Rosa Eskelund of Roses Forever shares an extraordinary tale of determination and botanical triumph as Infinity roses make their way to New Zealand. Despite the formidable hurdles posed by stringent phytosanitary regulations, this story is a testament to the relentless pursuit of botanical excellence.
The journey began at the IPM Essen in 2023, where Roses Forever crossed paths with New Zealand’s Ambrosia Nurseries. Little did they know that this serendipitous encounter would set in motion a remarkable endeavor that culminated in the arrival of small baby Infinity roses in New Zealand, a feat that is not to be underestimated.
New Zealand’s phytosanitary regulations are renowned for their strictness, demanding an exhaustive array of documents attesting to the plants’ health. Furthermore, the plants themselves must be entirely free from peat moss to meet these rigorous criteria.
The pivotal day of arrival was marked by jubilation on both sides of the globe. As the plane touched down in Christchurch, New Zealand, Ambrosia and Roses Forever celebrated with a well-deserved bottle of champagne. The collective nervousness about whether everything was in order turned into sheer relief when it became evident that all was indeed fine.
The next phase of the journey sees the roses ensconced in a quarantine greenhouse on-site. Here, they will reside for six months before being released to the nursery. The nursery will then commence production of Infinity potted roses, a development that has Ambrosia eagerly designing their packaging in anticipation of this exciting new addition.
The question arises: Why did Ambrosia go to such lengths to introduce Infinity roses to New Zealand? Rosa Eskelund offers a compelling answer. Ambrosia was captivated by the remarkable qualities of the Infinity roses, particularly their durable, large-filled flowers. Additionally, these roses are easy to cultivate, with a mere 10-week growth period. The series boasts an impressive array of seven colors: Pink, White, Red, Salmon, Yellow, Pink, and Cerise.
Harley Eskelund of Roses Forever, showcasing a box of Princess of Infinity roses, expressed enthusiasm for the long-term collaboration ahead. He extends heartfelt thanks to Pligt Professionals and BM Roses in the Netherlands for facilitating this journey by opening the doors to their greenhouses and providing invaluable insights into the cultivation of this exceptional crop.
For those eager to witness the beauty of Infinity roses and meet the Roses Forever team, the opportunity awaits at the IFTF in Vijfhuizen, the Netherlands in 2023, and at the IPM Essen 2024 in Essen, Germany. This journey of botanical excellence promises to be a captivating one, as Infinity roses make their mark in New Zealand.