Rhodos takes center-stage at IFTEX 2015
De Ruiter East Africa's red rose Rhodos, took center-stage during this year's IFTEX with elaborate displays and much attention from show visitors.
In the Best Flowers Quality Awards for Breeders under the category of Roses, the Platinum Award was clinched by De Ruiter East Africa Ltd with the standard rose “Rhodos”. (Above) De ruiter team stand next to the rose Rhodos with the Platinum award. On the right, De Ruiter Sales Manager Edward Manning receives the Platinum Award from H.E The First Lady Margaret Kenyatta who was chief guest during the IFTEX official opening ceremony.
Rhodos is a premium rose with a clean red hue and good shape. The rose enjoys significant market presence and is currently regarded as one of the best reds out of Africa. Rhodos has an average stemlenght of 80cm and above, and a vaselife of up to 15 days. It grows a headsize of average 5cm at 1700 altitude.
On display at the stand was a vast selection of the company's rose varieties including Whitewash®, Ever Red®, African Jewel®, African Sky®, Pink Rhodos®, Navarra®, Wham® among others
Navarra®, pictured on the left is a decent producer realizing an average of 140-180 stems in the Naivasha altitude. She has an attractive bi-color of cream and a flaming pink. This new variety has a bud height of an average 5 - 6cm and grows a stem of 50-90cm.
Ever Red (pictured below), has a deep red color that compliments her huge head and long stem. This is a vibrant introduction that according to DREA's Edward Manning, many growers are enthusiastic about. Ever Red grows a stem of 60 - 90cm and has a flowersize of 5cm - 5.5cm.
