Building the perfect bouquet of roses is not just about fragrance and colours.
Hybrid tea roses have been regarded as the gold standard for cut flowers since forever. Their large, high-centred blooms and long, straight stems make them ideal for formal bouquets, which is why they remain a favourite among florists. Varieties such as Mr. Lincoln, Peace and Pope John Paul II have earned their reputation for producing elegant blooms that stand proudly in a vase, but not every bouquet needs to look like it came from the shop.
English roses, floribundas and shrub roses offer a softer, more relaxed style of arrangement. Their cupped blooms, abundant petals and naturally branching stems lend themselves beautifully to the loose, cottage-style bouquets that have become increasingly popular. Mixing flower forms, colours and fragrances creates arrangements that feel freshly gathered from the garden.
When choosing roses this winter, think beyond individual blooms. By planting a mix of hybrid teas for structure alongside English and shrub roses for softness and fragrance, every walk through the garden can end with a freshly picked bouquet from late spring through autumn.
Best hybrid teas for classic cut flowers
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Hybrid Tea Variety |
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Aotearoa |
Large, perfectly formed blooms in rich pink are matched by a wonderfully strong fragrance. A reliable Hybrid Tea that’s just as impressive in the vase as it is in the garden. Height: Approx. 1.5m |
Beautiful Girl |
An elegant hybrid tea rose producing perfectly formed blooms in a combination of pink and silver. Long stems and excellent repeat flowering make it a wonderful choice for cutting and garden display. Height: Approx. 1.2–1.5m |
Camp David |
A classic hybrid tea rose producing large, elegantly formed blooms on long stems. Its rich colouring and reliable repeat flowering make it an excellent choice for both garden display and cutting. Height: Approx. 1.2–1.5m |
Double Delight |
One of the world’s most beloved hybrid tea roses, producing large blooms with creamy centres and rich red margins. Its outstanding fragrance and striking colour contrast make it a perennial favourite. Height: Approx. 1.2–1.5m |
Heaven Scent |
Large lavender-mauve blooms are paired with an intense citrus fragrance, making this one of the most memorable roses in the garden. Elegant, repeat flowering and wonderfully perfumed. Height: Approx. 1.2–1.5m |
Just Joey |
Large, ruffled blooms in warm copper-apricot tones have made Just Joey one of the world’s most admired Hybrid Tea roses. Its exceptional fragrance and elegant form make it a standout in both the garden and the vase. Height: Approx. 1.2–1.5m |
Mr Lincoln |
Velvety crimson blooms are borne on long, straight stems, accompanied by one of the richest damask fragrances of any rose. A timeless Hybrid Tea that’s as impressive in a vase as it is in the garden. Height: Approx. 1.5–2m |
Peace |
One of the world’s most celebrated roses, Peace produces large blooms in soft yellow, delicately edged with blush pink. Vigorous, reliable and free-flowering, it’s a classic that has stood the test of time. Height: Approx. 1.5m |
Pope John Paul II |
Pure white blooms of exceptional size are complemented by a fresh citrus fragrance and excellent repeat flowering. A refined Hybrid Tea that adds timeless beauty to both the garden and the vase. Height: Approx. 1.2–1.5m |
St Patrick |
Unique green-yellow buds gradually open to buttery yellow blooms, with the colouring becoming richer in cooler weather. An unusual Hybrid Tea that always sparks conversation and adds something different to floral arrangements. Height: Approx. 1.2–1.5m |
Shirley’s Rose |
Classic soft pink blooms are carried on long stems above healthy, vigorous foliage. With its elegant form and gentle fragrance, it’s a wonderful choice for cutting and bringing indoors. Height: Approx. 1.2–1.5m |
Best English roses for cottage-style arrangements
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Variety |
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Darcey Bussell |
Rich crimson rosettes packed with petals bring classic English Rose charm to the garden. Repeat flowering and a delicious old rose fragrance make it equally suited to the border or the vase. Height: Approx. 1.2m |
Emily Brontë |
Soft apricot-pink blooms open into beautifully informal rosettes with a gentle tea fragrance. Its relaxed habit makes it perfect for cottage-style bouquets. Height: Approx. 1.2m |
Gertrude Jekyll |
Widely regarded as one of the finest fragrant roses ever bred, producing richly coloured pink blooms throughout the season. A must-have for lovers of traditional English roses. Height: Approx. 1.5–2m |
Jude the Obscure |
Large, cupped blooms in soft apricot and cream are accompanied by an exceptional fruity fragrance. A spectacular garden rose that produces unforgettable bouquets. Height: Approx. 1.2–1.5m |
Princess Alexandra of Kent |
Huge warm-pink blooms filled with petals create an opulent display from late spring onwards. Richly perfumed and wonderfully repeat flowering. Height: Approx. 1.2–1.5m |
Teasing Georgia |
Golden yellow blooms soften to creamy outer petals as they mature, creating a luminous display. A vigorous English rose with excellent fragrance and graceful growth. Height: Approx. 1.5–2m |
Best roses to tie arrangements together
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Variety |
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Best Friend |
Clusters of cheerful pink blooms appear continuously throughout the season above healthy foliage. A dependable rose that flowers generously and makes a lovely garden cut flower. Height: Approx. 1m |
Child’s Love |
Soft pink blooms cover this compact shrub throughout the flowering season. Charming and easy to grow, it’s a delightful addition to both the garden and the vase. Height: Approx. 1m |
Ekstase |
Large, elegant blooms are produced freely on a vigorous, disease-resistant plant. An excellent performer that combines beauty with reliability. Height: Approx. 1.2m |
Jardins de L’Essone |
Gracefully formed blooms in warm pink tones flower generously throughout the season. Its refined colouring makes it a beautiful addition to mixed bouquets. Height: Approx. 1.2m |
Soul Sister |
Masses of warm apricot-orange blooms brighten the garden for months on end. Compact, colourful and endlessly cheerful, it’s ideal for filling the vase. Height: Approx. 1m |
Best showstopping roses
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Variety |
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Twilight Zone |
Large, velvety plum-purple blooms create one of the most dramatic displays in the rose garden. Richly fragrant and wonderfully repeat flowering, it’s a favourite for lovers of bold colour. Height: Approx. 1.2–1.5m |
Chartreuse de Parme |
Large mauve blooms are paired with one of the strongest fragrances of any modern rose. An elegant and highly perfumed variety that always leaves an impression. Height: Approx. 1.2–1.5m |
Dark Desire |
Deep burgundy blooms with a sumptuous old rose fragrance create a luxurious display. Perfect for gardeners drawn to rich, dramatic colours. Height: Approx. 1.2m |
Honey Perfume |
Soft apricot-yellow blooms release a sweet, spicy fragrance throughout the flowering season. Compact and floriferous, it’s an excellent choice for smaller gardens. Height: Approx. 1m |
Maurice Utrillo |
Bold stripes of red, yellow and cream ensure every bloom is unique. A playful rose that brings colour and personality to both the garden and floral arrangements. Height: Approx. 1.2m |
Scentimental |
Cream and burgundy striped blooms combine striking colour with a rich spicy fragrance. An eye-catching Floribunda that flowers freely throughout the season. Height: Approx. 1m |
How to make cut roses stay fresh for longer
There are a few things you can do to keep your roses perky for more than a week. Follow these 5 steps:
- Cut an inch or two off the base of your flower stems before placing them in your vase, and then again every two to three days.
- Make sure your vase is completely clean and use room-temperature water. Change the water in your vase every two days.
- Remove all leaves below the waterline to avoid rot and bacterial growth.
- Feed your flowers with a cut flower preserver. You can purchase these from florists or make your own using Gardening Australia’s recipe.
- Add a few drops of vodka to your vase water to prolong the life of your roses.
