I recently had the opportunity to visit Isinya Roses-Porini Flowers, thanks to De Ruiter East Africa, one of the top rose breeders in the world. De Ruiter East Africa, based in Naivasha, Kenya, is known for its collection of unique rose varieties, and they continue to expand their offerings. During my visit, I had the chance to explore one of their most sought-after varieties, Rose Playa Blanca, which is bred by Genviv Breeding, which is being represented by De Ruiter EA.
Porini Flowers is a farm that stands out from the crowd. Located at 2,865 meters above sea level, it’s the only rose farm in Kenya situated at such an altitude. This plays a key role in the growth of their roses, producing roses with bigger heads and longer stems. Porini is dedicated to producing roses of the highest quality, with an emphasis on consistency and premium standards.
Isinya Group-Porini Flowers Farm
Established in 2011, the inception of Porini Premium Flowers was a beautiful milestone for the founders of Isinya Roses Ltd, which by then was ten years old having started in the year 2001. Porini, a Swahili word that means ‘wild', became the little sister to Isinya roses. And just like the wildflowers, you must allow yourself to grow in all places people thought you never would.
Porini Flowers has quickly become a leading name in Kenya’s flower industry. Drawing from over a decade of experience in the floriculture industry, the farm has set itself apart by prioritizing quality over quantity. While most flower growers shy away from high-altitude locations due to lower production yields, Porini embraces this challenge. The altitude and cooler temperatures result in roses with bigger buds but the production levels are smaller.
Rose Playa Blanca Grown by Porini Flowers
Playa Blanca is an all-season rose that blends in with various floral arrangements. Its bright white petals, tinged with soft ivory that is heart-shaped on the inside, make it a versatile choice for any occasion. Whether it’s a wedding, baby shower, or corporate event, this rose fits seamlessly into different floral designs.
The high-altitude environment at Porini favors the growth of this rose, resulting in flowers with heads ranging from 5.0 to 6.0 cm in size. One of the distinct qualities of this rose is that it opens fully when placed in a vase, which is a feature many florists appreciate. The stems of this rose are long, typically ranging from 50 to 80 cm, and the flowers last longer in a vase, making them ideal for arrangements that need to hold up over time.
During my visit, I was given a few stems of Rose Playa Blanca to take home. I used them to create some Christmas festive décor for my home and even gifted a friend. I found the roses to be hardy and strong, with a great vase life. As they opened, the petals curled into soft, glowing ivory, adding an elegant touch to the arrangements. The leaves of the rose also helped to fill out the arrangement, meaning I didn’t need to add any additional greenery or fillers.
My New Favorite White Rose
As a lover of classic and timeless vintage themes, I can confidently say that Rose Playa Blanca has earned a spot on my list of my favorite roses. Its pure white petals and subtle ivory undertones make it the perfect complement to vintage-inspired décor. Whether it’s for a wedding, an elegant event, or simply adding a touch of sophistication to your home, Playa Blanca effortlessly fits into any timeless, vintage-style setting.
The way the petals open up, creating a soft, glowing look, its simplicity and beauty make it a versatile choice for creating romantic, vintage-inspired floral designs. I’m excited to use this variety in future arrangements, knowing it will bring that perfect blend of grace and classic beauty I love.
