As floral designers, we work with many different rose varieties throughout the year, but now and then a variety leaves a lasting impression from the very first moment. That was my experience with Rose Bahati, a rose bred by De Ruiter and grown by Azali Roses. Through a collaboration made possible by Thursd, I had the opportunity to work closely with this variety and create a series of floral designs that showcased its qualities in practical and inspiring ways.
I would like to begin by expressing my appreciation to De Ruiter, Azali Roses, and the entire Thursd team for making this collaboration possible. Opportunities like these allow designers to experience new varieties firsthand, understand their strengths, and share those experiences with fellow florists and floral enthusiasts around the world.
My First Impression of Rose Bahati
The first thing that caught my attention when I opened the boxes was the quality of the roses. The color was rich and inviting, the head size was impressive, and the stems were strong and healthy. These are the details every florist notices immediately because they often determine how a variety will perform throughout the design process.
As the roses continued to open, I became even more impressed. The flowers developed consistently across the entire batch, revealing beautiful forms and maintaining excellent uniformity. For designers, consistency is incredibly important because it allows us to create arrangements that feel balanced and intentional from every angle.
The color of Bahati is another characteristic that stood out to me. It brings warmth, depth, and presence to a design while remaining versatile enough for different styles and occasions. Whether used in large installations or smaller arrangements, the variety naturally draws attention without overpowering the overall composition.
A Name That Reflects Its Character
Bahati means "luck," and after working with this variety, I genuinely believe the name suits it perfectly. Every stem contributed something meaningful to the designs I created. The roses carried themselves beautifully throughout the entire process, offering the reliability and quality that florists look for when creating arrangements for clients. Something is rewarding about working with flowers that consistently deliver exactly what you hope they will.
For me, Bahati represents more than just a beautiful rose. It is a variety that combines appearance, performance, and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of floral applications.
Creating Four Floral Concepts
For this project, I wanted to demonstrate how Bahati can be used in different settings, from grand statements to more intimate arrangements. I created four floral concepts that reflect situations many florists encounter in their daily work.
The first design was a 75-rose bouquet. This arrangement was designed to showcase abundance, impact, and presence. Large bouquets require consistency in size, shape, and quality, and Bahati delivered exceptionally well. The result was a striking bouquet that would be suitable for celebrations, special occasions, and luxury gifting.
The second design was a 50-rose centerpiece. This concept highlighted how the variety can be used in event work where fullness and visual impact are essential. The arrangement felt balanced and structured while still allowing the natural beauty of the roses to take center stage.
My third concept was a 30-rose coffee table arrangement. I wanted to create something that would fit comfortably within residential and hospitality spaces while still making a strong visual statement. Bahati worked wonderfully in this format because the flowers naturally create volume and character without requiring excessive quantities.
The final concept was a 20-rose dining table arrangement. Dining arrangements require careful planning because they should enhance the atmosphere without interfering with conversation. Bahati's form and presentation made it easy to create a design that felt refined, welcoming, and perfectly suited to the setting.
Performance That Exceeded Expectations
While appearance is important, long-term performance is often what determines whether a variety becomes one that I would use again. One of the qualities I appreciated most about Bahati was its outstanding vase life. The roses maintained their freshness and beauty for an impressive period, continuing to develop while retaining their quality. This level of durability is extremely valuable for florists, especially when working on events, weddings, and installations where flowers need to look their best for extended periods.
The strong stems also contributed significantly to the overall experience. They provided excellent support during the design process and gave me confidence that the arrangements would continue to perform well after delivery.
Why I Would Recommend Bahati
After working with Bahati across these four concepts, I can confidently say that it is a variety I would happily use again. Its combination of rich color, impressive head size, strong stems, consistency, and exceptional vase life makes it a valuable choice for both everyday floral work and larger professional projects. Whether creating bouquets, centerpieces, event installations, or home arrangements, the variety adapts beautifully to different design requirements.
This collaboration reminded me why partnerships between breeders, growers, designers, and industry platforms are so important. They create opportunities to share knowledge, inspire creativity, and introduce professionals to varieties that can elevate their work. For any florist looking for a rose that combines beauty with reliable performance, Bahati is certainly a variety worth considering. It truly lives up to its name, bringing a sense of blessing to every arrangement it becomes part of.
All pictures courtesy of @florist_kazi__sagar.
