A rose is a rose is a rose. Or is it? Unbeknownst to most of us, the 1990s spawned a virtual baby boom of rose varieties. Brought on by a fertile production period, today there are close to 120 rose varieties commercially available - up from the few dozen choices found in flower shops in the 1980s.

Rage for Red Roses

The new reds for roses range from shades of bright raspberry to majestic scarlet to velvety-dark red to orange-kissed hues.

Pretty Pink Roses

Choose roses from the family of traditional bridal pinks or adopted siblings of hip hot pinks. Cousins on this family tree include peaches, apricots, corals and lavenders.

Yellow Roses

Whether crisp lemon, buttery hues, golden yellows or trendy two-tones, the variety of yellow roses cover a broad spectrum of color - and appeal. If you've never given flowers to a man before, introduce him to this family of colors. Yellow is the second most popular color cited by men. See Sending Flowers to a Man.

Bright White Roses

The trend toward neutral schemes for home environments makes an arrangement of lush white roses the perfect gift. Shades of white - ultra white, ivory, champagne lineages - are as lovely for weddings and romantic settings as they are easy complements to elegant home decors.

Roses are like fine wines, a delight to be savored and cultivated. Like an expanding wine cellar -florists' coolers are now stocked with more choices worth learning about. After all, variety is the spice of life. Ask your florist what's in stock. For the address to a florist near you, visit our Florist Directory.