The Ultimate Guide to Roses: Varieties, Care, and Creative Uses

If we’re being totally honest, we know that roses aren’t just flowers—they’re icons. Whether planning a dreamy wedding, sprucing up your home, or just trying to impress someone with a last-minute gift, roses have you covered. Their endless varieties, bold colors, and full, soft petals make them the ultimate go-to bloom for, well, basically everything. And while roses remain effortlessly chic, figuring out which type of rose fits your project can be a little overwhelming. That’s why we put together this guide to help you navigate the wonderful world of roses—from the different varieties and how to care for them to fresh ideas for using them in creative ways. Because with roses, the possibilities are as endless as their beauty!

Rose Varieties Guide: Which Type Is Right for You?

Did you know that not all roses are created equally? It’s true: some are made to climb trellises dramatically, while others are ideal for smaller arrangements or lush bouquets. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular types, including the ever-stunning garden roses, which Petaljet is proud to offer.

Garden Roses 

These roses are a florist’s dream!  Known for their full, ruffled petals and intoxicating fragrance, garden roses bring a touch of old-world romance to every floral design they join. They’re not just for traditional designs, either: garden roses elevate arrangements with their bold, statement-making blooms, ideal for contemporary spaces. Their larger size and textured petals make them a choice of rose for bouquets and centerpieces that demand a soft look.

Spray Roses

These petite petals are the little heroes of the rose world. These multi-blooming stems feature clusters of petite roses, making them incredibly versatile. Spray roses deliver a bit of whimsy to bouquets, which makes them a great match for playful, lighthearted designs. They can also add depth to arrangements by filling in gaps or creating delicate accents. Florists love to use spray roses in boutonnieres, corsages, and smaller arrangements, but they also shine when used as a secondary bloom in larger displays. 

Hybrid Tea Roses 

These are often considered the supermodels of the rose world. Known for their large, show-stopping blossoms on single stems, these roses are suited for standout floral arrangements. Their elegance makes them a popular choice for formal occasions.

Floribunda Roses 

These stunners are the overachievers in the rose family. Floribunda roses produce multiple flowers on one stem, creating eye-catching displays. While their individual blooms are smaller than those of hybrid tea roses, their abundance obviously makes up for it!

6 essential care tips for cut roses

Cut roses are the ultimate showstoppers, but they need a little extra love to stay lively and beautiful. Whether you’re prepping for a gathering or designing arrangements, these tips will help your roses thrive long after they’re cut.

1. Fill a clean vase or bucket with fresh, cool water as soon as you receive your roses.

2. Using sharp, clean scissors, trim the stems at an angle so they can absorb water more easily.  Make your cuts underwater to keep air bubbles from blocking the flow of water up the stems.

3. Bacteria are the enemy of cut flowers. Remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline to avoid rot.

4. Cut roses love cool, stable environments. Keep them away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heat sources like radiators or kitchen appliances. If you’re storing wholesale roses before an event, a cool room or refrigerated space is ideal.

5. If your roses start looking tired, give them a quick revive by re-trimming the stems and placing them in clean water.

6. Avoid handling the blooms directly to prevent bruising or damaging the petals. If you need to transport your roses, wrap them gently in tissue paper or place them in a sturdy floral box to keep them safe.

Creative Rose Arrangements to Try Now

Roses are iconic for a reason, but that doesn’t mean you can’t shake things up! Here are some ideas for creative rose arrangements that are anything but basic:

• Place a single rose in a bud vase on a nightstand for a touch of luxury

• Create a casual arrangement of mixed garden roses for a dinner party centerpiece.

• Tie a bunch of spray roses with twine for a thoughtful, handcrafted present for a friend.

• Combine roses with wildflowers, twigs, and moss for a natural, boho vibe.

• Stick to one color but play with different roses and textures for a bold look.

• Snip the blossoms and float them in a shallow bowl of water with candles for a cozy, intimate centerpiece.

• Who says roses are just for vases? Use mini roses to create gorgeous, wearable art.

4 Perks of Buying Bulk Roses

Buying bulk roses is a game-changer. Here are just a few reasons why:

1. Buying in bulk saves you money compared to purchasing individual stems.

2. When you order wholesale, you receive flowers from the same batch for a uniform look in arrangements.

3. When you have dozens of roses, you enjoy artistic freedom--the sky’s the limit for your floral experiments!

4. From weddings and parties to private bouquets, we can’t think of a single moment that doesn’t benefit from the beauty of roses.

Roses are a perennial favorite, but their possibilities are anything but predictable. With this rose varieties guide, you can confidently pick the perfect blooms for any project. Pair that with expert care tips for roses, and you’ll be well on your way to keeping your designs stunning--and your customers happy-all year long. 

Choosing the right type depends on your specific needs and aesthetic preferences, but one thing is sure—there’s a rose out there for everyone. Browse our wide selection of straight-from-the-farm wholesale roses to find the right rose for you.