Rose Millicent, a very fine addition to the David Austin Wedding Roses collection received the highest-level award from the Society of American Florists (SAF) during the competition that was part of the 139th annual SAF convention, held in Miami from August 6 - 9, 2024
The rose, presented by Colombian grower Alexandra Farms, received a Best in Class and a Blue Ribbon award at the SAF Outstanding Varieties Competition. The Best in Class award is given to the flowers with the highest scores in their category. The rose was one of the varieties that won Alexandra Farms seven awards in the competition.
A Sophisticated and Feminine Rose With an Enduring Style
Rose Millicent, a new variety from David Austin Wedding Roses is described as a cornucopia of wonderful things. She is uniquely adorable, and a vintage beauty of warm mid-pink tones, developing hints of lilac and mauve.
The flower is filled with textured, swirling petals that unfurl to form an outstanding rosette. She, also, possesses a medium scent of citrus and old rose which provides her final flourish. Plus, her adorable character suggests the vintage, reserved glamor of a bygone era. This rose, simply, is reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood; representing great style and sophistication – think of those voluminous ball gown skirts – which are the epitome of old-school glamor.
This award-winning rose’s name is of English origin. Millicent means ‘strong in work’ and also happens to be Barbie’s middle name. She is sophisticated and feminine with an abiding style and generally celebrates extraordinary women everywhere. Rose Millicent, also, embodies the perfect blend of refinement and sophistication, making her an excellent choice for wedding flowers, bouquets, and other meaningful occasions.
She possesses an appealing beauty and delightful scent that evokes a sense of old-time luxury and demonstrates the quality that David Austin roses are all about. With all her qualities, this rose is, essentially, the gift that keeps giving as her color, form, and scent evolve each day while retaining her beauty throughout. She is, one would say, the ultimate choice for lovers of pink roses, whether for a blushing bride to carry down the aisle.
Designing With Rose Millicent
A bouquet with Rose Millicent is a sight to behold! This rose works pleasantly with understated delicate flowers in varying shades of pink, like astilbes, cosmos, scabious and hydrangea paniculata. The graceful airy petals of these typically English garden flowers complement Rose Millicent’s bold color and blousy petals beautifully. Her sophisticated mid-pink tones also complement several colors blending well with creams, blues, and lilacs as well as a bolder choice of hot pinks, damson and red tones.
A naturally perfect pairing in both nature and on the color wheel, one wouldn’t really go wrong with styling using Rose Millicent’s pink tones. If you are looking for a more tailored contemporary aesthetic, you can use Rose Millicent alone styled against a strong color such as midnight blue, or against a lustrous metal, and this will simply turn up her lovely pink tones.
A True Delight for Any Special Occasion
Whether gracing a garden event or starring in a floral arrangement, Rose Millicent exemplifies the essence of English garden roses. Her award-winning beauty, lovely fragrance, and luxurious texture are not mere makings, but a work of what David Austin's wedding roses are about. It is no wonder she got the honor from the SAF.
All said and done, this rose is a dream for florists to use for any special event. Regardless of whether it is arranged in an elegant vase or artfully incorporated into a bridal bouquet, it remains a florist's delight.
Photos by David Austin Wedding Roses.
