Why Premium Roses Outshine Cheap Flowers in the UAE

Luxury roses aren’t just a colour on a bouquet – they’re an experience. In many UAE flower shops, low‑cost roses imported in bulk and sold for as little as AED 1.9 per stem are marked up to AED 6–AED 12.  These budget roses often have thin petals, little fragrance and a short vase life.  O’Hara roses are the opposite: they’re garden roses bred for elegance, scent and longevity.  This article explains what makes O’Hara roses special, highlights the differences between premium and cheap roses and shows why Field and Vase insists on quality.

What makes O’Hara roses special?

Heritage and breeding.  Pink and white O’Hara roses were bred in France by the horticulturist Georges Delbard.  The Pink O’Hara variety displays a delicate cherry‑blossom pink tone that deepens in the centre where the petals form a classic heart shape .  White O’Hara begins as a small blossom with green outer petals; as it opens it becomes a creamy white rose with a hint of blush ivory in its quartered centre .

Size, petals and fragrance.  O’Hara roses have large, quartered blooms.  Pink O’Hara blossoms open from about 2.4 cm to 5.7 cm across and have around 70 petals .  White O’Hara reaches 5.5 cm across with a similar petal count .  Both varieties are intensely fragrant; Pink O’Hara offers a rich lavender perfume while White O’Hara has a similar lavender fragrance .  Their scent lingers long after cheaper roses have faded.

Longevity.  O’Hara roses remain fresh for about 10 days when properly cared for .  Budget roses may last only a few days before wilting.

Pink vs White O’Hara – subtle differences

Both varieties boast generous petals and captivating perfume – characteristics rarely found in mass‑market roses.

Cheap roses vs premium roses – what’s the difference?

Petal count and texture.  Standard supermarket roses typically have 25–40 petals, giving a tighter, less ruffled appearance.  O’Hara roses have nearly double the petals (around 70), producing a lush, layered look .

Fragrance.  Cheap roses are grown for volume and often lack scent.  O’Hara roses are bred for fragrance; both the pink and white varieties carry a lavender perfume .

Bloom size.  Inexpensive roses have small heads and open only partially.  O’Hara roses develop large, quartered blooms that open fully (up to 5.7 cm) .

Vase life.  Budget roses may last only 3–5 days.  O’Hara roses can stay fresh for 10 days when properly hydrated.

Pricing transparency.  Many flower retailers in the UAE sell cheap roses at high mark‑ups without disclosing the grade or origin.  Customers pay premium prices for inferior flowers.  When you invest in O’Hara roses, you’re paying for breeding, fragrance, stem length, vase life and ethical sourcing.

Why transparency matters

Sadly, some shops take advantage of customers’ lack of knowledge about flower quality.  Buying cheap roses for AED 1.9 and selling them for AED 6–AED 12 creates large margins at the expense of quality.  Premium roses like O’Hara cost more to grow and import, but they offer superior beauty and longevity.  Honest pricing and clear descriptions empower customers to make informed choices.

Field and Vase – your trusted high‑end alternative

At Field and Vase, we believe that flowers should evoke joy, elegance and fragrance.  That’s why we source premium roses and garden varieties like O’Hara, ensuring every bouquet leaves an unforgettable impression.  Our artisans hand‑arrange each stem into elegant presentations, and our signature Calyx Series showcases single‑variety rose bouquets wrapped in eco‑friendly carriers.  For a wider selection of luxury designs, explore our unique flower bouquets collection or browse the Field and Vase flowers page.

Ready to experience luxury?

If you appreciate flowers that look beautiful, smell heavenly and last longer, consider trying O’Hara roses from Field and Vase.  Browse our collections, sign up for our newsletter or visit our boutique in Al Ain to discover the difference premium roses make.