Olij & Jan Spek Roses for that Special Woman

During the International Women's Day and Mother's Day, Olij and Jan Spek roses were shared around the world as gifts to the special women in people's lives. Their assortment, which includes new as well as commercially established varieties, is available in a good array of colors.

We visited Olij East Africa and sampled some of their rose varieties we thought are great gift ideas during Women’s Day and Mothers Day. You too can visit the breeding and propagation facility in Naivasha, and share with us what you think about Olij and Jan Spek roses. 

The Jan Spek variety, Alpe d’Huez is an almost pure white rose with a large bud and nicely shaped flower that boasts a unique symmetry. She is also a high producer with good stem-length. When the first bunches of the rose were introduced by Olij Holland, the prices were quite decent and immediately some comparisons started being drawn between Alpe d'huez and other leading roses in the white segment. 

Grace Kelly is a beautiful Hot Pink rose and the first named mutation of the rose Monte Carlo. The rose has long stems and large headsize. 

Currently under trials at various farms in Africa, SP 12135104 is a very promising variety with a creamy white color. It grows a decent headsize and opens fully. SP 12135104 is open for trials so growers in the region can visit and check it out.  

Deep Silver has a beautiful color that is a blend of light purple and pink. Deep Silver is a mutation of the rose Deep Purple.

Currently grown by PJ Dave farm in the high altitude Timau region, Purple Jet has a beautiful color and is a good producer. The rose is set to be launched commercially mid-end 2016.