'Rose Doctor' cultivates China's blooms for the world

"Good morning, rose lovers! I'm Tianlang. Today, I'm going to introduce some new varieties ..." Jiang Zhengzhi, owner of the Tianlang Rose Garden in Zhongjing village, Changshu, East China's Jiangsu province, chats with his followers during a livestream in his distinctive northeastern Chinese accent.

"Selecting varieties, pollinating, promoting sales and hosting experts from across the country — it's the busiest time of year," Jiang says. His workday begins at 7 in the morning, when he heads to his breeding base, which covers 1,000 mu (66.67 hectares).

Eighteen years ago, Jiang relocated his rose-growing business, operating under the brand "Langrosa", from Northeast China to Changshu and founded Huaguan Yuanchuang Horticulture Technology Co Ltd. The company now has more than 200 employees, maintains a collection of more than 8,000 Rosa germplasm resources, and holds intellectual property rights to more than 250 independently bred varieties of Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis).

"Moving from Northeast China to the Jiangnan region brought us closer to our customers. Although the hot, rainy climate here can be very challenging for growers, the business environment is good. The local government goes out of its way to help companies overcome difficulties," Jiang says.

Known as the "Rose Doctor", Jiang is a self-taught expert who grew up working the land. The Chinese rose varieties he has bred have received recognition at multiple world rose conventions.

The company has established technical, research and development partnerships with seven international breeding companies and has sold more than 200,000 pots of its Chinese rose varieties to countries including Australia, India and Singapore.

"We hope the roses we breed will be more environmentally friendly, generate greater returns for people working in the industry and inspire more young 'new farmers' to develop a passion for the future of agriculture," says Jiang, who describes himself as young at heart.

Smiling as he speaks about the future, Jiang says: "Chinese roses became popular around the world in the 18th century. I hope our generation can make the world bloom with Chinese roses."

CHINA DAILY