Three days this mid-January might just be the right time to experience firsthand some of the most exquisite roses. From January 14 to 16, De Ruiter East Africa opens its facility’s doors in Naivasha for growers, traders, florists, and anyone ardent about flowers to experience their innovation in rose breeding.
The De Ruiter Open Days present an opportunity to see and feel the breeder’s roses, both new and established ones. Such include premium and standard roses, exquisite spray roses, and even an assortment of other flowers, alongside a few other surprises.
A Reputation of Producing Roses That Perform
The flower industry flourishes on such moments, when a breeder opens their doors, allowing all to see what they have been working on. Growers can discover the varieties, traders spot the trends that move through global markets, and everyone gets to see flowers’ beauty right where (and when) it is created.
De Ruiter has built a reputation on producing roses that perform, not just in greenhouses, but all the way through the supply chain. In Naivasha, their facility is quite the destination for anyone keen (and serious) about rose production. Their Open Days show exactly that, and this edition promises to be particularly special, featuring a collection that includes both proven commercial successes and exciting new introductions.
Rose Revolution® Takes Center Stage
Rose Revolution® is not just another red rose; it just keeps charming. Already a proven commercial success, this variety is grown by, among others, the likes of Shalimar Fresh, Nini Flowers, Panda Flowers, Van Den Berg, and Maridadi Flowers (Kneppers Rozen) in Kenya. It is a rose that delivers on every front, with buds reaching up to 5 cm, stems extending to 70 cm, and a vase life of 14 to 16 days.
But this variety’s true appeal is its color, a fiery red that does not fade, and its reliable performance across different growing conditions. It is a variety that makes growers confident and buyers happy, which is precisely what a commercial rose should do. At the Open Days, this is a must-see rose for anyone keen on red roses, especially with Valentine’s just around the corner.
Numerous Other Charming Varieties
While Rose Revolution® might attract the spotlight, numerous others definitely catch attention as well. The Open Days showcase also incorporates an extensive collection of these varieties, including seven premium varieties specially selected for the Middle East! These include Rose Mandala, Rose Bahati, Rose PomaRosa®, Rose Proud, Rose Fluence, Rose Ever Red®, and Rose Ever Pink®. Others include Rose Fizzy, Rose Brilliance, Rose Pukka, and De Ruiter's Serenity, a variety that lives up to its name with a soothing presence.
Spray Rose Selections and More Upcoming Varieties
The breeder also has a strong reputation in spray roses. The Dimensions Series has already made its mark, with varieties that offer numerous perfectly blooming flowers per stem. The Miracle Series also adds to this, bringing its own set of strengths. There are others like Spray Rose Fibonacci Yantra, and Spray Rose Fiesta Brilliant Stars. These varieties feature in a full collection that includes several others that offer versatility, value, and efficiency for growers. Seeing the full range in one place helps you understand the state of spray rose breeding and where it is headed.
The codes, too, feature quite an amazing array that one has to be there to see. These varieties, still in the evaluation phase, show enough promise to be worth noting. They come in different colors and forms, with qualities that might just make them the next commercial success. The Open Days give you a chance to see all these potential floral stars before most of the market even knows they exist.
A Floral Supporting Cast
While roses take the main stage, De Ruiter East Africa also has an assortment of Hypericum and Anigozanthos, along with a selection of other summer flowers, because successful flower production often involves diversity. Hypericum provides the essential berries that designers love for adding texture, while Anigozanthos brings a unique form that stands out in arrangements.
These, too, are worth your attention, because smart growers know that diversification can stabilize production and open new market opportunities. Even if you are primarily focused on roses, seeing what else De Ruiter works on gives new ideas for your own operation.
What You Gain From Attending
The Open Days are really beneficial for anyone in the flower industry. They mean so much for floral operations. You get to see roses at different stages of development, from buds to fully open flowers. You can ask questions to people who understand the entire breeding process, the growing requirements, and the market dynamics. You also get to meet and interact with other growers and industry professionals, and get leads and essential insights.
Also, these Open Days are part of how the flower industry grows. Breeders develop new varieties based on market needs and growing conditions. Growers evaluate those varieties and decide which ones to plant. Traders and distributors make those flowers available globally.
And at the end of the chain, the markets get the most exquisite flowers. In ways, events like these Open Days are where all these segments connect: where feedback reaches the breeder, market trends crystallize and become visible, and where connections are built to support the floral industry.
So mark your calendar for January 14, 15, and 16. The Open Days take place at De Ruiter East Africa in Naivasha, a location many in the flower industry already know. It features refreshments while creating opportunities for both formal and informal networking. The invitation is therefore extended. So, will you be there?
Photos by De Ruiter East Africa.
