Florist's Guide to Floribunda Roses
Floribunda roses are a popular choice among florists and gardening enthusiasts due to their vibrant blooms, hardiness, and prolific nature. Here’s a florist’s overview to help you understand and work with these enchanting flowers.
Characteristics
Form: Floribunda roses are a hybrid between hybrid tea roses and polyantha roses, resulting in bushy, upright plants that typically grow between 75 cm and 1 metre in height.
Blooms: They produce clusters of flowers rather than single blooms, which can add a stunning volume and richness to arrangements.
Varieties: There is an extensive range of colours and forms within floribunda roses, from single-petal varieties to fully double forms, allowing for versatility in design.
Planting and Care
Location: Choose a sunny spot as floribunda roses thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Soil: They prefer well-drained soil enriched with organic material. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is ideal.
Watering: Regular watering is essential, particularly in dry spells. Deep watering encourages extensive root growth.
Fertilising: Use a balanced fertiliser in spring and mid-summer to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Pruning
Timing: Prune floribunda roses in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.
Technique: Remove dead or damaged wood and shape the plant to encourage an open centre for air circulation. Aim for a height of about 45 cm to maintain bushiness.
Uses in Floral Design
Arrangements: Their clusters of blooms make floribunda roses ideal for creating lush arrangements. They pair beautifully with other flowers for vibrant bouquets.
Weddings: Popular in wedding bouquets due to their availability in numerous colours and their ability to last, floribunda roses are a staple for romantic floral designs.
Seasonal Options: Available from spring through autumn, these roses can enhance seasonal displays, bringing a joyful burst of colour.
Care in Arrangements
Preparation: Cut stems at a 45-degree angle and remove any leaves that may be submerged in water to prevent rot.
Water: Keep the water fresh and topped up regularly. Floribunda roses benefit from deep hydration, so use a solution formulated for cut flowers to prolong their life.
Storage: If storing arrangements, keep them cool and out of direct sunlight to maintain freshness.
Flower shop tips
Floribunda roses are a versatile and visually appealing choice for both gardens and arrangements. Their ability to produce an abundance of blooms combined with their hardiness makes them a favourite among both florists and flower enthusiasts alike. With proper care, they will flourish and bring joy through their delightful, clustered flowers.
