Florist Guide: Garden Roses vs. Regular Roses
Roses are a cornerstone of floral design, cherished for their beauty, fragrance, and versatility. However, not all roses are the same. Florists often encounter two main categories: garden roses and regular roses (often referred to as standard or commercial roses). Understanding their differences is essential for creating stunning arrangements, advising clients, and sourcing the right blooms for specific occasions. This guide outlines the key distinctions in appearance, characteristics, care, and use.
1. Overview of Garden Roses
Garden roses are heirloom or old-fashioned varieties, often bred for their lush, romantic appearance and fragrance. They are typically grown in smaller, specialized farms and are prized for their unique aesthetic.
Appearance: Garden roses have a softer, more ruffled look with multiple layers of petals (often 50–100+ petals per bloom). They come in a wide range of shapes, such Tisch as cupped, rosette, or peony-like blooms, and often feature delicate, pastel, or vintage-inspired colors (e.g., blush, peach, or creamy white).
Fragrance: Known for their strong, sweet, and complex scents, which vary by cultivar (e.g., fruity, musky, or spicy notes).
Bloom Size: Larger, fuller blooms compared to regular roses, often 3–5 inches in diameter when fully open.
Stem Characteristics: Stems are typically shorter and may have more thorns. They can appear less uniform, with a more natural, organic growth pattern.
Varieties: Popular garden rose varieties include David Austin roses (e.g., ‘Juliet’, ‘Patience’), Meilland roses, and other heritage breeds.
2. Overview of Regular Roses
Regular roses, also called standard or hybrid tea roses, are the most common type found in commercial floristry. They are bred for durability, consistency, and long vase life, making them a staple in the floral industry.
Appearance: Regular roses have a classic, high-centered bloom with fewer petals (typically 25–40 petals). They often have a more structured, conical shape and vibrant, uniform colors like red, white, pink, or yellow.
Fragrance: Generally milder or minimal fragrance compared to garden roses, as breeding prioritizes longevity over scent.
Bloom Size: Smaller and more compact blooms, typically 2–4 inches in diameter.
Stem Characteristics: Long, straight, sturdy stems with fewer thorns, ideal for cutting and arranging in traditional bouquets.
Varieties: Common varieties include ‘Freedom’, ‘Vendela’, and ‘Esperance’, widely available through wholesalers.
3. Key Differences
Petal Count:
Garden Roses: High (50–100+ petals), lush and ruffled
Regular Roses: Moderate (25–40 petals), structured
Shape:
Garden Roses: Cupped, rosette, or peony-like
Regular Roses: High-centered, conical
Fragrance:
Garden Roses: Strong, complex
Regular Roses: Mild or none
Color Range:
Garden Roses: Soft, vintage, or pastel tones
Regular Roses: Bold, vibrant, and uniform colors
Bloom Size:
Garden Roses: Larger, fuller (3–5 inches)
Regular Roses: Smaller, compact (2–4 inches)
Stem Length:
Garden Roses: Shorter, less uniform
Regular Roses: Longer, straighter, more uniform
Availability:
Garden Roses: Seasonal, limited (specialty growers)
Regular Roses: Year-round, widely available
Cost:
Garden Roses: More expensive due to rarity and cultivation
Regular Roses: More affordable, mass-produced
Vase Life:
Garden Roses: 5–7 days with proper care
Regular Roses: 7–10 days, bred for longevity
4. Care and Handling
Both types of roses require careful handling to maximize their beauty and vase life, but their needs differ slightly:
Garden Roses:
Hydration: Highly sensitive to dehydration. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle and place in water immediately. Use a hydration solution to encourage petal opening.
Storage: Store at 34–38°F (1–3°C) in a cooler with high humidity to prevent petal wilting. Avoid overcrowding to protect delicate petals.
Handling: Petals bruise easily, so handle gently. Remove guard petals (outer, slightly damaged petals) carefully to maintain the bloom’s shape.
Tip: Allow garden roses to open partially before arranging to showcase their full, lush blooms.
Regular Roses:
Hydration: Cut stems and place in clean water with floral preservative. They are less prone to dehydration than garden roses.
Storage: Store at 34–38°F (1–3°C). Regular roses are more resilient to temperature fluctuations.
Handling: Sturdier petals and stems make them easier to work with for large-scale arrangements or transportation.
Tip: Remove lower leaves to prevent bacterial growth in water, ensuring a longer vase life.
5. Uses in Floral Design
Garden Roses:
Ideal for romantic, vintage, or garden-inspired arrangements, such as wedding bouquets, centerpieces, or luxury installations.
Their lush blooms make them a focal point in designs, pairing well with soft textures like ranunculus, peonies, or eucalyptus.
Best for clients seeking unique, high-end, or artisanal aesthetics.
Example: A bridal bouquet with ‘Juliet’ garden roses, lisianthus, and dusty miller for a soft, romantic look.
Regular Roses:
Versatile for classic arrangements, such as traditional bouquets, corsages, or event décor.
Their long stems and uniform appearance make them ideal for structured designs, like tall centerpieces or formal events.
Budget-friendly option for large orders or everyday floral needs.
Example: A dozen red ‘Freedom’ roses in a vase for a classic Valentine’s Day arrangement.
6. Sourcing and Availability
Garden Roses: Often sourced from specialty growers or local farms. Availability is seasonal (peak in late spring to early fall), and they may require pre-ordering. Check with suppliers like Mayesh or local rose farms.
Regular Roses: Widely available year-round through wholesalers, floral markets, or online suppliers. They are mass-produced in regions like Ecuador, Colombia, or the Netherlands.
7. Client Considerations
Budget: Garden roses are pricier, so discuss cost with clients upfront. Regular roses are a cost-effective alternative for larger events.
Aesthetic Preferences: Garden roses suit clients wanting a softer, more organic look, while regular roses appeal to those preferring classic elegance.
Event Timing: Ensure garden roses are available for the event date, as their seasonality can limit options. Regular roses are a reliable backup.
Both garden roses and regular roses have their place in floristry, each offering unique benefits. Garden roses bring unmatched fragrance and a romantic, lush aesthetic but require careful handling and a higher budget. Regular roses offer durability, affordability, and versatility for a wide range of designs. By understanding these differences, florists can make informed choices to meet client needs and create breathtaking arrangements.
