Roses are the most beloved of all cut flowers \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u2014 and produce results that are genuinely beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
March \u00b7 April \u00b7 May<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The earth awakens. Tender new roses emerge in blush, cream and soft yellow \u2014 delicate, fragrant and impossibly romantic.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Colours:<\/strong> Peach, apricot, soft coral | Peak Bloom:<\/strong> Late April \u2013 June<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u201360 cm, making it ideal as a focal bloom. Flowers open generously over 5\u20137 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bouquet tip:<\/strong> Use Juliet as the hero bloom, surrounded by white ranunculus, eucalyptus, and trailing jasmine for a soft garden-wedding aesthetic.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Colours:<\/strong> Blush pink, pale rose, ivory edges | Peak Bloom:<\/strong> April \u2013 May<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u20137 cm) makes it perfect as a secondary bloom or filler. Petals are resilient and hold their colour well in warm rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bouquet tip:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Colours:<\/strong> White with the faintest green blush | Peak Bloom:<\/strong> March \u2013 May (glasshouse); May \u2013 June (outdoor)<\/p>\n\n\n\n An exceptionally popular florists’ rose \u2014 full-petalled, elegantly cupped, and subtly fragrant. White O’Hara has long straight stems (50\u201370 cm) and a vase life of 10\u201314 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bouquet tip:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Colours:<\/strong> Pale yellow, cream, soft champagne | Peak Bloom:<\/strong> April \u2013 June<\/p>\n\n\n\n A spray rose producing clusters of 5\u20139 small blooms per stem. Each flower is a miniature swirl of pale yellow that fades to cream at the edges \u2014 giving the whole stem a dreamy, ombr\u00e9 quality. Vase life is excellent at 12\u201315 days. Campanella adds texture and movement to arrangements without adding weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bouquet tip:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n June \u00b7 July \u00b7 August<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Peak season. Gardens and markets overflow with roses in every colour imaginable \u2014 from fiery reds to the deepest plum. Fragrance is at its most intense.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Colours:<\/strong> Deep magenta, rose pink | Peak Bloom:<\/strong> June \u2013 August<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most fragrant large-flowered roses in cultivation, Yves Piaget was created by Meilland in France. Its enormous cupped flowers \u2014 sometimes 13\u201314 cm across \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bouquet tip:<\/strong> 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 \u2014 it only grows more beautiful as it matures.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Colours:<\/strong> Cream with blush centre, pale pink edges | Peak Bloom:<\/strong> May \u2013 September<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Japanese-bred hybrid tea rose favoured by high-end florists worldwide. Miyabi produces perfectly symmetrical, high-centred blooms on long (70\u201390 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bouquet tip:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Colours:<\/strong> Deep burgundy, near-black velvet red | Peak Bloom:<\/strong> Year-round (peak: June \u2013 September)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Black Baccara is the darkest widely available cut rose \u2014 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\u201365 cm. Fragrance is subtle. Beloved by editorial stylists and bold brides alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bouquet tip:<\/strong> Use Black Baccara sparingly to add drama. One or two stems among white and blush flowers creates striking contrast. Handle gently \u2014 petals bruise easily if roughly touched.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Colours:<\/strong> Burnt orange, copper, amber | Peak Bloom:<\/strong> June \u2013 October<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u201360 cm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bouquet tip:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Colours:<\/strong> Dusty mauve, grey-lilac, antique mushroom | Peak Bloom:<\/strong> June \u2013 August<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u20139 cm) on 50\u201360 cm stems. Mild fragrance. Its vintage quality makes it extremely popular for rustic, bohemian, and muted-tone bouquets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bouquet tip:<\/strong> Quicksand works beautifully with sage, dried pampas grass, eucalyptus, and pale pink lisianthus. Ideal for couples seeking something beyond traditional reds and pinks.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n September \u00b7 October \u00b7 November<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Harvest warmth. Roses in copper, terracotta, burgundy and gold hold their own alongside dahlias and berries in the most opulent season for the florist.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Colours:<\/strong> Caramel, toffee, warm amber | Peak Bloom:<\/strong> August \u2013 November<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u201311 cm and carry a gentle spiced fragrance. Stems are sturdy at 55\u201370 cm, and the flower holds well for 8\u201310 days in the vase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bouquet tip:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Colours:<\/strong> Russet pink, mauve-brown, terracotta | Peak Bloom:<\/strong> September \u2013 November<\/p>\n\n\n\n A shrub rose that bridges the aesthetic of old garden roses with modern reliability. Distant Drums produces loosely petalled flowers in extraordinary muted tones \u2014 varying between mauve, pink, and brown depending on temperature and light. Fragrance is strong and spicy. Cut stems at 40\u201350 cm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bouquet tip:<\/strong> This variety needs minimal company. A simple bunch of Distant Drums with some rosehips and dried seed heads makes an effortlessly chic autumn arrangement.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Colours:<\/strong> Deep crimson, claret, dark ruby | Peak Bloom:<\/strong> September \u2013 November<\/p>\n\n\n\n A deeply saturated, velvety crimson hybrid tea rose with excellent stem length (65\u201380 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bouquet tip:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n December \u00b7 January \u00b7 February<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Precious and rare. Winter roses are mostly glasshouse-grown. Choose fragrant varieties and supplement with evergreens, berries, and candlelight for warmth.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Colours:<\/strong> Lilac-grey, dusty purple, soft mauve | Peak Bloom:<\/strong> Year-round (glasshouse); peak Nov \u2013 Feb<\/p>\n\n\n\n A florist’s cult favourite \u2014 its unusual greyed-lilac colouring creates an impression of wistful elegance that few other flowers can match. Medium to large blooms (8\u201310 cm) on 60 cm stems. Mild fragrance. Extraordinarily versatile: at home in both minimalist contemporary arrangements and full Victorian-inspired bouquets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bouquet tip:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Colours:<\/strong> Deep red, classic velvety crimson | Peak Bloom:<\/strong> Year-round (glasshouse); peak December<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u201380 cm) stems are the archetype of a classic red rose. Fragrance is moderate. Vase life is exceptional \u2014 up to 14 days when stems are re-cut and water changed regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bouquet tip:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Colours:<\/strong> Pure white, ivory, cream with a champagne heart | Peak Bloom:<\/strong> Year-round (glasshouse); peak December \u2013 February<\/p>\n\n\n\n A pristine hybrid tea rose with large, high-centred blooms of exceptional purity. Sugar Moon is the ideal winter white \u2014 clean without being cold, with a soft cream heart that prevents starkness. Fragrance is fresh and lightly floral. Stem length 60\u201380 cm. Vase life 10\u201312 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bouquet tip:<\/strong> Sugar Moon works beautifully with gold-sprayed eucalyptus, white hellebores, and silver willows for festive arrangements. Equally effective in minimalist, modern winter displays.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Colours:<\/strong> Warm pink, salmon, soft coral blush | Peak Bloom:<\/strong> Year-round (glasshouse); ideal Jan \u2013 Feb<\/p>\n\n\n\n A spray rose producing multiple blooms per stem in a warm rosy salmon tone \u2014 a welcome burst of colour in the bleakest months. Finesse has an excellent vase life (12\u201314 days), manageable 50\u201360 cm stems, and a cheerful character that lifts winter arrangements. Fragrance is mild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nJuliet Garden Rose \u00b7 Rosa ‘Juliet’<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nKeira Garden Rose \u00b7 Rosa ‘Keira’<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWhite O’Hara \u00b7 Rosa ‘White O’Hara’<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nCampanella \u00b7 Rosa ‘Campanella’<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n\u2014 SUMMER \u2014<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nYves Piaget \u00b7 Rosa ‘Yves Piaget’<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nMiyabi \u00b7 Rosa ‘Miyabi’<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nBlack Baccara \u00b7 Rosa ‘Black Baccara’<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nConstance \u00b7 Rosa ‘Constance’<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nQuicksand \u00b7 Rosa ‘Quicksand’<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n\u2014 AUTUMN \u2014<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nCaramel Antike \u00b7 Rosa ‘Caramel Antike’<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nDistant Drums \u00b7 Rosa ‘Distant Drums’<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWine & Dine \u00b7 Rosa ‘Wine & Dine’<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n\u2014 WINTER \u2014<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAmnesia \u00b7 Rosa ‘Amnesia’<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nRed Naomi \u00b7 Rosa ‘Red Naomi’<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nSugar Moon \u00b7 Rosa ‘Sugar Moon’<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nFinesse \u00b7 Rosa ‘Finesse’<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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