Garden roses offer florists an exceptional range of colors, forms, and fragrances that commercial cut roses often lack. Understanding the different varieties helps you source the best blooms for arrangements, recommend appropriate plants to customers, and create distinctive floral designs that showcase the unique characteristics of garden roses.

Major Rose Categories

Hybrid Tea Roses

Characteristics: Classic rose form with high-centered blooms, long stems, usually one flower per stem Best for: Formal arrangements, bridal bouquets, classic designs Popular varieties:

• Mister Lincoln – Deep red, strong fragrance, excellent cut flower
• Double Delight – White with red edges, mild fragrance
• Chrysler Imperial – Deep red, strong fragrance, heat tolerant
• Peace – Yellow with pink edges, large blooms, mild fragrance

Garden Roses (David Austin/English Roses)

Characteristics: Old-fashioned form with modern disease resistance, highly fragrant, full blooms Best for: Romantic designs, garden-style arrangements, premium work Popular varieties:

• Juliet – Peach and apricot tones, strong fragrance
• Patience – Deep pink to red, excellent vase life
• Keira – Bright pink, strong fragrance, good cut flower
• Roald Dahl – Deep orange-red, strong fragrance

Floribunda Roses

Characteristics: Clusters of smaller blooms, continuous flowering, compact growth Best for: Mass arrangements, mixed bouquets, casual designs Popular varieties:

• Iceberg – Pure white, reliable bloomer, mild fragrance
• Julia Child – Butter yellow, mild fragrance, disease resistant
• Hot Cocoa – Orange-red with chocolate tones, unique coloring
• Europeana – Deep red clusters, good for cutting

Grandiflora Roses

Characteristics: Large blooms like hybrid teas but in clusters like floribundas Best for: Large arrangements, statement pieces Popular varieties:

• Queen Elizabeth – Pink, tall growth, excellent cut flower
• Gold Medal – Yellow with red edges, fragrant
• Scarlet Knight – Deep red, strong stems

Specialty Categories

Spray Roses

Characteristics: Multiple small blooms per stem, long-lasting Best for: Filler flowers, textural interest, budget-friendly options Popular varieties:

• White Mikado – Pure white, excellent vase life
• Red Mikado – Bright red, compact blooms
• Bombastic – Deep red, very full blooms

Antique/Old Garden Roses

Characteristics: Historic varieties, often highly fragrant, unique forms Best for: Vintage themes, garden parties, specialty work Popular varieties:

• Madame Hardy – Pure white damask, intense fragrance
• Souvenir de la Malmaison – Pale pink bourbon, quartered blooms
• Zephirine Drouhin – Pink bourbon, thornless, very fragrant

Climbing Roses

Characteristics: Long canes, can be trained, often repeat blooming Best for: Sourcing from gardens, large installations Popular varieties:

• Eden – White with pink edges, reliable bloomer
• Don Juan – Deep red, fragrant, good cut flower
• Lady Banks – Small white or yellow clusters, thornless

Color Considerations

Whites and Creams

• Pope John Paul II – Pure white, fragrant, excellent cut flower
• Moonstone – Creamy white, classic form
• White Ohara – Garden style, full form, popular with florists

Pinks

• Mayra’s Rose – Hot pink, excellent vase life
• Yves Piaget – Deep pink, highly fragrant, ruffled petals
• Queen of Sweden – Soft pink, excellent garden rose

Reds

• Red Naomi – Deep red, long-lasting, popular commercial variety
• Oklahoma – Very dark red, nearly black, fragrant
• Chrysler Imperial – Classic red, reliable performer

Yellows and Oranges

• Midas Touch – Golden yellow, good cut flower
• Lady of Shalott – Orange-yellow, David Austin variety
• Absolutely Fabulous – Yellow with pink edges

Purples and Lavenders

• Ebb Tide – Deep purple, fragrant, unique color
• Blue Girl – Lavender-blue, classic form
• Midnight Blue – Deep purple, nearly black

Practical Considerations for Florists

Vase Life

Excellent (7-10 days): Garden roses, spray roses, many hybrid teas Good (5-7 days): Most floribundas, grandifloras Fair (3-5 days): Old garden roses, very full-petaled varieties

Fragrance Levels

Highly fragrant: David Austin roses, many old garden roses, hybrid teas like Mister Lincoln Moderately fragrant: Some floribundas, select hybrid teas Minimal fragrance: Many spray roses, some modern varieties

Availability and Sourcing

Commercial sources: Garden roses, spray roses, select hybrid teas Local growers: Specialty varieties, seasonal availability Customer gardens: Antique roses, unique varieties, climbing roses

Seasonal Considerations

Spring: Peak bloom for most varieties, best selection Summer: Heat stress may affect some varieties, focus on heat-tolerant types Fall: Second flush for many varieties, excellent quality Winter: Limited availability, focus on greenhouse varieties

Design Applications

Bridal Work

• Garden roses for romantic, textured looks
• Hybrid teas for classic elegance
• Spray roses for boutonnieres and smaller arrangements

Event Work

• Floribundas for mass arrangements
• Grandifloras for large installations
• Climbing roses for ceremony backdrops

Sympathy Work

• White varieties for traditional arrangements
• Pastels for softer presentations
• Fragrant varieties for meaningful tributes

Care and Handling Tips

Conditioning

• Cut stems at 45-degree angle under running water
• Remove lower leaves and thorns carefully
• Use sharp, clean tools to prevent damage

Hydration

• Place in deep, cool water immediately
• Use flower food appropriate for roses
• Recut stems every few days

Storage

• Cool temperature (35-38°F) for longevity
• High humidity to prevent wilting
• Avoid drafts and direct sunlight

Customer Education

Garden Planning

• Recommend disease-resistant varieties
• Consider bloom time and repeat flowering
• Match rose type to intended use and space

Maintenance Requirements

• Pruning needs vary by type
• Disease prevention and treatment
• Seasonal care requirements

Cutting Garden Roses

• Best time of day for cutting
• Proper stem length for different uses
• Conditioning techniques for home use

Understanding garden rose varieties allows florists to create more distinctive work, source unique materials, and provide valuable expertise to customers. The diversity in form, color, and fragrance among garden roses offers endless creative possibilities while connecting your work to the rich tradition of rose cultivation and appreciation.