Rose Varieties: Our Complete Guide
Everyone thinks they know roses. And yet, behind that single word lie hundreds of varieties: old and new, fragrant and scentless, florist classics and garden rarities. Choosing the right variety is already so much more than justbuying a bouquet.
This guide reviews the most well-known, sought-after, and iconic rose varieties to help you choose them with confidence, rather than at random.
Heirloom Roses and Modern Roses: What Are the Differences?
Before choosing a variety, it’s helpful to understand what distinguishes old roses from modern roses. It’s not just a matter of history: these are two families with very different characteristics in terms of shape, fragrance, and growth habits.
Old Roses: History and Characteristics
Varieties created before 1867—the year the first hybrid tea rose was introduced—are known as “old roses.” These are full-blooming flowers, often very fragrant, with numerous, tightly packed petals. They generally bloom only once a year, in the spring or summer, but with remarkable intensity.
Among them are the Damask rose, the Centifolia rose, and the Gallica rose. These varieties have stood the test of time and continue to captivate with their authenticity and character.
Modern Roses: Selection and Hybridization
Modern roses, on the other hand, were developed starting in the 19th century to meet specific criteria: repeat blooming, disease resistance, and long vase life. They are less fragrant than their ancestors, but much better suited for floristry and bouquets.
These are the varieties most commonly found at florists: Baccara, Avalanche, Ecuador… Varieties selected for their longevity and enduring beauty.
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Must-Have Rose Varieties
Certain roses have been staples in florists’ shops for decades. They are known for their shape, color, or fragrance. Here are the most iconic ones:
The Damask Rose: The Queen of Old Roses
Native to the Middle East, the Damask rose is one of the most famous roses in the world. Its double,deep-pink flowers give off an intense, enchanting fragrance that has made it the cornerstone of the perfume and rosewater industries for centuries.
In a bouquet, it adds a rare sensory dimension. In the garden, it blooms once a year, but so profusely that it’s well worth the wait.
The Baccara Rose: The Florists’ Red Icon
Created in 1954, the Baccara is the quintessential red rose. With its deep velvety hue, long stem, and well-formed bloom, it has become the symbol of the Valentine’s Day rose—the classic romantic gesture. It has little fragrance but is undeniably elegant.
It’s the rose you recognize right away—the one you picture when you say “a red rose.”
The Avalanche Rose: Elegance in White
White with subtle cream highlights, the Avalanche rose is a florist's go-to choice. Large blooms, long vase life, and a classic shape—it goes with everything. Wedding bouquets, understated arrangements, and elegant gifts.
Less flashy than the Baccara, it has a certain understated and precise quality that appeals to those who don’t like to go overboard.
The Ecuador Rose: Long Stem and Elegance
Grown primarily in Ecuador—hence its name—this variety is renowned for the quality of its blooms and the exceptional length of its stems. It comes in a variety of colors, has generous blooms, and holds its shape impeccably. It’s the perfect rose for bouquets designed to impress without seeming to try.
How do you choose a rose variety?
There isn't just ONE "right" rose. There's the rose that conveys exactly what you want to say, at the moment you want to say it. Here are a few simple guidelines to help you choose the right one:
Depending on the occasion
- Romantic Love: Baccara Rouge or Eden for a classic, confident look
- Wedding or Ceremony: " White Avalanche"—Understated and Elegant
- Friendship, tenderness: Sweetness or Mary—the sweeter and more delicate ones
- A unique gift: a branched rose or an “Espérance” rose, to break away from the usual norm
Depending on the season
Although roses are available year-round, their quality varies by season. And for good reason: in France, as in much of Europe, roses naturally bloom mainly from late spring throughfall. In the middle of winter, therefore, the roses sold are often imported or grown in heated greenhouses.
No matter the time of year, we recommend that you go with the flow of nature. To do so, put your trust in the artisanal florists at Sessile, who prioritize fresh, local, and seasonal flowers whenever possible.
Sessile.fr's Review of Rose Varieties
At Sessile, we believe that a successful bouquet begins even before you step into the florist’s shop. Knowing what you’re looking for means you already know what you want to convey. A Baccara doesn’t convey the same message as an Eden. An Avalanche doesn’t have the same effect as a branched rose.
Our local florists know their flowers inside and out. They know what arrived that morning, which ones will last, and which ones will fill the room with fragrance. Don’t hesitate to ask them for advice—that’s exactly why they’re there.
Because a beautiful bouquet always starts with the right choice.
Who are we?
Sessile champions the independence of artisan florists online. Founded in 2019 by six friends, Sessile brings together 500 florists committed to transforming the industry and enables flower delivery throughout France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. By breaking away from the traditional online catalog model, the network highlights each florist’s expertise and helps keep the art of floristry alive. Florists can pursue their passion and create more creative bouquets because they have greater freedom to offer seasonal flowers and, whenever possible, locally sourced flowers.
