Roses come in a stunning array of colors, from classic red to sunny yellow, vibrant orange, and even blue. One unique and eye-catching variety is the rose that has white petals edged in pink. This two-toned bloom has a distinctive beauty that makes it stand out in the garden or in an arrangement.
The Name and Origins
A white rose with pink edges is commonly called a bicolor rose or a rose with picotee edges. The word “picotee” refers to the pink coloration on the outer rims of the petals. It comes from the French word “picoter,” meaning to prick or mark with small dots. This perfectly describes the dotted line of pink along the petal edges.
Roses exhibiting this trait appeared as early as the 17th century. At that time, pink and white striped roses like Rosa mundi and Rosa versicolor emerged as “accidental” varieties resulting from crossbreeding experiments. Growers began working intentionally to develop roses with white petals and pink picotee edges in the 1800s.
One of the first examples was the rose ‘Mme. Plantier’, bred before 1835. Other early varieties include ‘Coquette des Blanches’ (1859), ‘Maiden’s Blush’ (1909), and ‘Ellen Poulsen’ (1924). Modern hybridizers continue creating new picotee-edged roses today.
Characteristics
A picotee-edged rose has the following defining features:
- White petals with a clearly defined pink border on the outer edge
- The pink edging is usually a dotted or dashed line, rather than a solid one
- The pink color is most visible when the rose is in bud form and just starting to open
- As the rose fully opens, the white centers become more prominent
- Flowers are generally, though not always, borne singly rather than in clusters
The pink picotee ring typically occupies about one-third of the outer petal area. The coloration may range from soft pink to deep rose. The white centers can also vary slightly, from pure snowy white to creamy ivory.
These roses make an elegant, eye-catching display in the garden or in floral arrangements. The two-toned flowers have an old-fashioned charm and romantic look.
Modern Cultivars
Many beautiful picotee-edged rose cultivars exist today. Here are some of the most popular modern varieties:
| Cultivar | Description |
|---|---|
| Guinivere | Hybrid Tea rose with medium pink edges |
| Sugar Moon | Floribunda with exceptionally large, cream-colored blooms and soft pink picotee edges |
| Celestial Night | Deep pink edges on a Grandiflora rose |
| Alida Lovett | Stunning Hybrid Tea with bright, hot pink margins |
| Dick Clark | Modern shrub rose with a delicate shell pink picotee border |
Other examples include ‘Bewitched,’ ‘Pink Cloud,’ ‘Pink Parfait,’ ‘Twilight Zone,’ ‘First Prize,’ and ‘Jaquie’s Rose.’ Several rose series bred by Weeks Roses also feature varieties with picotee edges, such as Knock Out, Drift, and hardship roses.
Many are sold as own-root roses, which means they are grown and sold on their own root system rather than being grafted onto another rootstock. This gives them an advantage in cold hardiness.
Growing Conditions
Picotee-edged roses thrive under the following conditions:
- Full sun – At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day
- Well-draining soil – Loamy soil enriched with compost
- Moderate water – About 1-2 inches per week
- Pruning – Remove dead stems and shape in late winter/early spring
- Protection from wind
- Cooler climates – Many varieties can handle cold winters
Provide ample space between plants for good air circulation. Fertilize 3-4 times per year with a balanced rose fertilizer. Monitor for pests like aphids and diseases like powdery mildew.
Some types, like shrub and landscape roses, require less maintenance than Hybrid Tea varieties. Consult specific growing instructions for the cultivar you choose.
Using Picotee Roses in the Garden
Picotee-edged roses lend a graceful, vintage feel to the garden. Here are ideas for showcasing their beauty:
- Plant in cottage gardens along with other old-fashioned flowers like peonies, foxgloves, and delphinium
- Border the front walkway for a welcoming look
- Use as edging along pathways or flower beds
- Plant in containers on the patio or front porch
- Mass in borders or beds for high visual impact
- Grow climbing varieties on a trellis, archway, or obelisk
- Combine with green foliage plants like ferns
With proper placement, the two-toned blooms will stand out and become focal points in the landscape.
Arranging Picotee Roses
The beautifully defined color edges make picotee roses ideal for flower arrangements. Some tips:
- Use alone in a vase for a simple, elegant look
- Pair with white flowers like lisianthus or white peonies
- Combine with blue flowers like hydrangea for a romantic bouquet
- Add ferns, ivy vines, or glossy green leaves
- Incorporate baby’s breath or other white/cream fillers and greens
- Cut buds that are just starting to open for maximum picotee visibility
Picotee roses can be the standout stars or supporting players in arrangements. Their versatility allows for both formal and casual designs. Display in clear glass vases to show off their distinctive coloring.
Meaning and Symbolism
Roses have carried symbolic meaning since ancient times. Picotee roses convey:
- Romance and devotion
- Femininity and grace
- Elegance and sophistication
- Beauty and charm
- Old-fashioned appeal
Their two-toned petals add a playful, whimsical element as well. All colors of roses represent love, though the specific hue adds nuances. The pink edging could signify gentleness, sweetness, poetic romance, or new love.
Give a picotee rose to express admiration for someone’s loveliness. Send a bouquet to celebrate friendship, love, or marriage. These roses make delightful gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and other occasions.
Preserving Picotee Roses
To enjoy picotee roses longer, you can preserve them in these ways:
- Pressing – Place freshly cut blooms between layers of paper and flatten. Allow 2-4 weeks to dry completely.
- Air drying – Hang upside down or stand upright in a dry vase. Remove foliage and dry slowly out of sunlight.
- Silica gel – Bury freshly cut flowers in silica gel to absorb moisture and retain shape.
- Freeze drying – Flash freeze flowers then dehydrate in a freeze dryer machine to preserve.
Take high quality photos to capture their beauty. Share images on cards, framed prints, or digitally. Preserved picotee roses make lovely long-lasting keepsakes and gifts.
Conclusion
The uncommon white rose edged in pink has delighted gardeners for centuries. Modern hybrids showcase the picotee trait in diverse classes from Hybrid Teas to hardy landscape shrubs. Besides their ornamental appeal, picotee roses carry messages of romance, femininity, and charm. With proper care, you can enjoy these two-toned beauties both in the garden and in vase arrangements. The picotee rose’s charm and elegance never goes out of style.
