Guide to Garden Rose Varieties for Autumnal Bouquets

Garden roses, with their layered petals, complex fragrances, and romantic old-world forms, are perfect for autumn bouquets. Unlike standard florist roses, garden roses are bred for fragrance, shape, and nuanced colors, often resembling peonies or antique blooms. Their warm, moody, and muted tones make them ideal companions for autumn textures and seasonal palettes.

1. David Austin Roses (English Garden Roses)

• Why they work: Famous for their peony-like blooms and strong fragrance, with colors that soften beautifully as they age.

• Notable varieties for autumn:

  • ‘Darcey Bussell’: Rich crimson that deepens to wine.

  • ‘Lady of Shalott’: Coppery-orange with warm undertones, perfect for harvest hues.

  • ‘Koko Loko’: Unusual café-latte shade blending taupe and lavender.

• Bouquet style: Romantic focal blooms, especially for vintage-inspired or moody arrangements.

2. Cabbage Roses (Centifolia & Damask Types)

• Why they work: Globular, tightly packed petals evoke antique still-life paintings.

• Notable varieties:

  • ‘Madame Hardy’: Pure white with a green eye, striking against darker foliage.

  • ‘Provence Rose’: Classic blush-pink cabbage form with timeless appeal.

• Bouquet style: Best for old-world, romantic autumn bouquets with a nostalgic feel.

3. O’Hara Roses (French Garden Roses)

• Why they work: Large-headed roses grown specifically for the floral trade, with exceptional fragrance.

• Notable varieties:

  • ‘White O’Hara’: Ivory petals with a blush center—pairs beautifully with hydrangeas and dusty foliage.

  • ‘Pink O’Hara’: Romantic blush-to-rose gradient, perfect for softer fall palettes.

• Bouquet style: Ideal for weddings and luxury bouquets where fragrance is key.

4. Japanese Garden Roses (Wabara Collection)

• Why they work: Unique ruffled forms and subtle, moody shades prized by high-end florists.

• Notable cultivars:

  • ‘Miyabi’: Peachy-pink with a warm coppery glow.

  • ‘Sola’: Cream-to-blush petals with painterly fading.

  • ‘Tsumugi’: Rosy plum with a vintage finish.

• Bouquet style: Adds sophistication and unique tonal depth to autumn bouquets.

5. Novelty & Specialty Varieties

• Why they work: Breeders continue to create roses in earthy, antique tones perfect for autumn.

• Notable choices:

  • ‘Toffee’: Caramel-tan rose beloved for its warm, autumnal shade.

  • ‘Distant Drums’: Lavender-brown petals with hints of gold, very painterly.

  • ‘Amnesia’: Dusky lavender-gray with a soft antique quality.

• Bouquet style: Perfect for moody, modern, or vintage arrangements.

Harvesting & Arranging Tips

• Cutting stage: Harvest or purchase when the outer petals are unfurling but the bloom is still fairly tight.

• Conditioning: Strip lower leaves, re-cut stems at an angle, and hydrate in cool water before arranging.

• Pairings for autumn bouquets:

  • Complementary blooms: dahlias, ranunculus (if in season), chrysanthemums, zinnias.

  • Textural accents: amaranthus, scabiosa pods, dried grasses, hypericum berries.

  • Foliage: smokebush, ninebark, eucalyptus, autumn maple or oak leaves.

• Color strategies:

  • Deep reds + caramel tones for moody jewel-inspired bouquets.

  • Copper, peach, and gold varieties for warm harvest palettes.

  • Dusty lavender, taupe, and blush for antique/vintage elegance.

Garden roses are highly versatile—they can read rustic when paired with zinnias and grasses, or luxurious and formal when paired with hydrangeas and peonies. In autumn, their antique tones and fragrance make them the soul of a bouquet.