Special rose colours for your flower bouquet

For Hong Kong florists looking for more unusual rose colours to delight customers, here are ten naturally grown rose varieties with unusual and captivating colors that will add a touch of magic to your bouquet.

1. Green Romantica:

   • Botanical Name: Rosa ‘Green Romantica’

   • Description: A hybrid tea rose with unique fresh lime green buds that open into double blooms. As the flowers unfold, the outer petals remain green while the interior glows creamy white. You might recognize this rose from florist bouquets due to its distinctive coloration. ‘Green Romantica’ prefers a bit of shade and is hardy in zones 7-11.

2. Pink Grootendorst:

   • Botanical Name: Rosa ‘Pink Grootendorst’

   • Description: This hardy rugosa rose surprises with fringed deep pink petals that resemble carnations. It produces hundreds of little flowers throughout the season. ‘Pink Grootendorst’ is compact, tough, and works beautifully as a landscape rose. It tolerates shade, poor soils, and harsh winds. Keep it deadheaded for continual flowering. Hardy in zones 4-9.

3. Red Moss:

   • Botanical Name: Rosa ‘Henri Martin’

   • Description: Don’t confuse this uncommon rose with Portulaca (also called moss rose). ‘Red Moss’ belongs to a unique rose class with a fuzzy coating on sepals, stems, and buds due to pine-scented glands. The sepals, stems, and buds are covered in a moss-like fuzz. It grows to a height of 5-6 feet and is hardy in zones 4-11.

4. Cherry Parfait:

   • Botanical Name: Rosa ‘Cherry Parfait’

   • Description: Many unique roses feature interesting combinations of color. ‘Cherry Parfait’ buds unveil large white blooms with delicate pink edging. It’s a delightful addition to any garden and adds a touch of elegance. Hardy in various zones depending on the specific cultivar.

5. Blue Roses:

   • Description: While true blue roses don’t exist naturally, breeders have made significant progress in creating blue-toned roses. These hybrids often have lavender or lilac hues that evoke a sense of mystery and enchantment. Look for varieties like ‘Blue Moon’ or 'Blue for You’.

6. Black Baccara:

   • Botanical Name: Rosa ‘Black Baccara’

   • Description: Deep, velvety black-red blooms make ‘Black Baccara’ a dramatic choice. The petals have a rich, dark color that stands out in any arrangement. It’s a hybrid tea rose with a captivating allure. Hardy in zones 6-9.

7. Rainbow Roses:

   • Description: These multicolored roses are created by injecting dye into the stems, resulting in vibrant rainbow hues. While not naturally grown, they are a fun and eye-catching addition to gardens or special occasions.

8. Purple Splash:

   • Description: ‘Purple Splash’ roses feature a blend of purple, pink, and white tones. Each petal seems to carry a painter’s brushstroke, creating a watercolor effect. They’re perfect for adding a whimsical touch to your garden.

9. Apricot Nectar:

   • Botanical Name: Rosa ‘Apricot Nectar’

   • Description: Soft apricot-colored blooms with a hint of pink make ‘Apricot Nectar’ a warm and inviting choice. The fragrance is delightful, and it’s a repeat bloomer. Hardy in zones 5-9.

10. Yellow Submarine:

    • Botanical Name: Rosa ‘Yellow Submarine’

    • Description: A sunny yellow rose with a playful name, ‘Yellow Submarine’ brightens up any landscape. Its cheerful color and compact growth habit make it a popular choice for borders and containers. Hardy in zones 5-9.

    Growing roses successfully depends on choosing the right varieties for specific hardiness zone. Let’s explore some essential tips for rose gardening based on different zones, so you can make an informed choice when you choose growers and suppliers.

    1. Understanding Hardiness Zones:

       • Hardiness zones are based on a region’s average minimum temperature. They help determine which plants can thrive in a particular climate. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) assigns hardiness zones to different areas.

       • In our rose descriptions, you’ll often see hardiness zones indicated in parentheses. Keep in mind that individual planting locations can vary depending on exposure.

    2. Ideal Rose Zones:

       • Zones 5, 6, 7 & 8: These regions are ideal for most rose varieties. Cold temperatures are not typically a serious concern for roses planted in these zones. You can grow a wide range of roses with minimal maintenance or upkeep here.

       • If you’re in one of these zones, consider the following tips:

    3. Site Selection:

       • Choose a sunny location for your roses. They need at least five to six hours of full sun daily. In warmer, sunnier zones, afternoon shade can benefit the plants.

       • Avoid planting roses too close to established trees and shrubs, as they will compete for water and nutrients with your roses.

    4. Companion Plants:

       • Pair your roses with companion plants that enhance their beauty and provide additional benefits. Consider:

         • Purple Catmint (Nepeta): It offsets roses beautifully, especially pink ones, and hides their leggy bottoms.

         • Lavender (Lavandula), Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla), and Tall Growing Pinks (Dianthus): These plants also complement roses and help suppress weeds.

         • Keep other plants at least one foot away from your roses to ensure proper air circulation and prevent disease.

    Roses come in various forms, colors, and growth habits. Take your time to explore nurseries and enjoy the beauty of these timeless flowers.