In fi rst place was the big, bold
and beautiful Red Naomi. They have a luxurious feel and are great value for money so make the perfect choice for loved up romantics looking for a classic red. In joint second fell more
large headed varieties – Sweet Avalanche and Norma Jean. Both are stunningly striking, simple yet beautiful varieties. Next came the lovely Miss
Piggy, whose name always creates a giggle amongst customers and a fi rm favourite due to its sweet scent and vibrant colour. The description breeder Lex+ gives it (see below) just sums it up and with its large head makes it a real winner. Naranga is a zesty variety
loved by many for its fab orange colouring, divine smell and long shelf-life. It plays a great role in a vibrant bouquet amongst reds or yellows but looks equally beautiful with dark purples and lime greens. Also making it onto the list were
Grand Prix and Black Bacarra, red roses are often the fi rst colour choice for many, usually male, customers and these varieties are defi nitely the best sellers when it comes to the classic red dozen while other favourites mentioned include the oh-so-sweet Ocean Song, Purple Power, Amnesia and Memory Lane. But the fact is there are a
zillion and one roses to choose from which is why we rate sierrafl owerfi
nder.com. It’s a collaborative site where everyone shares pictures and information. Sierra is based in Canada so some of the names may be more common in the North American market but it’s a great place to start because it carries possibly the most comprehensive list of roses (and all other fl owers) so is a marvellous tool if you’re looking for something in particular. Other great sites we like, all
hosted by some of the biggest rose breeders, and which include fl ower shots as well as some fab design work are
schreurs.nl,
lex.nl
F&wb Spring 2013 9
and
avalancheroses.com. Because one thing is clear, to
make the most of roses you need to know your roses. There are so many options that to just stick to the same old, same old does you and your customers a disservice. Which is why we were intrigued
to see that there are actually shops that sell nothing but roses. Only Roses - which does what it says on the shop front - has two shops in London and whilst £175 may seem a lot for a Cool Britannia cube of red, white and blue everlasting roses, they’ve absolutely hit a spot given the amount of PR coverage they’ve gained since they opened. Owned and run by husband
and wife team, Anian and Sabine Schmitt, the couple fell in love with the roses whilst holidaying in Ecuador. They instantly knew they had to bring the roses back to the UK and opened their fi rst retail store in 2007 in London’s Old Brompton Road. With a choice of 250 diff erent
varieties, in a range of shapes and sizes and up to 1.80 meters tall the roses are sourced directly from Ecuador three times a week by four Ecuadorian farms, which all work to the highest ethical
Miss Piggy Like the famous diva in The Muppets, this rose presents a public face that is the soul of feminine charm but can suddenly fl y into an impressive temper whenever she thinks she’s insulted or thwarted. Nevertheless, she is destined to be a star. Sweetly pink on the outside and famously fi erce on the inside. Kermit is one lucky frog. Miss Piggy could easily become the love of my life.
(social, labour and environment) standards. They also sell Infi nite roses, premium grade roses preserved to last a year or more and available in both natural and unusual colours like black, purple, blue and dark green. And to off set twice the amount
of CO2 they cause by importing the roses, Only Roses runs a reforestation program in the Ecuadorian Province of Chimborazo where the locals plant, grow and take care of the trees that transform approximately 180-190k tonnes of CO2 into oxygen per year. OK so not everyone could
make the same off er they did one Valentines… a helicopter drop of 1000 roses over the beloved one’s house (cost £9,640) but the idea of having a roses only week or just one day is perfectly possible and one that could get you loads of publicity. You’d need to plan it well in
advance so you can work with your wholesaler to get the best prices and work up a PR and marketing plan but given the UK’s love aff air with all things roses it’s something to think about as a traffi c generator in the quiet months.
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