Guide to the Best Rose Breeders: Passion, Innovation, & Patience
When it comes to growing roses that thrive, selecting a reputable breeder is key. At April & Ashley, we’re proud to partner with the most talented breeders in the industry. Because of their commitment to roses, we’re able to bring you the most unique, fragrant and resilient varieties in the market. In this post, we’ll introduce you to our trusted breeders and cover what to look for when choosing one.
What Makes a Top Rose Breeder?
Becoming an internationally-recognized and renowned rose breeder is no small feat. To achieve this level of prestige, there are a set of quality standards that rose breeders must uphold.
Innovation & Variety
Hybrid rose developers and modern rose hybridizers aim to produce unique roses with new colors, forms and disease resistance. With such a wide variety available, rose enthusiasts can bring the garden of their dreams to life.
Award-Winning Performance
A good indicator of a rose breeder’s expertise is their award-winning rose varieties. There are multiple rose competitions throughout the world – including Baden Baden, the Hague, Bagatell, and more. Candidates are judged on disease resistance, hardiness, flowering effect, fragrance, among other criteria.
Specialty Roses
The two types of specialty roses are heirloom and modern roses. Cultivated in the 1800s, heirloom roses have stood the test of time. Disease resistant and highly fragrant, it’s easy to see why they’ve been loved for centuries. Modern roses are newer and more uniquely bred — among which you may find two-toned varieties, unusual colors and interesting shapes.
Sustainability & Practices
A common thread connecting the top rose breeders in the industry is their commitment to eco-friendly production and minimal waste. Their dedication to sustainable rose farming not only contributes to a healthier planet, but produces the strongest and most beautiful roses.
Featured Rose Breeders
Hailing from the US & Europe, each and every one of our breeders upholds the highest standards, and it shines through in the health and beauty of the roses they produce.
The Netherlands: Jan Spek Rozen, Interplant & Schreurs
These Dutch rose breeders have shown superior craftsmanship in the industry.
With an impressive legacy spanning over a century, Jan Spek Rozen cultivates a variety of gorgeous garden and spray roses. They are a pioneer in the industry – receiving the prestigious accolade of “Royal Supplier” from Queen Beatrix in 1990.
Interplant is a leader in the spray rose arena. Their impressive portfolio extends from hybrid tea to intermediate and sweetheart roses. They oversee a whopping 150,000 rose crossings per year — using advanced technology to create new varieties.
Schreurs propagates healthy roses using revolutionary techniques that reduce the use of pesticides by 85% – demonstrating their dedication to eco-friendly rose farming. Their vast collection boasts varieties from all over the world – with garden roses being a top pick.
Women-Led: Rosen Tantau & Roses Forever
Based in North Germany, Rose Tantau is renowned for its striking hybrid tea varieties. And with an abundance of unique novelty roses on offer, they truly live up to their reputation as one of the most innovative rose breeders in the world.
With a legacy of nearly three decades, Roses Forever is an expert in eco-friendly cultivation producing resilient and fragrant blooms. The Danish breeder has been awarded an impressive set of accolades from around the globe and adheres to only the highest standards.
Germany: Kordes
Kordes is known for their low-maintenance, disease-resistant varieties – produced with eco-friendly breeding practices. Their award-winning Parfuma scented collection of hybrid tea and shrub roses has made them a leading name in the industry.
France: Delbard & NIRP
Known for over 250 unique rose varieties cultivated over a century, Delbard is a perfect example of horticultural mastery. He revolutionized the industry in France with his breeding program for disease-resistant apple cultivars – and he uses that knowledge to create thriving, hardy roses.
NIRP offers a wide-ranging assortment of cut and garden roses – including climbing, miniature, shrub, and more. Their NIRPARFUM® line stands out with its strong fragrance and large blooms.
England: Harkness
With an award-winning legacy going back several generations, Harkness gives us modern roses with a taste of history. Their advanced 8-year development process ensures each and every rose possesses the most desirable attributes.
American: Garhart & Rippetoe
With degrees in horticultural science, these Garhart and Rippetoe US breeders have used their knowledge to produce beautiful, hardy roses.
How to Evaluate and Choose Your Rose Breeder
With so many reputable rose breeders all over the world, choosing one is no easy task. Consider the following criteria to help narrow it down.
Reputation & Reviews
In the rose farming industry, word of mouth is priceless. Look for breeders praised by garden rose experts and positive customer feedback on availability and quality.
Variety & Specialty Alignment
Choose breeders known for roses with characteristics that match your desired garden aesthetic. Are you looking for cut flowers to create a beautiful bouquet or garden roses to add to your landscape? Do you prefer the classic reds and pinks or more unique colors like green and mauve?
Sustainability Credentials
Sustainable rose farming always translates to healthier, longer-lasting blooms on your roses. Prioritize suppliers with transparent, eco-friendly practices.
Hardiness & Regional Fit
Different roses thrive in different climates. Ensure your chosen rose breeder offers varieties suited to your hardiness zone. If you’re not sure what hardiness zone you’re located in, read our Guide to Rose Hardiness Zones & What They Mean.
Partnering with April & Ashley’s Trusted Growers
All of our beloved breeders are family-owned businesses with an aligned passion for roses that shines through in their beautiful blooms. Buying through our curated network of breeders through April & Ashley means you’ll receive the healthiest, most fragrant roses straight to your doorstep.
When searching for your next rose, prioritize top-tier breeders with eco-friendly practices for better blooms, fragrance and resilience. Visit April & Ashley to browse our collection of premium rose bushes and handpicked bouquets – all from reliable breeders we know and trust like family.