal, vase life, and yield.
Some of the farms in Kenya growing Rose Madam Red include: Nini Flowers, Bilashaka, Sian Flowers, Bloomingdale, Valentine Growers, Kikwetu Flowers, and Pj Dave Flowers.
Rose Ever Red – Premium Beauty
Another variety that has become universal in Kenya is Rose Ever Red, bred by De Ruiter Innovations. While Madam Red dominates the intermediate segment, Ever Red is the premium alternative—longer stems, deeper shade, and a commanding presence. For buyers seeking an upscale red rose, Ever Red defines the standard, serving premium clients who want exclusivity without compromising on performance.
Some of the farms in Kenya growing Rose Ever Red include: Sian Flowers, PJ Dave Flowers, and Subati Flowers, Bloomingdale, Timaflor, and Kisima Farm, to name a few.
Rose Rhodos – A Global Bestseller
Also bred by De Ruiter Innovations, Rose Rhodos has risen to become one of the most commercially successful premium roses worldwide. Its vibrant red tone, uniform bud shape, and exceptional vase life have made it a mainstay for exporters. In Kenya, Rhodos thrives across large-scale farms, strengthening the country’s reputation as a leader in red rose exports.
P.J. Dave Flowers and, as a group, were the pioneers of this variety, growing it exclusively for many years. Today, the boast of a huge area of more than 30ha alone covered by Rose Rhodos, though now available in a couple of farms, PJ Dave Flowers has the biggest area, with stable production year-round for this rose.
Rose Madam Cerise – A Distinctive Mutation
A mutation of Madam Red, Rose Madam Cerise (by the breeder United Selections) offers a cerise tone that brings a distinctive twist to the trusted genetics of its parent. It is widely grown for this color segment and valued for its unique color expression. This makes it a strong option for buyers seeking something different while retaining the production reliability of the Madam line.
Some of the farms in Kenya growing Rose Madam Cerise include: Sian Flowers, Subati Flowers, Bloomingdale, Valentine Growers, Kikwetu Flowers, Black Tulip Group, and Simbi Roses.
Rose Revival
From the breeder Rosen Tantau, Rose Revival carries a heritage status in the industry. Known for its classical rose form and pink-lavender tone, Revival remains popular in select markets where nostalgia and tradition hold strong appeal. Though not as universally grown as Athena or Madam Red, its consistent performance and unique character have kept it relevant for decades.
Some of the farms in Kenya growing Rose Revival include: Fontana Ltd, Penta Flowers, and Mzurrie Flowers.
Rose Confidential
Also bred by United Selections, Rose Confidential is a variety that has held its ground for years. Its warm orange-red tone, adaptability, and dependable yields make it a trusted rose across various markets. Confidential sits comfortably as a variety that appeals to both everyday and special occasion demand.
Some of the farms in Kenya growing Rose Confidential include: Sian Flowers, Subati Flowers, Rift Valley Roses, and Credible Blooms.
Kenyan Roses, a National Symbol of Beauty
With their breathtaking variety of colors and unmatched quality, Kenyan roses have become not just an economic lifeline, but also a cultural emblem — often regarded as the unofficial Kenyan national flower. From Valentine’s Day bouquets to wedding centerpieces and international floral design, rose flower varieties grown in Kenya symbolize elegance, resilience, and love.
Whether it’s the elegant red of Rose Ever Red, the purity of Rose Athena, or the vibrant cerise of Madam Cerise, Kenya’s roses continue to inspire florists and flower enthusiasts worldwide.
Header image by @Isinya Roses Ltd
