El Toro Rose: Red with Ruffled Petals

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El Toro means «the bull» in Spanish, and the rose lives up to its name: deep red, with a full bloom and wavy, almost ruffled petal edges. The variety is known both as a cut rose for bouquets and as a hybrid tea for the garden. Here is what makes El Toro special and how to use it.

What the El Toro Rose Looks Like

El Toro blooms range from bright to dark red, with a classic cup shape about 9–12 cm across. What sets it apart from other red varieties are its satin petals with wavy, ruffled edges; there are usually 35–40 of them, so the bud is dense and full. The scent is light, and the dark green foliage sets off the colour.

Origin of the Variety

According to nursery descriptions, the variety was bred in the Netherlands in the early 2000s. As a garden rose El Toro is valued for repeat flowering from May to autumn and good resistance to powdery mildew and black spot; in Ukraine it needs winter protection. General care for this group is in hybrid tea roses.

El Toro in Bouquets

The ruffled petals make a bouquet look fuller than the same number of classic red roses. El Toro is a choice for a proposal, an anniversary or a partner’s birthday: a bouquet of 15, 25 or 51 stems looks luxurious with no additions. For contrast, pair it with white roses, gypsophila or dark foliage. The meaning of red is in red roses, and ready-made bouquets are in red roses.

View full-size photoEl Toro's ruffled petals create a dense, full bloom

How Long El Toro 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

How is El Toro different from other red roses?

Its wavy, ruffled petal edges and a dense bloom of 35–40 petals.

Can I grow El Toro in the garden?

Yes, it is also sold as a hybrid tea plant; it needs winter protection.

Who should I give El Toro to?

The person you love — for a proposal, an anniversary or a birthday.

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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