Rare types of roses offer a beautiful way to give a gift that truly stands out. You have likely felt the pressure of searching for the perfect anniversary bouquet, only to find the same standard red and white options in every shop. Those bouquets are lovely, but they just do not feel special enough for the moment.
That feeling of wanting a gift to be truly unique and personal is a common one. You want your flowers to make someone stop and feel seen, not just receive another dozen roses that look like everyone else's.
This guide is the solution. We will explore the most stunning and unique roses in the world, giving you the exact names to ask your florist for. You will soon have the confidence to order a bouquet that is anything but ordinary.
1. Koko Loco
This is the perfect choice for neutral-themed or vintage-style wedding arrangements. Its buds open from a chocolate-brown to a stunning caramel-latte colour with lavender hints. The coffee tones are more prominent in cool weather, while the lavender appears in warm sun.
2. Black Baccara
This hybrid tea has velvety, oxblood-red petals so dark they appear almost black. It is a favourite for dramatic autumn arrangements and has an excellent vase life of up to two weeks. This rose prefers hot, dry climates as it can be susceptible to mildew.
3. Blue Moonstone
A sought-after Japanese rose with gorgeous violet and lilac-blue shading. It features a cream centre and a "green eye," making it a multi-coloured marvel. The ruffled outer petals often retain a light green hue, adding to its complexity.
4. Osiria Rose
This is a classic "rare" rose, famous for its dramatic, large flowers. Its petals are a shocking, velvety crimson on the inside and a stark, silvery-white on the outside. It is also known for its strong, beautiful perfume.
5. Nostalgie
This is a stunning two-toned rose with a sweet, strong scent. It features rich, cherry-red outer petals that fade into a clean, creamy-white centre. This hybrid tea blooms in waves from summer to autumn.
6. Claude Monet
Named for the painter, this rose looks like a work of art. It has beautiful double blooms with streaks and stripes of light pink and pale yellow. It also has a lovely mild-to-strong fruity fragrance.
7. Papageno
This striking hybrid tea features bold, irregular stripes of creamy-white and pink against a dark red petal base. Bred in 1989, it is a rare colouration that stands out in any bouquet. It has a mild scent, letting its colours do all the talking.
8. Hocus Pocus / Abracadabra
These are true conversation starters, both featuring dramatic yellow streaks and splashes against deep, dark red petals. Hocus Pocus is a variant of Black Baccara, while Abracadabra is a separate but similar variety. Both are famously unstable, meaning they can sometimes revert to solid red.
9. Miyabi
A highly sought-after Japanese variety, this rose has a unique water-lily shape. Its pointed petals open from a peach-beige centre to deep pink outer petals. It is a popular and elegant choice for wedding floristry.
10. Pink Grootendorst
This charming rose adds unique texture to an arrangement, as its fringed petals make it look more like a carnation than a rose. It is an exceptionally hardy variety that blooms in large clusters. The foliage is typical of a rose, making the carnation-like flower a true surprise.
11. Rive Gauche (Green Eye)
A true floral curiosity, this rose features a small tuft of green foliage growing from the centre of its light pink petals. This proliferation gives it a rare, botanical look. It is related to the Green Valley Floral variety.
12. The Green Rose (Rosa chinensis ‘viridiflora’)
This is the most unique textural rose, dating back to 1833. It has no true petals, only a bloom made of layered, pointed green sepals. It adds a spiky, botanical, and long-lasting element to any arrangement.
13. Red Moss
This heirloom variety is prized for the fuzzy, pine-scented "moss" that covers its buds and stems. This unique feature adds a rustic, tactile element to an arrangement. The blooms themselves are a vibrant crimson with a classic old-garden-rose scent.
14. Princess Alexandra of Kent
This David Austin English rose is known for its massive, deeply cupped pink blooms. The flowers are packed with over 130 petals each, giving them a lush, romantic look. It also has a strong tea rose fragrance that changes to lemon as it ages.
15. Félicité Parmentier
This Old Garden Alba rose offers a light pink, antique look and a strong, classic scent. The blooms are impressively dense, with over 120 beautifully-layered petals per flower. This is a perfect choice for a traditional or romantic bouquet.
16. Green Romantica
This is a true green rose, popular with florists. This hybrid tea has prominent lime-green buds that are beautiful on their own. The double blooms open to a white interior while retaining their fresh green colour on the outer petals.
17. Patrick Rose
This unique hybrid tea starts with lemon-yellow petals. However, it develops distinct and unusual green hues when exposed to sun and heat. This makes it a fascinating choice for a bright, summery arrangement.
18. Rainbow Roses
These are not a natural variety, but they are very popular for gifts. They are a florist's creation, where a white rose is artificially coloured. The stem is split and placed in different dyes, which the flower draws up to each petal.
19. Blue Roses
True blue roses do not exist in nature, as roses lack the gene for the blue pigment (delphinidin). Any blue rose you find in an arrangement is a white rose that has been dyed. This fact makes them a symbol of mystery and attaining the impossible.
What Makes a Rose "Rare" in a Flower Arrangement?
Rarity in floristry is not just about price; it is about visual impact and availability.
A rose might be considered rare if it has an unusual colour, a unique shape, or is simply difficult for florists to source.
Rarity in Colour: Beyond Red and White
Some of the most prized roses are those with unique, unnatural-seeming pigments.
This includes sought-after earthy tones like browns and beiges, velvety "blacks," and even true greens. These shades add depth to any arrangement.
Rarity in Shape: More Than Just a Bud
You can also find rare types of roses that stand out for their physical structure.
Some varieties have ruffled or fringed petals, while others have finely pointed petals or intriguing green centres.
Rarity in Origin: The Florist's Secret
Some roses are rare simply because they are difficult to source, such as exclusive hybrids from Japan.
It is also helpful to know the difference between naturally bred rare roses and artificially coloured ones, like the famous rainbow or blue roses.
How to Buy Rare Roses for a Gift
Here’s how you can find and choose the perfect rare roses to make your floral gift truly special.
Understand Why Rare Roses Cost More
Rare roses often come with a higher price tag because they’re harder to find and maintain. Some varieties bloom only during specific seasons, produce fewer flowers per plant, or need extra care during transport to preserve their quality and colour.
Know What to Ask Your Florist
When talking to your florist, be clear about what you’re looking for. Mention specific rose names like "Koko Loco" or "Osiria", or ask more broadly such as "Do you have any Japanese garden roses?" This helps the florist understand the style or mood you want for your gift.
Be Open to Substitutions
Not all rare roses are available year-round. If your preferred variety isn’t in stock, ask your florist for something similar, such as a unique, textural bloom or a rose with a vintage, earthy hue. Their expert suggestions can often lead to beautiful alternatives.
Plan Ahead for Special Orders
Many rare rose types aren’t kept on hand and need to be ordered in advance. If you’re buying for a special occasion, place your order a few weeks early to give your florist time to source and prepare the flowers at their best quality.
Conclusion About Rare Types Of Roses
A standard bouquet says you care, but a bouquet of rare roses says you went the extra mile. Choosing one of these rare roses in the world transforms a simple present into a lasting, beautiful memory. It's a sure way to find something as unique as the person receiving it.
The Daily Blooms is here to help you find that perfect, unique arrangement. While many rare roses require special ordering, we take pride in our same-day flower delivery for a wide selection of stunning floral gifts. Whether it's for a birthday, anniversary, or get-well-soon wish, we can help you find quality bloom boxes and vase arrangements that truly stand out.
WhatsApp us today at +65 9635 3635 to discuss your unique floral gift.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rare Types Of Roses
What Is The Rarest Type of Rose in The World?
The rarest rose is often considered the genetically engineered blue rose, like the 'Applause' rose, as roses lack the natural gene for blue. Heirloom varieties like the Osiria rose are also extremely rare and difficult for florists to source.
Are Rare Roses More Expensive?
Yes, rare types of roses are typically more expensive. This is due to their limited availability, shorter blooming seasons, or the delicate shipping and handling they require.
Can I Request a Specific Rare Rose From My Florist?
You can, but it is best to ask weeks in advance, as most florists do not keep these varieties in stock. Roses like 'Koko Loco' or 'Miyabi' almost always require a special order.
Are Blue Roses and Rainbow Roses Real?
These roses are real but are artificially coloured by florists. Roses lack the natural gene for blue, so white roses are dyed to create these striking colours.
What Are Good Substitutes for Rare Roses?
If a specific variety is unavailable, ask your florist for a "David Austin" rose for a romantic, ruffled look. You can also ask for "a rose with a vintage colour" to find unique earthy shades.
What Makes a Rose Good for a Bouquet?
For arrangements, look for roses with a long vase life and strong stems. For example, the 'Black Baccara' is a florist favourite because it can last up to two weeks.
Do Rare Roses Have a Strong Scent?
It varies greatly by variety; some, like 'Osiria', have a very strong, classic perfume. Others, like 'Papageno', are prized for their visual beauty and have only a mild scent.
What Are Japanese Roses?
These are specialty hybrids from Japan known for their unique shapes, subtle colours, and ruffled petals. Varieties like 'Miyabi' and 'Blue Moonstone' are highly sought after in floristry for their elegant appearance.
