Which Roses to Choose for Your Bouquet — and When to Buy Them
Roses are the most beloved of all cut flowers — yet few people realise that the variety you choose matters as much as the season in which you choose it. A rose cut in high summer differs dramatically in character, fragrance, and longevity from one coaxed from a glasshouse in midwinter.
This guide is your companion through the florist’s calendar. Whether you are composing a bridal bouquet, a birthday arrangement, or a spontaneous bunch for someone you love, these pages will help you make choices that honour the flower’s natural rhythms — and produce results that are genuinely beautiful.
— SPRING —
March · April · May
The earth awakens. Tender new roses emerge in blush, cream and soft yellow — delicate, fragrant and impossibly romantic.
Juliet Garden Rose · Rosa ‘Juliet’
Colours: Peach, apricot, soft coral | Peak Bloom: Late April – June
Developed by David Austin after 15 years of breeding, Juliet was once the world’s most expensive rose when launched. Its shallow, quartered cup holds layer upon layer of soft peach petals with a warm apricot centre. The fragrance is lightly fruity. Stems run 40–60 cm, making it ideal as a focal bloom. Flowers open generously over 5–7 days.
Bouquet tip: Use Juliet as the hero bloom, surrounded by white ranunculus, eucalyptus, and trailing jasmine for a soft garden-wedding aesthetic.
Keira Garden Rose · Rosa ‘Keira’
Colours: Blush pink, pale rose, ivory edges | Peak Bloom: April – May
A compact David Austin variety prized for its dense, button-centred rosette form. Keira is fragrant with notes of fresh rose and a hint of lemon. Its smaller head (5–7 cm) makes it perfect as a secondary bloom or filler. Petals are resilient and hold their colour well in warm rooms.
Bouquet tip: Pair three stems of Keira with two of lily of the valley and dusty miller foliage for a sweet spring posy. Mist lightly every morning to prolong freshness.
White O’Hara · Rosa ‘White O’Hara’
Colours: White with the faintest green blush | Peak Bloom: March – May (glasshouse); May – June (outdoor)
An exceptionally popular florists’ rose — full-petalled, elegantly cupped, and subtly fragrant. White O’Hara has long straight stems (50–70 cm) and a vase life of 10–14 days when conditioned correctly. Its pure white makes it an anchor for any mixed bouquet. The green blush at the outer petals adds visual depth.
Bouquet tip: Condition White O’Hara overnight in deep cold water before arranging. Combine with garden greenery and one or two stems of deep burgundy ranunculus for maximum impact.
Campanella · Rosa ‘Campanella’
Colours: Pale yellow, cream, soft champagne | Peak Bloom: April – June
A spray rose producing clusters of 5–9 small blooms per stem. Each flower is a miniature swirl of pale yellow that fades to cream at the edges — giving the whole stem a dreamy, ombré quality. Vase life is excellent at 12–15 days. Campanella adds texture and movement to arrangements without adding weight.
Bouquet tip: Use a single stem of Campanella as you would a filler, allowing the clustered blooms to nestle between larger focal flowers. Works especially well with tulips in spring compositions.
— SUMMER —
June · July · August
Peak season. Gardens and markets overflow with roses in every colour imaginable — from fiery reds to the deepest plum. Fragrance is at its most intense.
Yves Piaget · Rosa ‘Yves Piaget’
Colours: Deep magenta, rose pink | Peak Bloom: June – August
One of the most fragrant large-flowered roses in cultivation, Yves Piaget was created by Meilland in France. Its enormous cupped flowers — sometimes 13–14 cm across — are stuffed with up to 80 petals. The fragrance is intensely classic: warm, sweet, unmistakably rose. This is a showstopper for any luxurious summer bouquet.
Bouquet tip: A single perfect head of Yves Piaget can anchor an entire bouquet. Surround it with greenery and allow the flower to fully open before gifting — it only grows more beautiful as it matures.
Miyabi · Rosa ‘Miyabi’
Colours: Cream with blush centre, pale pink edges | Peak Bloom: May – September
A Japanese-bred hybrid tea rose favoured by high-end florists worldwide. Miyabi produces perfectly symmetrical, high-centred blooms on long (70–90 cm), thornless stems. Fragrance is mild and clean. Its pristine symmetry makes it the preferred choice for bridal hand-tied bouquets where every bloom must be uniform.
Bouquet tip: Miyabi pairs beautifully with white sweet peas and trailing ivy for a classic bridal look. Its long stems allow for generous hand-tied arrangements without the need for filler.
Black Baccara · Rosa ‘Black Baccara’
Colours: Deep burgundy, near-black velvet red | Peak Bloom: Year-round (peak: June – September)
Black Baccara is the darkest widely available cut rose — its outer petals are such a saturated crimson-black that in low light they appear truly black. The flower is velvety in texture and dramatic in effect. Stems are strong at 50–65 cm. Fragrance is subtle. Beloved by editorial stylists and bold brides alike.
Bouquet tip: Use Black Baccara sparingly to add drama. One or two stems among white and blush flowers creates striking contrast. Handle gently — petals bruise easily if roughly touched.
Constance · Rosa ‘Constance’
Colours: Burnt orange, copper, amber | Peak Bloom: June – October
A David Austin variety that bridges summer and autumn beautifully. Constance produces full, loosely cupped flowers in rich amber and copper tones with a warm, tea-rose fragrance. The colour deepens as the flower matures, moving from bright orange in bud to a burnished copper when fully open. Stems are 45–60 cm.
Bouquet tip: Constance is magnificent in harvest-inspired bouquets alongside dahlias, hypericum berries, and dried grasses. Let it open fully before arranging to show off its complete colour range.
Quicksand · Rosa ‘Quicksand’
Colours: Dusty mauve, grey-lilac, antique mushroom | Peak Bloom: June – August
One of the most unusual and sought-after cut roses, Quicksand has a muted, almost greyed lavender colouring that photographs beautifully and complements almost every palette. Medium-sized blooms (7–9 cm) on 50–60 cm stems. Mild fragrance. Its vintage quality makes it extremely popular for rustic, bohemian, and muted-tone bouquets.
Bouquet tip: Quicksand works beautifully with sage, dried pampas grass, eucalyptus, and pale pink lisianthus. Ideal for couples seeking something beyond traditional reds and pinks.
— AUTUMN —
September · October · November
Harvest warmth. Roses in copper, terracotta, burgundy and gold hold their own alongside dahlias and berries in the most opulent season for the florist.
Caramel Antike · Rosa ‘Caramel Antike’
Colours: Caramel, toffee, warm amber | Peak Bloom: August – November
A garden rose-style variety with a fully petalled, old-fashioned cupped form. Caramel Antike is everything its name suggests: warm, rich, and deeply comforting. The blooms measure 9–11 cm and carry a gentle spiced fragrance. Stems are sturdy at 55–70 cm, and the flower holds well for 8–10 days in the vase.
Bouquet tip: Combine Caramel Antike with chocolate cosmos, rusted orange dahlias, and foraged autumn foliage for a true harvest bouquet. The warm tones are perfect for autumn weddings and Thanksgiving arrangements.
Distant Drums · Rosa ‘Distant Drums’
Colours: Russet pink, mauve-brown, terracotta | Peak Bloom: September – November
A shrub rose that bridges the aesthetic of old garden roses with modern reliability. Distant Drums produces loosely petalled flowers in extraordinary muted tones — varying between mauve, pink, and brown depending on temperature and light. Fragrance is strong and spicy. Cut stems at 40–50 cm.
Bouquet tip: This variety needs minimal company. A simple bunch of Distant Drums with some rosehips and dried seed heads makes an effortlessly chic autumn arrangement.
Wine & Dine · Rosa ‘Wine & Dine’
Colours: Deep crimson, claret, dark ruby | Peak Bloom: September – November
A deeply saturated, velvety crimson hybrid tea rose with excellent stem length (65–80 cm) and a classic tea-rose fragrance with hints of fruit. It is a reliable performer and particularly striking in softly lit settings where the deep colour glows warmly.
Bouquet tip: Pair with pale cream roses, cream freesia, and dark green camellia foliage for an elegant, traditional autumnal arrangement. Striking at formal dinners and bonfire night celebrations alike.
— WINTER —
December · January · February
Precious and rare. Winter roses are mostly glasshouse-grown. Choose fragrant varieties and supplement with evergreens, berries, and candlelight for warmth.
Amnesia · Rosa ‘Amnesia’
Colours: Lilac-grey, dusty purple, soft mauve | Peak Bloom: Year-round (glasshouse); peak Nov – Feb
A florist’s cult favourite — its unusual greyed-lilac colouring creates an impression of wistful elegance that few other flowers can match. Medium to large blooms (8–10 cm) on 60 cm stems. Mild fragrance. Extraordinarily versatile: at home in both minimalist contemporary arrangements and full Victorian-inspired bouquets.
Bouquet tip: Combine Amnesia with white spray roses, dusty miller, and silver brunia for a cool, wintry arrangement. A stunning choice for January and February deliveries when colour options are limited.
Red Naomi · Rosa ‘Red Naomi’
Colours: Deep red, classic velvety crimson | Peak Bloom: Year-round (glasshouse); peak December
The definitive Valentine’s Day rose, Red Naomi is grown extensively in Kenya and the Netherlands for the winter market. Its large, high-centred blooms on long (70–80 cm) stems are the archetype of a classic red rose. Fragrance is moderate. Vase life is exceptional — up to 14 days when stems are re-cut and water changed regularly.
Bouquet tip: A dozen Red Naomi stems in a white vase with a single trailing ribbon remains one of the most universally beloved romantic gifts. Add eucalyptus for a contemporary touch.
Sugar Moon · Rosa ‘Sugar Moon’
Colours: Pure white, ivory, cream with a champagne heart | Peak Bloom: Year-round (glasshouse); peak December – February
A pristine hybrid tea rose with large, high-centred blooms of exceptional purity. Sugar Moon is the ideal winter white — clean without being cold, with a soft cream heart that prevents starkness. Fragrance is fresh and lightly floral. Stem length 60–80 cm. Vase life 10–12 days.
Bouquet tip: Sugar Moon works beautifully with gold-sprayed eucalyptus, white hellebores, and silver willows for festive arrangements. Equally effective in minimalist, modern winter displays.
Finesse · Rosa ‘Finesse’
Colours: Warm pink, salmon, soft coral blush | Peak Bloom: Year-round (glasshouse); ideal Jan – Feb
A spray rose producing multiple blooms per stem in a warm rosy salmon tone — a welcome burst of colour in the bleakest months. Finesse has an excellent vase life (12–14 days), manageable 50–60 cm stems, and a cheerful character that lifts winter arrangements. Fragrance is mild.
Bouquet tip: A bundle of Finesse stems can carry a whole arrangement in January or February. Add some pussy willow branches and cream freesia for a light, uplifting bouquet that feels like a promise of spring.
Care & Conditioning
On arrival: Remove all packaging immediately and strip any foliage that would sit below the waterline. Re-cut stems at a 45-degree angle under running water using sharp, clean scissors — never crush or tear. Place immediately into a clean vase filled with cool water and flower food.
Daily maintenance: Re-cut stems by 1–2 cm every two days. Change the water completely every other day. Remove any petals that are browning to prevent ethylene gas build-up, which accelerates ageing in the remaining flowers.
Temperature & placement: Keep roses away from direct sunlight, radiators, and fruit bowls (ripening fruit releases ethylene). Roses last longest in a cool room. If you want to slow a bouquet’s opening for a later occasion, place it in a cool room or unheated hallway overnight.
Reviving drooping roses: If heads begin to droop prematurely, re-cut stems and place the entire bouquet — heads included — in deep cool water for two hours. Most roses will recover fully.
