Aqua Rose: Hot Pink with a Lilac Hue

Aqua! is one of the best-known pink roses for bouquets. Despite its watery name it is not blue but a deep pink with a faint lilac sheen. Florists value it for its vivid colour, firm bud and almost smooth stems. Here is what the Aqua rose looks like, where it comes from and what to pair it with.

What the Aqua Rose Looks Like

Aqua! is a large-flowered rose with a tall, classic high-centred bud. The petals are deep pink with a lilac-purple tint, 35–40 per bloom, so the bud is dense and keeps its shape for a long time. The scent is faint or absent. The stems are almost thornless and the foliage is bright, glossy green. The bloom opens evenly and attractively, so the bouquet stays striking to the end.

Origin of the Variety

Aqua! was bred by Dutch breeder Petrus Schreurs (Schreurs company) and registered in 1997. In almost three decades it has become a classic, grown for cutting in many countries and sold all year round. Compare it with other popular varieties in rose varieties for bouquets.

Aqua in Bouquets

Aqua’s vivid pink reads as joy and admiration, so it suits birthdays, thank-yous and celebrations for a friend. A bouquet of 15–25 Aqua roses looks lush, while with white roses, lisianthus and waxflower it becomes softer. Shades of pink are explained in pink roses, and ready-made bouquets are in pink roses.

How Long Aqua Lasts in a Vase

With proper care the rose lasts 7–10 days. The basics:

• Cut the stems at an angle, 2–3 cm up, with a sharp knife and strip leaves below the waterline.
• Use a clean vase with cool water and flower food.
• Change the water every 1–2 days, trimming the stems a little each time.
• Keep the bouquet away from radiators, direct sun and fruit.

More tips in how to make a rose bouquet last.

FAQ

What colour is the Aqua rose?

Deep pink with a lilac-purple tint; it is never blue.

Who bred Aqua?

Dutch breeder Petrus Schreurs; it was registered in 1997.

Does the Aqua rose smell?

Its scent is faint or almost absent, which is typical of many cut varieties.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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