‘Keira’ is a vintage-style English garden rose bred by David Austin. It is widely celebrated in the floral industry, particularly for weddings and high-end events, due to its romantic appearance and unique color variations.
Key Characteristics
- Appearance: The rose features large, cupped rosette blooms with roughly 100 to 110 petals. Its petals are often described as having “rippled” or “undulating” edges, giving it a look similar to a peony.
- Color: It is known for its “unpredictable” blend of blush pink and cream. No two blooms are exactly alike; some may appear almost ivory, while others show deep raspberry-pink marbling.
- Fragrance: It has a medium-to-strong myrrh scent with distinct notes of almond, marzipan, and vanilla.
- Plant Type: Classified as a florist rose or modern shrub rose, it grows upright to about 3.5 feet (110 cm) tall.
Usage & Performance
- Weddings: Because of its soft “marshmallow” tones and elegant form, it is a top choice for bridal bouquets and romantic floral arrangements.
- Vase Life: As a cut flower, it typically lasts 8 to 10 days if properly hydrated. It takes about 2 to 4 days to transition from a tight bud to a full, open bloom.
- Gardening: While bred primarily for the cut-flower industry, it can be grown in gardens (USDA Zone 7 and warmer), though its resistance to diseases like blackspot is considered weak in outdoor environments compared to greenhouse conditions.
