Lydia

Where to plant. First and foremost a cut florist's rose — bred for greenhouses and wedding floristry; one stem of 7–12 flowers makes a mini arrangement. But it also grows well in the garden: in the Forest-Steppe and Steppe — outdoors or with light protection, in the north — with full protection. Sunny spot, fertile soil.

Climate. USDA 6b–9b. Bred for greenhouses, but it also overwinters in open ground: in the Forest-Steppe/Steppe — with light protection, in the north — with full protection. Winter hardiness is moderate; winters vary — in severe, snowless years, dieback is possible.

Care. In greenhouse conditions — control light and temperature; vase life 7–10 days with proper stem treatment.

Name. «Lydia» — a Greek women's name («woman from Lydia» — an ancient kingdom in Asia Minor, known for its gold mines and King Croesus). Interplant traditionally names its spray series with women's names: Lovely Lydia, Lydia, Mimi Eden, and others.

Breeding. Raised by Gerrit Pieter Ilsink at Interplant BV (the Netherlands), bred before 1994, on the market in 1995. Code INTerlis. Parentage: unknown seedling × unknown seedling (not public).

Significance. Interplant's first commercially successful spray variety, which started the Interplant Spray Rose Series — a line of florist sprays with small flowers in clusters. It produced the sport 'Lovely Lydia' (INTerkuyl, Van Doesum/Interplant, sport 1995, on the market 1997) — a dark pink version. Another «parent–daughter» pair in our catalogue, alongside: Fragrant Cloud – Just Joey, Golden Celebration – Jubilee Celebration. The 5th florist's cut rose in our catalogue, alongside Fire Flash, High Magic, Kerio and Luxor — a separate group of cut varieties for wedding bouquets that also grow in the garden. 11 votes for favourite on HMF. No official awards.