The Evolution and Success of the Infinity Rose Series
In the world of horticulture, it’s not every day that a new plant variety garners widespread acclaim, but Roses Forever, a Danish breeding company, achieved just that when they introduced the Infinity Rose series in 2009. These remarkable pot roses stood out for their remarkable attributes, starting with long-lasting flowers that graced homes for over five weeks and a striking flower size boasting a diameter exceeding seven centimeters. But what truly set these roses apart was their ease of cultivation and the reduced production time they demanded, which marked a departure from the traditional pot roses.
Infinity was the brainchild of breeder Rosa Eskelund, who fell in love with the potential of these roses at first sight. The immediate acceptance of Infinity in the market soon led to a burgeoning demand for additional colors in the series. Today, the Infinity Rose series comprises seven distinct varieties, each with its unique charm and allure.
The journey of Infinity began with the development of a remarkable white pot rose. The exceptional attributes of longevity, flower size, and minimal care requirements rendered it a prized gem in the world of horticulture. In particular, it required only a single cut, significantly reducing the time it took to bring these roses to full bloom.
The interest and demand for the white Infinity rose were tremendous from the outset. As Rosa Eskelund explains, “White could suddenly be sold in larger quantities. And some of the larger customers who sell the plants told me, ‘As soon as you have one more color, it’s a series, and we will only sell Infinity in our stores.’ So, we immediately started to develop the white Infinity into other colors.”
In 2013, the enchanting ‘Princess of Infinity’ made its debut in a delicate shade of baby pink. This addition not only fueled demand but also led to an international craze for Infinity roses. Greenhouse growers from across the globe, spanning Japan, China, Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands, embraced the Infinity roses and began large-scale production. Crown Princess Mary of Denmark even had the honor of baptizing the ‘Princess of Infinity.’
The appeal of Infinity roses extends beyond their stunning appearance. They’re renowned for their ease of cultivation and rapid growth. Growers are not only captivated by their remarkable flower size and durability but also appreciate the weeks saved in the greenhouse cultivation process, resulting in reduced energy consumption, less plant protection, and overall cost savings.
Rosa emphasizes that Infinity roses are versatile, suitable for various pot sizes ranging from 10.5 cm to 15 cm. They also thrive in bowls measuring 19-21 cm. Some growers have taken to mixing varieties in pots, responding to the increasing demand for these attractive combinations. Popular blends include Princess with white for the holiday season and Princess paired with white and yellow for springtime.
As the Infinity Rose series continues to bloom and flourish, Roses Forever remains committed to innovation and expansion. Over the past 14 years, they’ve introduced seven distinctive varieties and colors to the market. The latest addition is Cherry Infinity Cerise, unveiled in 2023, further enhancing the enchanting world of Infinity roses. This remarkable journey is a testament to the marriage of innovation, beauty, and horticultural expertise, making Infinity roses a truly timeless and cherished choice for florists and flower enthusiasts worldwide.