Back in 2019, Zepeti was baptized in the Netherlands, and since then, demand has grown significantly all over the world. Currently, around 3 million units are being produced, and numbers will continue to rise as increasingly more growers from different countries will start growing this variety. But what makes this variety so successful? Matthias Meilland, Director of Marketing of this French breeding company, explains.
Zepeti / Petite Knock Out
After the introduction in the Netherlands, Zepeti was also introduced in the United States under the name Petite Knock Out. According to the breeder, it is a breakthrough in the world of plants as it continuously flowers, is extremely tolerant to diseases (Oidium and Black Spot), and is resistant to both summer heat and frost. "On top of that, it is very compact, even without pruning, and has dark glossy foliage," Meilland adds.
Increase in popularity
Sustainability is a hot topic, and this small and compact variety works well with this trend, according to Meilland. "This variety launched about four years ago, and we are already approaching two million roses sold worldwide. We are noticing that it is popular to give a sustainable gift, and this rose fits that role perfectly. You are not giving a bouquet of roses that you throw away after two weeks, but you are giving beautiful, small garden patio roses that last several years." Last year, in 2022, Star Roses and Plants, the company that distributes this variety in the US, won an award for their Petite Knock Out at The American Rose Trials for Sustainability (A.R.T.S.) program. A.R.T.S. identifies the most sustainable, hardy, pest-resistant, and beautiful rose cultivars for use in American landscapes and gardens.
Launched in increasingly more countries
Since the introduction, growers from different countries have shown their interest and now, besides being available in several European and North American countries, this patio rose has also been launched in China, the UK, and Australia last year. And soon, it will be launch in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia).
Zepeti in Germany
At the IPM Essen, which took place at the end of January, Zepeti took center stage at Meilland's booth. "Germany is the country where this variety is being sold the most in Europe; many leading garden centers and DIY stores have it in their assortment, and growers see the orders increasing year after year."
For more information:
Matthias Meilland
Meilland roses
meilland.matthias@meilland.com
www.meilland.com