A florist and wedding staple, spray roses are famous for their small blooms that make a major impression. Unlike standard roses, they produce multiple blooms on one stem rather than one large flower. And with a vast array of bloom forms, colors, and fragrances, they’ve become increasingly popular as garden plants. We’ll dive deeper into what spray roses are and how they differ from standard roses, plus how to use them to make gorgeous arrangements and grow them in your own garden.
What Is a Spray Rose?
A spray rose produces a cluster (or “spray”) of several smaller blooms branching from one stem. It typically has 3-7 blooms per stem, roughly 1-2 inches across.
While different types of roses are often identified by a single botanical class (like hybrid teas, floribundas, and grandifloras), the term “spray rose” is used specifically to describe its growth and bloom habit. You may also hear the terms cluster-flowered or mini spray roses.
Spray Roses vs. Standard Roses
Standard roses produce one large bloom per stem, while spray roses produce several smaller blooms per stem. Although spray rose flowers are smaller, their greater volume and texture per stem creates a fuller visual effect – perfect for filling gaps with lush, natural beauty or as full arrangements on their own. And because a single stem holds multiple flowers, they make it easy to cover larger spaces on a smaller budget.
Are Spray Roses the Same as Miniature Roses?
No, spray roses are not the same as miniature roses. The term “miniature roses” refers to compact plants with a small bloom size, while “spray roses” refers to the tendency to produce multiple blooms on each stem.
Some varieties are both miniature and spray. The term “mini spray roses” is used by florists to refer to the smallest-bloomed spray varieties.
What Spray Roses Look Like
With so many different varieties available, no two spray roses look (or smell) the same. You can find them in a wide range of:
- Bloom forms: From open, pollinator-friendly blooms to tightly cupped and rosette-shaped
- Colors: Spanning whites, blushes, pinks, corals, peaches, yellows, reds, and even bicolors
- Stem counts: Florists typically sell spray roses in bunches of 10 or 20 stems; and even more for weddings and events. With each stem holding several blooms, one bunch of spray roses delivers substantially more flowers than a bunch of single-bloomed standard roses
- Fragrances: Varying by variety, spray roses are available in all of the common rose fragrance categories; from fruity and sweet to subtle and fresh
How to Use Spray Roses in Arrangements
With blooms that build volume while adding a soft, romantic texture, it’s easy to see why spray roses are a wedding favorite. They make the perfect bridal and bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, and centerpieces at a price that won’t break the bank. They also can be used as filler or a visual accent alongside standard roses.
With proper care, our rose bouquets can last up to two weeks in a vase. If you’re planning to use spray roses in arrangements for your wedding or event, follow these practical vase care tips to keep them fresh for the big day:
- Cut stems at a 45-degree angle
- Remove any foliage that could be submerged below the water
- Add flower food
- Refresh water daily
Are Spray Roses Safe for Pets?
True roses (belonging to the genus Rosa plant group) themselves are not toxic to cats or dogs, and spray roses are no exception. However, pets could be harmed by brushing up against thorns or ingesting plant material that can cause mild GI upset. More critically, many flowers commonly bundled with roses in mixed arrangements are highly toxic, particularly lilies for cats.
To keep your four-legged friends healthy and safe, remove thorns and keep arrangements out of reach. If you think your pet may have consumed something they shouldn’t have, call your vet or the ASPCA poison control line.
Growing Spray Rose Bushes
Florists aren’t the only place to source spray roses, they can be grown right in your garden! With thoughtful planting and a consistent care routine, a single bush will produce an extraordinary amount of blooms ready to be cut and placed into a stunning arrangement. Let’s walk through planting and care requirements, plus tips for successful harvesting.
Sun, Soil & Planting
In order for spray roses to thrive, a few building blocks must be put in place. Like all roses, spray roses need:
- 6+ hours of direct sunlight
- Well-draining soil amended with organic matter
- Space adequate for the chosen variety
*With their compact size, many gardeners choose to grow spray roses in containers. This opens up more possibilities for planting locations and allows for easy relocation if necessary.
Watering, Feeding & Pruning
To keep spray roses blooming abundantly and continuously, implement these strategies into your care routine:
- Water deeply at the base of the plant: space out each watering a few days apart to allow roots to dry
- Apply a balanced rose fertilizer in spring at bud break and after each bloom flush to replenish nutrients in the soil and give the plant the energy boost it needs to fuel new growth
- Prune spray roses lightly in early spring for an open shape; removing dead, damaged, and crossing canes
- Deadhead blooms that have reached the end of their cycle; because spray roses produce several blooms per stem, follow the two-stage cluster method
Harvesting Spray Roses for Arrangements
Harvesting spray roses is a simple process, but there are a few things to know before making your cuts. Follow these tips for a successful harvest and gorgeous, long-lasting arrangement:
- Harvest in the early morning: Harvesting spray roses when they’re most hydrated will reduce stress and ultimately extend vase life.
- Cut when the first few blooms open: Let the rest of the buds open progressively in the vase.
- Place stems directly into water: The sooner you get your cut roses into a vase, the better the water uptake, keeping them looking fresh and vibrant.
Featured Spray Rose Varieties
Looking to add lush charm to your garden or a romantic touch to an event? April & Ashley offers both premium spray rose bare-root bushes and in stunning handpicked spray rose bouquets. We wanted to give special mention to a couple of our favorites in each category:
Summerrose (rose bush)
Height/spread: 3 ft x 4 ft
Zones: 5-11
Bloom color: Cream
Fragrance: Light
First Look (rose bush)
Height/spread: 3 ft x 4 ft
Zones: 5-11
Bloom color: Pink/peach
Fragrance: Light
Bali! Spray (bouquet)
Bloom color: Off-white
Stem count: 12 or 24
Elba! Spray (bouquet)
Bloom color: Blush/pink
Stem count: 12 or 24
Spray Rose FAQs
Q: What are spray roses?
A: Spray roses are roses that produce a cluster of several small blooms on a single stem.
Q: Are spray roses real roses?
A: Yes, spray roses are real roses. Just like standard roses, they belong to the rosa Genus plant group.
Q: How many stems come in a bunch of spray roses?
A: Spray roses are typically sold in bunches of 10 or 20 stems.
Q: Are spray roses cheaper than standard roses?
A: Spray roses may not necessarily be cheaper than standard roses per stem. But with multiple blooms per stem, they achieve greater volume at a lower cost.
Q: How long do spray roses last in a vase?
A: With proper care, spray roses can last up to 2 weeks in a vase.
Q: Are spray roses toxic to cats or dogs?
A: No, spray roses are not toxic to cats or dogs, but should be kept out of reach to prevent thorn hazard or consumption of plant material (leading to potential mild stomach upset)
Q: Can you grow spray roses at home?
A: Yes, you can grow spray roses right at home in the garden.
Final Thoughts
Spray roses are a florist favorite for obvious reasons: they’re versatile, romantic, and make a dramatic visual impact. Their abundance of small blooms make them one of the most productive roses a home gardener can grow, either to turn an ordinary landscape into a lush oasis or create stunning flower arrangements. Visit The Greenhouse at April & Ashley for more expert tips and tricks on growing vibrant, healthy roses.