Everything You Need to Know About Red Roses
Whether on market stalls or in movie scenes, the red rose is undoubtedly the most iconic of all flowers. Sometimes criticized, but always admired, this thorny queen stirs up strong emotions. Meaning, varieties, care, origins… The Sessile editorial team tells you everything there is to know about the red rose.
The Meaning of the Red Rose
The red rose is surely the flower richest in meaning. An emblem of royalty in the United Kingdom and of socialism in France, it is above all the universal symbol ofpassionate love. A bouquet of red roses is no trivial matter and isn’t given to just anyone—it’s reserved for that special someone. That’s exactly why deliveries of red rose bouquets are so common on Valentine’s Day!
And the number of flowers in the bouquet isn’t chosen on a whim. From a single red rose to signify love at first sight to 100 red roses to symbolize eternal love… It’s best to be good at math so you don’t send the wrong message and know exactly how many red roses to give.
I find my bouquet of red roses
The Most Beautiful Varieties of Red Roses
Not all varieties of red roses have the same appeal. And some are much more popular than others! The intensity of their red color can vary, as can their hardiness and the number of petals they have.
In addition, a red rose on a stem will have a single, full bloom, while a branched rose will have several buds.
If you want to make a splash at social events, here are the names of three must-have varieties of red cut roses:
- The Red Eden rose: this hardy variety captivates with its abundant petals. It almost looks like a peony!
- The Red Parfum Rose: This fragrant red rose will enchant you with its petals, which unfurl a little more each day.
- The Ingrid Bergman Rose: Named after the famous actress, this flower is the quintessential red rose—both romantic and bewilderingly perfect.
And depending on the variety and the season, the price of your rose will vary. It can range from 4 to 8€ around Valentine's Day. If you'd like to learn more about how rose prices are set , click here.
How do you care for a bouquet of red roses?
The best way to care for a bouquet of red roses is to trim the stems at an angle every two days, shortening them by about one centimeter. It’s best to use pruning shears rather than regular scissors, so you don’t crush them!
You can take this opportunity to change the water in your vase and place it in a cool, shaded spot, protected from the wind and drafts.
Above all, don’t hesitate to gradually remove the outer petals that are starting to wilt. Your flowers expend a lot of energy trying to revive them, and that’s energy they won’t be able to use to prolong their bloom.
How are red roses grown?
The red rose has its origins in the East, particularly in Iran, from where it was imported and eventually took root in Europe and the rest of the world. To bloom and thrive, a rose bush therefore needs plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil.
That is why your rose bushes will bloom in the spring, between May and June. If they are repeat-blooming varieties, however, they may bloom several times a year, even into the fall.
On the other hand, it’s unlikely that red roses will bloom in your garden during the winter.
Why are red roses available all year round?
So you might be wondering why some florists have red roses in stock all year round? Especially on Valentine's Day, when they brave the winter to fill bouquets!
That’s really the whole problem with red roses… These flowers are so popular that they’re grown and imported year-round, even if it means increasing the carbon footprint of the bouquets that are delivered.
If you find red roses in the middle of winter, there’s no mystery to it. They were either grown in a heated greenhouse in the Netherlands or imported from much warmer climates (usually Kenya or Colombia).
In the first case, growing them will be extremely energy-intensive. And although Dutch growers are making increasing efforts to use sustainable energy sources (geothermal energy, solar panels, etc.), growing red roses in the winter is not a responsible solution.
In the second case, the flowers are grown without heating, in countries with a naturally suitable climate. But importing these fresh, short-lived red roses—which risk wilting during transit—requires air transport. Yet another significant energy expense!
What's the solution? Enjoy red roses during their peak season. And for the rest of the year, there are many equally beautiful alternatives: peonies in the spring, dahlias in the fall, and ranunculus, anemones, and tulips in the winter.
In conclusion: Enjoy red roses, but don't overdo it!
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.
