Matthias Meilland at the IPM Essen holding the Drift rose.
Drift roses
Meilland International have spent 35 years in the breeding of roses. The drift roses are one of their newest varieties in the landscape roses selection. Drift Roses are a cross between full-size groundcover roses and miniature roses. "From the former they take their toughness, disease resistance and winter hardiness and from the miniatures, they inherited their well-managed size and repeat-blooming nature," says Meilland. According to him, it is a easy to care for rose which needs less water than most plants and once a year only cut back or pruning. Around 8 months a year, they can be planted. As soon they are planted, they start rooting. "The roots are strong and go deep. The plants flower from spring till frost and are winter hardy. In the US we've conducted several trials from Canada to Florida, USDA zones 4 to 11. The only point which some can consider as a disadvantage is the fact that the roses have thorns," he says.
Popcorn Drift Novarospop.
Increase popularity in EU
In the US, the drift roses are already very popular. Now, Meilland wants to increase the popularity in Europe, however, this will be a harder task. "In contrast to the USA, in Europe we have to deal with many different languages and different mentalities," says Meilland. Therefore, the breeding company wants to enter Europe per country, starting with France. "I think France will be a good start. As Meilland is a French company, we know the language and the mentality very well. Besides that, and maybe more importantly, there is a law in France that does not allow any use of pesticide in landscape plants or flowers. So the drift rose will be the perfect solution," says Meilland.
For more information
Meilland
Matthias Meilland
Email: [email protected]
www.meilland.com
