There are so many varieties of Roses available, it can be hard to choose. Whether you’re selecting roses for a special occasion or you’re simply looking for something to greet you when you wake up. Having an idea of what you might be interested in prior to flower shopping can help with the decision-making process…unless you’re like me and just want all of them.
Roses, in general, are some of the most captivating flowers out there. From their mesmerizing display of petals to their subtle sweet scents, it’s easy to see why anyone would include the Rose in a bouquet. But, which do you choose?
Most common Roses
Florists, and floral departments, mostly sell varieties of the modern long stem rose. However, you may begin to notice another rose gaining popularity, or rather stealing center stage once again. That would be the Garden Rose! Garden Roses, which may also be referred to as Old Garden Roses, Heirloom Roses or even Antique Roses, are a group of roses that existed before 1867.
After 1867, the first hybrid tea rose, or modern rose, was discovered. Many gardeners began switching to the modern rose due to its ability to bloom beyond a single blooming period, numerous varieties and colors along with long stems. The long stem rose more so allowed for cut roses, leading to the rose becoming the most desired and widely used flower in bouquets. But, if you ask me, the Garden Rose is much more impressive and will always be my first choice!
What separates the Garden Rose from all the rest?
It’s mostly their bloom and intoxicating scent! With numerous ruffled petals swirling around the center, creating the most luxurious texture, it’s easy to fall in love with such a beautiful flower!
If this lovely specimen has piqued your interest and you’d like to know more about its age-old roots, then visit: What are Heirloom or Old Garden Roses? – Heirloom Roses
How to incorporate Garden Roses in a bouquet
In my previous post, What Flowers Pair Well With Mums?, I review how to select flowers for your bouquet. Once again, you’ll want to consider the color, texture, style, complexity, profile and occasion when making your flower selections. If considering all of these is overwhelming, then only focus on a couple of these guidelines.
For this particular bouquet, I was aiming for bold colors with a romantic flare. I’ll be fully honest though, I made a goof when selecting my flowers. Even though I made an error in selection, my bouquet still turned out stunning and ended up being a nice change up. As you scroll through, see if you can pinpoint my mistake. I bet you can’t! I will reveal my original plan and the switch up at the end.
Create this Bouquet
Step by step instructions
Bouquet contents…
$9.99 @ Trader Joe’s
$4.99 @ Trader Joe’s
$4.99 @ Trader Joe’s
Select your vase, then prep your water.
This vase is a unique spin on the fishbowl look. With the extended neck, more of an elegant look is created. The narrow neck can also allow for the use of fewer flowers but still support your flowers nicely.
Don’t forget to fill your vase with flower food and water prior to adding the flowers.
This classy balloon vase comes in two sizes. Clink the link below to make your selection. (18cm featured)
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Which flower is more filling?
In the beginning stages of creating your bouquet, it’s best to start with the flower that provides the most structure and volume. This way your flowers will stand lovely on their own while providing support to all the others.
If you don’t have a flower that meets this description, it’s ok! You can use the tape method or even use rubber bands as shown in my other posts.
Tape Method – Pretty Pastel Bouquet
Rubber Band Method – What flowers pair well with Mums?
For instance, these Peruvian Lilies are very light and delicate looking, however, their stems are sturdy. Due to the way their leaves and petals open up, it creates a very full and lustrous appearance. They are the perfect flower to build the base of your bouquet.
Trim the stems and let them loose in the vase! Let them fall as they may and they’ll do all the work for you!
I love working with Peruvian Lilies! They come in a wide variety of colors and they tend to be a longer lasting flower. I like to reuse them in other bouquets!
Add texture!
It’s time to grab another flower and begin adding texture to your bouquet. This is a given when you include Tenweeks Stock flowers. Another one of my all-time favorite flowers!
Tenweeks are the perfect addition to any bouquet. They smell amazing for one, but they can also add a romantic or even whimsical flare to your bouquet. With bountiful clustered petals cascading along the stem, it’s easy to see why Stock flowers add texture and charm. They also come in several colors ranging from perfect pastels to vivid red and purple.
As you can see, I have evenly dispersed the Stock flowers throughout the bouquet. I left them extending beyond the edges of the Peruvian Lilies to add depth and more character to the overall appearance of the bouquet.
The main attraction!
Now for the one we’ve all been waiting for, The Garden Rose! This particular rose is easily becoming one my go-to flowers. With tons of petals intricately wrapped around one another, it’s surely to catch spectator’s attention.
One of the reasons I’m becoming a big fan of the Garden Rose is because it reminds me of the Peony. Mesmerizingly fragrant and petals for days, Peonies are a for sure showstopper. But, Peonies are quite seasonal and can be a bit pricey. As a comparable substitution with more availability at a fraction of the cost, Garden Roses are the next best thing!
When adding in these beautiful pink Garden Roses, I kept it simple! Placing each Rose where a pop of pink was needed and filled out the rest of the bouquet. This is one of the simplest and fastest ways to create a gorgeous centerpiece and add pop of color to any room.
Were you able to discover my mistake? I bet not!
Bonus Bouquet
Notice the Peruvian Lilies featured here? Well, these are a soft pinkish purple and were the original plan for my bouquet. When selecting my flowers for this week’s bouquet, I grabbed a Peruvian Lily bundle that I thought were a shade of purple. The flowers were still mostly closed so I couldn’t exactly see the flowers I had selected were really red with only one flower of the color I truly desired.
Once the flowers fully opened up, I saw my error in selection. Even though the combination of red, pink and purple wasn’t my original idea for this particular bouquet, the combination turned out great!
It was a nice switch up and just goes to show you that practically any combination of flowers will surely brighten your day and be a lovely addition to any space.
I encourage you to buy some beautiful Garden Roses and recreate this bouquet! For more ideas and floral arranging guidance, go to my Bouquet Gallery. For any and all floral extras, go to my Floral Accessories.