The Just Bloom Florist Guide to Rose Varieties
Roses, often called the "Queen of Flowers," are a cornerstone of the floral industry due to their beauty, fragrance, and versatility. With thousands of varieties available, understanding the key types and their characteristics is essential for florists to meet customer needs, create stunning arrangements, and ensure proper care. This Just Bloom HK florist guide provides a comprehensive overview of rose varieties, categorized by type, with details on their appearance, uses, and care requirements.
1. Hybrid Tea Roses
Overview
Hybrid Tea roses are the most popular roses in the floral trade, known for their elegant, high-centered blooms and long stems. They are the quintessential cut flower for bouquets and formal arrangements.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Large, single blooms with a high center, often 3–5 inches in diameter.
Stem Length: 18–36 inches, ideal for vases.
Colors: Wide range, including red, white, pink, yellow, orange, and bi-colors.
Fragrance: Mild to strong, depending on the variety.
Bloom Cycle: Repeat bloomers, producing flowers throughout the growing season.
Popular Varieties
'Peace': Creamy yellow with pink edges, mild fragrance, classic for weddings.
'Mister Lincoln': Deep red, velvety petals, strong fragrance, ideal for romantic arrangements.
'Double Delight': Creamy white with red tips, strong spicy scent, great for mixed bouquets.
Uses
Bridal bouquets, centerpieces, and formal arrangements.
Single-stem gifts due to their striking appearance.
Corsages and boutonnieres for special events.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 7–10 days with proper care.
Handling: Remove leaves below the waterline to prevent rot. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle under water to enhance water uptake.
Water: Use floral preservative in lukewarm water, changed every 2–3 days.
Storage: Keep at 34–38°F (1–3°C) in a cooler to extend freshness.
2. Floribunda Roses
Overview
Floribunda roses are known for their clusters of smaller blooms, offering a lush, full appearance. They are a cross between Hybrid Teas and Polyanthas, combining beauty with hardiness.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Smaller blooms (2–3 inches) in clusters, often cup-shaped or flat.
Stem Length: 12–24 inches, slightly shorter than Hybrid Teas.
Colors: Broad spectrum, including vibrant and pastel shades.
Fragrance: Mild to moderate, less intense than Hybrid Teas.
Bloom Cycle: Prolific, continuous bloomers.
Popular Varieties
'Iceberg': Pure white clusters, mild fragrance, perfect for mass plantings or arrangements.
'Julia Child': Butter-yellow, licorice-like scent, great for cheerful displays.
'Hot Cocoa': Smoky orange-brown, unique color for modern designs.
Uses
Mixed bouquets for a fuller look.
Garden-style arrangements and event decor.
Ideal for filling out larger floral installations.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 5–8 days.
Handling: Trim stems regularly and remove spent blooms to encourage new growth.
Water: Use clean water with floral food; avoid overcrowding in vases to prevent mold.
Storage: Store in a cool, humid environment to maintain cluster integrity.
3. Grandiflora Roses
Overview
Grandiflora roses combine the elegance of Hybrid Teas with the clustering habit of Floribundas. They are ideal for florists seeking dramatic, tall stems with multiple blooms.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Large blooms (similar to Hybrid Teas) in small clusters.
Stem Length: 24–48 inches, taller than most roses.
Colors: Wide range, often bold and vibrant.
Fragrance: Varies from mild to strong.
Bloom Cycle: Consistent bloomers, slightly less prolific than Floribundas.
Popular Varieties
'Queen Elizabeth': Soft pink, mild fragrance, classic for formal events.
'Gold Medal': Golden-yellow, moderate scent, stunning in luxury arrangements.
'Fragrant Plum': Lavender-purple, strong fruity fragrance, unique for specialty designs.
Uses
Statement pieces in large arrangements.
Focal flowers in wedding and event decor.
Suitable for tall vases or cascading designs.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 6–9 days.
Handling: Support long stems with floral foam or wire if needed for large displays.
Water: Ensure deep water containers to accommodate long stems.
Storage: Keep upright in coolers to prevent bending or drooping.
4. Shrub Roses
Overview
Shrub roses are hardy, versatile roses with a bushy growth habit, often used in landscaping but increasingly popular in floral design for their natural, garden-like aesthetic.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Varies from single to double blooms, often smaller (1–3 inches).
Stem Length: 12–24 inches, often with multiple blooms per stem.
Colors: Diverse, including pastels, brights, and earthy tones.
Fragrance: Often strong, especially in David Austin varieties.
Bloom Cycle: Repeat bloomers, with some varieties blooming continuously.
Popular Varieties
'Knock Out': Cherry-red or pink, mild fragrance, ideal for rustic bouquets.
'David Austin Roses' (e.g., 'Gertrude Jekyll'): Peony-like blooms, strong old-rose fragrance, perfect for vintage-style weddings.
'Bonica': Soft pink clusters, subtle scent, great for mixed arrangements.
Uses
Rustic or garden-style bouquets.
Filler flowers in large installations.
Boutonnieres and corsages for a natural look.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 5–7 days.
Handling: Handle with care, as some varieties have thorns. Strip excess foliage to reduce water loss.
Water: Use floral preservative and change water frequently to prevent bacterial growth.
Storage: Store at 36–40°F (2–4°C) to maintain bloom freshness.
5. Climbing Roses
Overview
Climbing roses are vigorous growers with long, flexible canes, often used in garden settings but also harvested for their unique, cascading blooms in floral design.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Varies from single to double, often in clusters.
Stem Length: Canes up to 6–12 feet, but cut stems are typically 18–36 inches.
Colors: Wide range, often softer tones like pink, white, and yellow.
Fragrance: Moderate to strong.
Bloom Cycle: Some bloom once per season, others repeat.
Popular Varieties
'New Dawn': Pale pink, apple-like fragrance, ideal for cascading arrangements.
'Climbing Iceberg': White clusters, mild scent, great for arches or garlands.
'Zéphirine Drouhin': Cerise-pink, thornless, strong fragrance, perfect for romantic designs.
Uses
Garlands, arches, and cascading bouquets.
Wall or trellis decor for events.
Mixed with greenery for organic installations.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 5–8 days.
Handling: Use floral tape to secure flexible stems in arrangements.
Water: Ensure ample water for long stems; use tall containers.
Storage: Store horizontally in coolers to prevent wilting.
6. Miniature Roses
Overview
Miniature roses are petite versions of larger roses, perfect for small arrangements, boutonnieres, or as accent flowers in larger designs.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Small blooms (0.5–2 inches), often in clusters.
Stem Length: 6–12 inches.
Colors: All standard rose colors, plus unique blends.
Fragrance: Mild to none.
Bloom Cycle: Prolific bloomers.
Popular Varieties
'Baby Masquerade': Red and yellow bi-color, great for small bouquets.
'Cinderella': Pure white, perfect for delicate accents.
'Sun Sprinkles': Bright yellow, ideal for cheerful designs.
Uses
Boutonnieres, corsages, and hairpieces.
Small table arrangements or cake toppers.
Accent flowers in mixed bouquets.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 4–7 days.
Handling: Handle gently due to delicate stems. Use fine scissors for trimming.
Water: Use shallow containers with floral preservative.
Storage: Store at 36–40°F (2–4°C) to prevent petal drop.
7. Old Garden Roses
Overview
Old Garden Roses, including Damasks, Albas, and Gallicas, are prized for their historical charm and intense fragrance, often used in vintage or heirloom-style arrangements.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Double or rosette-shaped, often lush and full.
Stem Length: 12–24 inches.
Colors: Primarily pink, white, and red, with some purples.
Fragrance: Very strong, classic rose scent.
Bloom Cycle: Often bloom once per season, though some repeat.
Popular Varieties
'Rosa Mundi': Pink and white striped, strong fragrance, ideal for vintage designs.
'Charles de Mills': Deep crimson, rosette-shaped, perfect for dramatic bouquets.
'Alba Semi-Plena': White, sweet scent, great for classic arrangements.
Uses
Heirloom or vintage-style bouquets.
Scented arrangements for intimate settings.
Specialty wedding decor.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 4–6 days.
Handling: Remove excess thorns carefully to avoid damaging stems.
Water: Use floral preservative and avoid direct sunlight to preserve fragrance.
Storage: Store at 34–38°F (1–3°C) to maintain petal texture.
8. Spray Roses
Overview
Spray roses, also called cluster roses, feature multiple small blooms on a single stem, offering a delicate, full look for arrangements.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Small blooms (1–2 inches) in clusters of 3–10 flowers.
Stem Length: 12–24 inches.
Colors: Wide range, including pastels and vibrant hues.
Fragrance: Mild to moderate.
Bloom Cycle: Repeat bloomers.
Popular Varieties
'Lydia': Soft pink, ideal for romantic bouquets.
'Bombastic': Hot pink, vibrant for bold designs.
'Porcelina': Creamy white, perfect for wedding work.
Uses
Filler flowers in bouquets and centerpieces.
Corsages and boutonnieres.
Mixed with larger blooms for texture.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 5–8 days.
Handling: Trim individual blooms as needed to maintain cluster appearance.
Water: Use floral preservative and change water every 2 days.
Storage: Store in a humid cooler to prevent drying.
General Rose Care for Florists
Sourcing: Work with reputable growers or wholesalers to ensure fresh, high-quality roses. Check for firm petals and vibrant colors.
Conditioning: Upon receiving, cut stems under water and place in a hydration solution for 4–6 hours before arranging.
Temperature: Store roses at 34–40°F (1–4°C) to maximize vase life. Avoid ethylene exposure from fruits or wilting flowers.
Design Tips: Combine roses with complementary flowers like baby’s breath, eucalyptus, or lilies for balanced arrangements. Use floral foam or chicken wire for structural support in large designs.
Customer Advice: Educate customers on rose care, recommending they change water every 2–3 days and keep arrangements out of direct sunlight.
Trends in Rose Use (2025)
Sustainability: Eco-conscious customers prefer locally grown or organic roses. Highlight sustainable sourcing in your shop.
Unique Colors: Demand for non-traditional colors like lavender, coral, and terracotta is rising for modern weddings and events.
Textured Arrangements: Combining different rose types (e.g., Hybrid Teas with Spray Roses) adds depth and visual interest.
Dried Roses: Dried rose arrangements are trending for long-lasting decor, especially in bohemian or minimalist designs.
Understanding rose varieties allows florists to cater to diverse customer preferences, from classic red Hybrid Teas for Valentine’s Day to lush David Austin roses for vintage weddings. By mastering the characteristics, uses, and care of each type, florists can create stunning, long-lasting arrangements that delight clients and elevate their craft.
