Our Approach
From the breeder to the garden.
A rose reaches Francis after years of work by its breeder. Crosses are made, seedlings raised and successive selections assessed over many seasons. Only a small proportion advance. Our role begins with a different set of questions: how the variety grows in our fields, how it develops in a container, and how it performs in a garden under the conditions a gardener will encounter.
01 · Breeding
Bred by houses we represent.
We work directly with five breeding partners, each with a distinct approach to the rose. Their work brings a breadth of fragrance, color, form and character to our evaluations.
A candidate may already be five to seven years into development when it reaches Francis. Breeding and selection continue across overlapping generations; the varieties being introduced today are the result of decisions made years earlier.
Georges DelbardRosen TantauInterplantJan Spek RozenRoses Forever
02 · Evaluation
A rose must succeed through several stages of its life.
In the field, we examine vigor, structure and production performance. In a container, we assess how the plant develops and presents itself. In regional garden evaluations, we observe how it responds to different climates and disease pressures.
Our evaluations include Arizona, California, Texas and Vermont. At those locations, we have observed different challenges, including powdery mildew, black spot and Cercospora leaf spot. Results are recorded by location rather than treated as a universal rating.
Evaluation without fungicide treatments helps us understand a variety’s disease response under the conditions of the trial.
- Arizona
- California
- Texas
- Vermont
03 · Selection
The whole plant, and its place among the roses already available.
Disease resistance is central, alongside habit, fragrance, flower form and distinctive character. Branching, repeat flowering, foliage and the way spent flowers fall also inform the decision.
We consider the whole plant and its place among the roses already available. A distinctive flower must be supported by qualities that make the variety rewarding to grow.
Our judgment draws on daily work with roses and an understanding of a market that continues to change. Introducing a variety takes years. Selection requires patience and a clear view of what deserves to endure.
- i
Disease resistance
Foliar health under the conditions recorded at each trial site.
- ii
Fragrance
Strength, character and consistency, considered alongside the rose’s other qualities.
- iii
Form
Flower structure, branching and the balance of the whole plant.
- iv
Distinctiveness
A combination of qualities that makes a worthwhile addition to the collection.
04 · Growing
Selected by Francis. Grown by Francis.
Selected by Francis and grown by Francis describe different parts of our work. Selection reflects our judgment of a variety. Growing is the practical work of producing a well-developed plant, from propagation through field cultivation and harvest.
The Origin Release brings those roles together: four Francis selections, grown on our Arizona farm and offered as bare-root plants.
05 · Retail Partners
To gardeners, through retail partners.
Independent garden centers connect our selections with gardeners through local knowledge and practical advice. Explore the collection, then find a retail partner for availability.