Avalanche Rose: The Classic White Rose for Bouquets

Avalanche is aptly named: this rose really does bring snow-white to mind. A large rounded bud, firm petals and an almost smooth stem have made it one of the best-known white varieties in floristry worldwide. Here is what Avalanche looks like, the story behind it and how it is used in bouquets.

What the Avalanche Rose Looks Like

Avalanche+ is a large-flowered rose with a rounded, almost globular bud. The petals are white, sometimes with a slight cream tint at the centre, thick and resistant to bruising. The stems have very few thorns, which suits florists and recipients alike. The bud opens slowly and beautifully, so the flower seems to «live» in the vase, changing shape day by day.

History and the Coloured Family

The variety appeared in the Netherlands in the late 1990s (1999) and remains one of the oldest roses still widely sold. The rights belong to the breeding company Dümmen Orange, and Avalanche is grown by licensed producers. Over time a whole family of Avalanche+ varieties in other colours followed — Pearl Avalanche+, Lovely Avalanche+, Candy Avalanche+, Honey Avalanche+ and more, some of them natural mutations.

Avalanche in Bouquets

White Avalanche is a staple of bridal bouquets and arrangements for mothers, colleagues and graduations. It suits any palette: soft with lisianthus and eucalyptus, striking with red roses, and formal as a bouquet of 25 or 51 stems. The meaning of white is in white roses, and ready-made bouquets are in white roses.

How Long Avalanche Lasts in a Vase

The variety is known for good vase life: with proper care it lasts 7–10 days or more. 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.

White petals show dirt easily, so keep the water clean. More tips in how to make a rose bouquet last.

FAQ

Where does the Avalanche rose come from?

The Netherlands: it appeared in 1999, and the rights belong to Dümmen Orange.

Does Avalanche have thorns?

Very few — the stems are almost smooth, which is handy for bouquets.

Is Avalanche always white?

No, there is a whole Avalanche+ family in pink, peach, honey and other shades.

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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