The Osiria Rose: Real or Not—and Can You Grow It?
Spectacularly gorgeous as a cut flower, the two-toned Osiria rose is notoriously finicky to grow. Its display red-and-white blooms appear almost as if computer-designed—but they are real. Developed specifically for florists, Osiria is ultra-high maintenance, so not exactly suitable for most home gardens.
Is the Osiria Rose Real?
Yes, there is an Osiria rose. It’s a hybrid tea rose that was initially released under the name ‘Nicole.’
The Origins of the Osiria Rose
Osiria was not bred as a garden rose. It was bred in the Netherlands for cut flower production—though even there, it was unpopular due to its lack of vase life. Neither the original breeder (Kordes) nor the Dutch grower who created ‘Nicole’ asserted intellectual property rights to the rose, probably because of its poor performance.
And then there was a surprise: a Willemse France French nursery product manager visited the Kordes greenhouses. These yearly buyers were on the lookout for something different or exceptional. They spotted ‘Nicole’ and recognized potential in its claim, bicolored flowers. Redubbed ‘Osiria,’ the rose was a Willemse European standard bear.
In the 1980s and continuing through the early 2000s, Osiria became popular in rose show judging for its large, contoured flowers—nevertheless, for not being originally bred for personal gardens.
Why Osiria’s Photos Appear Enhanced
During the 2010s, photographs of Osiria circulated widely—pretty much because of photo editing, social media buzz, and a general desire for gothic scenery (think Game of Thrones).
The over-exaggerated photographs show a rose with a close-to-black-red center and shining white outer petals. In actual life, authentic Osiria flowers are still lovely but softer compared to theirs. Side-by-side comparisons show a striking difference between filtered images and real flowers.
Tips for Growing the Osiria Rose
Growing Osiria isn’t for beginners. Since it was bred for greenhouse use, it lacks the hardiness and disease resistance of typical garden roses. It performs best in USDA Hardiness Zone 7 or warmer, in dry, sunny climates—think regions of Texas or Arizona known for commercial rose production.
To grow Osiria successfully, you’ll need to provide:
• At least 6 hours of full sun daily
• Rich, well-amended soil
• Weekly deep watering
• Regular feeding
•\\tPruning and disease management
If you’re an organic gardener, be prepared to provide additional attention to air circulation, spacing, and watering. Don’t overhead water to avoid fungal diseases.
For maximum performance, grow Osiria in a sunny location with ample air circulation and prune it to an open vase shape. If you have cold and harsh winters, grow it in a large container that can be shifted into a shed or garage for the cold winter months.
Where to Buy Osiria Roses
Osiria is not a frequent occurrence at North American nurseries, and availability fluctuates year by year. Unless some large grower or distributor offers it for a season or two, your best bet is to contact specialty nurseries.
Keep in mind that collectors like own-root roses, but due to Osiria’s lack of vigor, it is better to buy one grafted on a strong rootstock so that it will perform well.
Also beware of outrageous prices—its rarity causes it to become overpriced. And understand: Osiria does not grow from seed. Because it is a hybrid, any seeds will not produce true-to-type blooms. Avoid sellers who promise to sell Osiria in purple or another color—it comes only in its traditional red and white stripe.
Alternative Roses With Similar Looks
Osiria is tricky and not-so-easy to grow, but there are many other stunning bicolor or deep-red roses that are simpler to work with and every bit as beautiful in the garden.
Bicolor (Red with White Edging) Roses
•’Baron Girod de L’Ain’: Crimson flower petals edged in white and full, heavy scent. Great for cut arrangements and tolerant of partial shade.
• ‘Rosie O’Donnell’: Similar to Osiria’s color palette but on a more horticulturally friendly flower. Creamy reverse-colored red blooms.
• ‘Love at First Sight’: Compact rose with flowers so similar to Osiria’s they are nearly indistinguishable in photographs.
• ‘Fire N’ Ice’: Red and white deep-colored petals with the dramatic flair of Osiria—perfect for a fantasy world.
• ‘Love’: Hard Grandiflora with bicolor flowers with a slightly pink hue, but still dramatic visually.
Velvety Dark Red Roses
•’Ebb Tide’: Repeat-flowering USA favorite with dark purple-crimson colour. Colour is reminiscent of dark velvet appearance more typically seen in Osiria.
•’Souvenir du Dr. Jamain’: Deep-coloured 19th-century bush rose with shade tolerance. Has the potential to be used as a compact climber.
•’Black Baccara’: Velvety dark red blooms, to date identical in appearance and colour to Osiria, with excellent vase life.
‘Munstead Wood’: Extremely highly perfumed David Austin rose with dense, soft-petaled flowers. Extremely tough and good in a bouquet.
