“A rose is a rose is a rose,” is Gertrude Stein’s observation. In fact, though, there are many different 
varieties and qualities of roses. Roses in California are ranked in three grades, from best to worst, they are: Select, Extra Fancy, and Fancy. Fancy is the type that sells for $10 a dozen in supermarkets. A wedding bouquet should be made out of only the best quality roses, which will cost more. The look and color of your roses will vary by type. So instead of telling your florist you want “bridal white” roses, think about what shade of white your own gown will be and the color accents you would like in your flowers and ask for a rose by its specific name.
WHITE ROSES
Akito elegant shape, smaller size with a snowy white color, no fragrance.
Bianca medium size, rounded bud, translucent rice white color
Clear Ocean: larger size, fragrant, soft ivory color, opens wide
Escimo delicate smaller size, pure diamond white, opens well
Sahara warm ivory-ecru, rounded petals, opens full
Tineke medium size, pointed bud, cool greenish-white, holds well
Vendela creamy white, large size, slight curl to the petals, no fragrance.
Virginia has large ivory petal; the outer ones feature a pink blaze.
PINK ROSES
Anna a creamy, cameo pink
Bianca Candy a very soft, cotton candy pink color.
Bridal Pink not as soft a shade as you might expect.
Charming Unique has a graceful, tall bud that opens in a medium, warm pink color.
Delores: soft pink.
Livia a delicate, shell pink.
RED ROSES
Black Baccara & Black Magic Rose a deep burgundy color with a velvety texture.
Charlotte medium size with deep red petals
Classy is a medium to large bloom with a color tending toward burgundy.
First Red a medium size with deep red petals.
Grand Gala a large bloom, clear red in color.
Nicole a bi-color, white with a thick red tip; it has a very high petal count.
Rolex very deep red rose with rich texture; very large heads with curled petals
More rose colors and varieties to consider:
Aalsmeergold a bright yellow long-stemmed variety.
Ambiance golden yellow with fuschia tips, very full petals.
Blue Bird lavender rose with a rounded shape.
Darling creamy peach color
Judy Rose is one of the largest of the yellow varieties, with a soft, buttery color.
Konfetti has yellow petals with a red edge.
Leonidas known as 'the chocolate rose' for its cocoa color.
Osiana long-stemmed, a rich peach color that opens very fully; it has fragrance.
Pacific Blue is a light, antique lavender with a ruffled shape.
Versilia apricot-peach color with a large head.
Related articles:
Wedding Flowers Guide to personal wedding flowers
that-which-is-not-called-a-rose
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