Are Garden Roses the Same as Roses?
A rose is a rose is a rose…or is it? What is a Garden Rose and how does it differ from ‘regular’ roses? Roses are iconic and a perennial favorite among flower lovers. They make stunning centerpieces, boutonnières, and bouquets. And strewn rose petals signify romance. Sigh…
But despite having 1000’s of cultivars in the Rosaceae family, there are differences in what we call a ‘garden rose’ vs the ubiquitous rose. You may want to find out when you’re deciding on wedding flowers. The two can change the impact of the arrangement and your budget. What are these differences?
Let’s find out about the Garden Rose:
It is a rose distinguishable by its many many layers of petals. The ethereal roses feature tissue-paper-thin petals with a lacy finish that distinguishes them from standard wedding roses. Most garden roses are bred specifically for large, showy blooms and sweet scents. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. My garden is filled with many. David Austin is a propagator of garden roses, famous for the variety and beauty he creates along with their scent that distinguishes them. Another distinguishing feature is their cost. Garden rose bushes are generally more expensive and garden roses in wedding bouquets are more expensive. The most popular of David Austin roses in wedding bouquets are Juliett (peach), Patience (creamy colored centers), Keira (blush pink), Beatrice (buttery yellow), Tess (crimson), and Constance (brighter pink/peach centers).
Garden Roses can have such fun romantic names like you see above and others such as, Emma Woodhouse or Princess Miyuki, Westminster Abbey or White O’hara. They tend to look more soft and romantic. I, personally, can’t get enough of them!
Lush Garden Roses are among the most classic, timeless, and breathtaking additions to bridal bouquets. The soft shades and elegant shapes add a hint of fairytale romance to your big day. And in a French Chateau, what else is there?
Roses have 100’s of species and cultivars. Interestingly enough, they can be found in a nearly every type of environment. Roses are used for a variety of purposes such as medicinal and food. There are endless shapes, sizes and colors. I can attest to this when I am searching roses for a bouquet and need to order some. I can get all twisted up with finding the perfect color or style of rose I want for a wedding. Roses have an overall hardiness to them. Despite Garden Roses being prolific in blooming, the Rose is hardy and has tighter petals and stronger stems.
But, is a rose a rose is a rose, as Shakespeare writes? I have a hard time imagining a wedding without ANY roses and no matter if their the romantic and lacey Garden Rose, or the majestic Rose, a rose is a rose is a rose!
