Best Garden Rose Varieties for Florists
Garden roses are a favorite among florists for their lush blooms, vibrant colors, and captivating fragrances. Unlike standard florist roses, garden roses offer unique charm and versatility, making them ideal for weddings, events, and boutique arrangements. Below is a curated list of top garden rose varieties, selected for their aesthetic appeal, vase life, and suitability for professional floral design.
1. David Austin Roses (English Roses)
David Austin roses combine the charm of old garden roses with the repeat flowering of modern hybrids. They’re known for their rosette or cupped blooms and strong fragrances, making them a top choice for florists.
'Juliet' (Ausjameson)
Color: Soft peach
Bloom: Elegant, cupped, rosette-shaped
Fragrance: Light tea rose scent
Vase Life: 5–7 days
Why Florists Love It: Its delicate peach hue and romantic form are perfect for wedding bouquets and centerpieces.
Growing Tip: Thrives in full sun with well-drained soil; prune lightly to maintain shape.
'Patience' (Auspastor)
Color: Creamy white with soft yellow undertones
Bloom: Ruffled, double blooms
Fragrance: Strong, fruity, and old rose scent
Vase Life: 6–8 days
Why Florists Love It: The creamy tones and lush petals add elegance to any arrangement, with excellent vase life.
Growing Tip: Prefers rich soil and regular deadheading for continuous blooms.
2. Hybrid Tea Roses
Hybrid tea roses are known for their classic, high-centered blooms and long stems, ideal for cutting and arranging.
'Double Delight'
Color: Creamy white with red edges
Bloom: Large, high-centered, fully double
Fragrance: Strong, spicy rose scent
Vase Life: 7–10 days
Why Florists Love It: The striking bicolor petals and robust fragrance make it a standout in mixed bouquets.
Growing Tip: Requires full sun and good air circulation to prevent disease.
'Mister Lincoln'
Color: Deep velvety red
Bloom: Large, high-centered
Fragrance: Strong, classic rose scent
Vase Life: 7–9 days
Why Florists Love It: Its rich color and long vase life make it a go-to for dramatic arrangements.
Growing Tip: Mulch well to retain moisture and fertilize regularly.
3. Floribunda Roses
Floribunda roses offer clusters of blooms, providing volume and texture for floral designs.
'Iceberg'
Color: Pure white
Bloom: Medium, semi-double, in clusters
Fragrance: Mild, sweet scent
Vase Life: 6–8 days
Why Florists Love It: The bright white clusters are versatile for filling out arrangements or as a standalone feature.
Growing Tip: Hardy and disease-resistant; thrives in various climates.
'Hot Cocoa'
Color: Smoky chocolate-orange
Bloom: Medium, ruffled, in small clusters
Fragrance: Light, fruity scent
Vase Life: 5–7 days
Why Florists Love It: Its unique warm hue adds depth to fall and rustic-themed designs.
Growing Tip: Plant in well-drained soil with morning sun exposure.
4. Shrub Roses
Shrub roses are hardy and versatile, offering abundant blooms for cutting.
'The Fairy'
Color: Soft pink
Bloom: Small, double, in dense clusters
Fragrance: Light, apple-like scent
Vase Life: 5–6 days
Why Florists Love It: Perfect for delicate, whimsical arrangements or as filler in larger designs.
Growing Tip: Low maintenance; tolerates partial shade.
'Bonica'
Color: Medium pink
Bloom: Small, double, in clusters
Fragrance: Light, fresh scent
Vase Life: 6–8 days
Why Florists Love It: Its prolific blooming and soft color suit romantic and modern designs alike.
Growing Tip: Disease-resistant; prune to encourage bushy growth.
Tips for Florists Using Garden Roses
Cutting: Harvest roses early in the morning when buds are just opening, using sharp, clean shears. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle to maximize water uptake.
Conditioning: Remove lower leaves, place stems in warm water with floral preservative, and store in a cool, dark place for a few hours before arranging.
Storage: Keep roses at 34–38°F (1–3°C) to extend vase life. Avoid storing near fruits, which release ethylene gas that accelerates aging.
Design Notes: Garden roses’ full blooms can be focal points or blended with greenery like eucalyptus or ferns for texture. Their natural, less uniform look adds an organic feel to arrangements.
Where to Source Garden Roses
Local Growers: Check with nearby rose gardens or farms for fresh, sustainably grown varieties.
Wholesale Suppliers: Companies like Mayesh Wholesale Florist or FiftyFlowers offer garden roses in bulk.
Grow Your Own: For florists with space, cultivating these varieties ensures a steady supply. Consult local nurseries for disease-resistant stock suited to your climate.
This guide highlights garden rose varieties that balance beauty, fragrance, and practicality for florists. Experiment with these to create stunning, memorable arrangements.
