Dutch Roses: A Guide to the Finest Varieties

Few flowers capture romance, elegance, and timeless beauty quite like roses. Among them, Dutch-bred roses stand out for their impeccable quality, long vase life, and striking forms. From cut-flower champions to garden showstoppers, Dutch roses are celebrated worldwide for both style and substance.

Why Dutch Roses Are Special

The Netherlands is synonymous with floriculture excellence. Dutch breeders have perfected roses over decades, creating varieties that combine visual impact with durability. Known for large buds, strong stems, and vibrant colours, these roses are bred not only for beauty but also for practicality—whether displayed in a vase or growing in a garden.

Dutch roses are often propagated with precision, ensuring consistent quality. Many varieties excel as cut flowers, while others bring drama and elegance to garden borders or containers.

Key Dutch Breeders

Several Dutch companies have shaped the modern rose market:

Schreurs Roses: Known for innovation, they produce a range of garden and cut flowers with superior bloom quality.
Berg Roses (Van den Berg Roses): Renowned for their vibrant and long-stemmed varieties, perfect for floral arrangements or garden impact.
Interplant Roses B.V.: A family-owned breeder creating both cut and garden roses with a focus on strong growth and striking flower form.

These breeders ensure that when you choose a Dutch variety, you are selecting flowers bred for excellence.

Choosing the Right Variety

When selecting a Dutch rose, consider:

Flower Size & Stem Length: Larger buds with long stems are ideal for cutting and display.
Colour & Flowering Habit: Dutch breeders offer a spectrum of colours and forms, from soft pastels to bold oranges and yellows.
Vase Life & Durability: Even for garden planting, a variety that holds up well to weather and handling is advantageous.
Disease Resistance: Look for varieties known to withstand common fungal diseases, particularly in cooler, wetter climates.
Authenticity: Check the origin and breeder to ensure you are purchasing a true Dutch-bred rose.

Notable Dutch Varieties

Here are some Dutch-bred varieties that exemplify quality and style:

Avalanche+®

A dramatic white rose with subtle green outer petals, perfect for weddings or elegant garden displays. Large buds and strong stems make it a top choice for cutting.

Sophia Loren

Rich pink blooms with compact shapes and excellent vase life. This variety adds bold colour to the garden or bouquets.

Buttercup

Golden yellow, semi-double blooms that bring warmth and cheer. Its sturdy stems and long-lasting flowers make it suitable for both garden planting and floral arrangements.

Clarence+

Vivid orange blooms that add vibrancy to any garden. Its strong stems and striking colour make it ideal for garden drama or cutting.

Conquista

Soft pink, nearly thornless, with large urn-shaped buds. This variety works beautifully in garden borders or as a cut flower.

Growing Dutch Roses in the UK

To get the best from Dutch varieties, consider:

Location & Soil: Full sun, well-draining soil, and shelter from harsh winds.
Support & Space: Long-stemmed varieties may need staking and plenty of room to thrive.
Pruning: Prune in early spring to encourage strong, open growth and abundant blooms.
Feeding & Watering: Regular feeding with a rose fertiliser and consistent watering will promote healthy growth and flowering.
Winter Care: Mulch roots to protect from frost and check for winter damage in exposed areas.
Pest & Disease Management: Keep leaves dry, allow good air circulation, and prune dead or diseased wood to reduce fungal risks.

Selecting & Purchasing

When buying Dutch roses, ensure the label confirms the variety and Dutch origin. Purchase from reputable nurseries and confirm the rose’s growth habit, size, and propagation method (bare-root or potted). Proper planning ensures your garden space complements the rose’s natural growth, colour, and seasonal display.

Dutch roses offer a unique combination of elegance, reliability, and visual impact. Whether your goal is a stunning garden display, a source of cut flowers, or both, choosing Dutch varieties ensures beauty and quality you can enjoy season after season.