"In a world increasingly filled with artificial substitutes, the charm of natural beauty often gets overshadowed. My grandfather, a lifelong flower enthusiast, had a simple rule: "Fake must be binned." He believed in the authenticity and emotional power of real flowers—something that today's flower industry risks losing as artificial alternatives and poor-quality products creep in. This is a call from me, and my grandfather, to preserve the legacy of genuine beauty and care", says John Pouw of Viking Roses, a rose breeding company investing in breeding not only appealing, but also very resistant varieties.
Rosa's Amazing® Touch of Yellow
Pouw's grandfather and his love for flowers
"At 82, my grandfather retired from flower-growing to look after my dementing grandmother. He learned to cook, wrote his memoirs, picked up drawing and looked after his flowers. Vases full of them, he loved them. Every evening would take them to the kitchen, one vase at a time because he had difficulty walking. Each morning he would take out dead flowers, change water and bring them back to the living room, one-by-one. When I would visit, we would go through them all, the new special chrysanthemum, the dark red gladiola, his favorite peony. And yes, some roses too, but they often were disappointing", says Pouw when looking at the past.
Industry fueling the preference for artificial alternatives
"This was 50 years ago. Today, no more Ilona, Carola or Garnet, but queens of the flowers in all colors and shapes and most with an acceptable vase life. However, too often, flowers are sold as mere commodities, with old, subpar products pushed at premium prices. This disregard for the emotional resonance of flowers undermines their beauty and fuels a growing preference for artificial alternatives. Such practices do little to honor the legacy of care and authenticity my grandfather embodied."
On the left: Rosa Loves Me® Under the Stars "Eye-catching low-footprint spray at IPM Essen." On the right: Rosa Loves Me® with Fatal Attraction. "Another low-footprint spray, suitable for different climates."
Natural farming
According to Pouw, reducing our environmental footprint is essential, and we are fully aware of this responsibility in all aspects of our lives, taking action wherever possible. Efficiency plays a significant role in this effort as well. Pesticides and artificial fertilizers are not only costly but also come with harmful side effects. Avinash Mokate of Sunfloritech Ltd. highlights the importance of embracing 'mother nature' through natural farming practices, offering a more sustainable and effective approach.
Resistant varieties
Viking Roses hasn't sat still either. "With present varieties that already are more resistant than others, a decade ago we started our 100% biological outdoor trials in Denmark and The Netherlands, and the first results now become visible in commercial trials in Kenya", says Pouw.
A wide selection of colors and shapes
Currently, the collection offers a wide range of colors and shapes. "Among the highlights is the vibrant yellow 'Under The Stars,' which impresses with 6-7 flowers per stem. This variety allows you to create a full bouquet with just three stems. Several other 'Rosa Loves Me' varieties also feature multi-flowered stems, including 'Inger Kristine,' 'Radicant Rebecca,' and the popular wedding rose 'Fatal Attraction.' These varieties are perfect for everything from romantic weddings to decorative table arrangements."
Some of the 'Viking bio-selections'
IPM Essen
Next week, from January 28-31, the IPM Essen will take place in Essen, Germany and for the first time, Roses Forever will present their cut roses, 'Rosa Loves Me®,' at this international plant and flower exhibition. At the Roses Forever stand, the eight best varieties of 'Rosa Loves Me' will be on display. "These varieties have been carefully selected for their outstanding quality and long vase life. From the moment they are harvested in Kenya, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Colombia or The Netherlands to their arrival in flower shops across Europe, the roses excel in their longevity." Viking Roses collaborates with exclusive partners who grow these unique cut rose varieties, and at IPM, buyers will be able to place orders directly with these producers. One can meet Rosa, Harley and Anders, the Viking breeders, at the IPM (hall 1, stand C1.36) of Roses Forever.
Competing in IPM 2025 Plant Novelty Contest
Also a Viking Rose variety as well as some other varieties of Roses Forever will be competing in the IPM contest Plant Novelty of IPM 2025. One of their entries, Under The Stars from the 'Rosa Loves Me' collection, will be featured under the Cut Flowers category. "This exceptional variety is sure to impress with its stunning blooms and long-lasting qualities." Additionally, they will present a garden rose under the Three Nursery Products category: Royal Victoria Plant'n'Relax®. "This variety embodies the elegance and resilience that Roses Forever is known for, offering a beautiful addition to any garden." Also, Princess of Orange Infinity® will be competing in the Flowering Indoor Plants category. "Its vibrant color and exceptional performance make it a top contender in the competition."
For more information:
Roses Forever
Rosa Eskelund
T: +45 51 57 19 90
[email protected]
www.roses-forever.com
Viking Roses
John Pouw
[email protected]
www.VikingRoses.com
