Find out why you might have trouble with this pretty rose that took the internet by storm a few years ago with these Osiria Rose care tips. The two toned color of the rose is highly desirable, but the rose is finicky at best.
Finding this pretty Osiria rose for sale might also be a challenge for you, since many growers don’t stock it. And don’t think that Osiria rose seeds will give you the look you want, either. Reviews that I have read show that they don’t germinate well.
This lovely rose was created by cross breeding hybrid roses with tea roses. Eventually this gave rise to a rose with petals that are red with white interiors and bright red edges.
Red roses have long been used as a way to show deep love and passion for another person. Find out what the other rose colors mean in this post.
Osiria Rose Meaning
The meaning of the name Osiria rose has several possibilities. It’s origin doesn’t give much insight into the name. This stunning rose was originally bred by Reimer Kordes in 1978 in Germany and then introduced to France, who started calling them Osiria.
To get more of an idea of the name, we can go back in time. Some think that the term Osiria is loosely linked to Egyptian mythology. Osiris was the god of the dead and the judge of the underworld. Having the stark combination of red and white colors together on one rose gives the impression of blood to the rose.
Some others believe that the rose is named after a sunken island similar to Atlantis named Osiria. Whichever you believe, the lore behind the name is as alluring as the rose itself..
Osiria Rose Care
Osiria Rose care can be a bit of a challenge. Not only is this rose with its white center and rimmed edges quite hard to find here in the USA, it also tends to be a bit on the weak side. The beauty and fragrance of this rose makes it worth the extra time and patience that it requires though..
All roses are gorgeous, but some, like this fragrant Osiria rose, just take your breath away. If you love growing perennials, you are probably looking for unusual roses when you shop for new plants.
The osiria rose has become something of a social media icon, and the image is shared on Facebook, Pinterest and Stumble upon often. This post is one of the most popular ones on my website. Osiria rose care is also quite difficult, since this rose is a challenge to grow.
Unfortunately, many of the images, on the internet, of the rose are highly photo shopped for dramatic purposes. The colors in real life are not quite so dramatic, it seems.
The photo at the top of this post is one from a reader that shows the true colors and the photo below is one that travels the internet which I believe to be heavily photo shopped.
Photo credit Imgur (Most likely heavily photoshopped)
Osiria Rose care can be quite a challenge and the rose is difficult to find for sale.
When you can find it for sale, Osiria is described as a hybrid tea rose. (affiliate link) This links to an Amazon page where the rose looks similar to the photo below from Garden Web but it is not labeled Osiria. It is a very large flowered bush rose with dark green leaves.
In summer and autumn, the fragrant, double flowers come out. They are just stunning. I have seen this rose, with this picture, offered for sale as rose seeds on Amazon, but the reviews on it are not very good.
Osiria Rose Care Problems
Palatine nursery used to sell this rose, but has recently discontinued production of the rose for these reasons:
- Many internet photos of Osiria are highly photo shopped, so the plant can be disappointing in true color
- The rose itself often has poor plant health
- It has very few flowers
- It is slow to re-bloom.
For these reasons, the suppliers at Palatine nursery were concerned that gardeners new to rose culture would be so disappointed in the rose that they would not try other varieties of it in future so they discontinued production of it completely.
Where to buy seed
If you are still interested in trying to grow this rose in spite of the shortcomings on it, you can buy Osiria rose seed here. I have not tested the seed to see how it grows, but the images are mainly photo shopped, so buyer beware.
I think that it is unlikely that the seeds will grow from the reviews but if you do grow it with success, please email me to let me know. I would love to see a photo of it too.
Osiria Rose Seed Giveaway
One of my readers, Tracee, has emailed me to tell me that she has some Osiria rose seeds. If you email her, she will give you her address so that you can send a small self addressed stamped envelope to her. She will send the first 9 people who reply a package of 10 Osiiria rose seeds to try for free.
Tracee is also going to try to sprout 10 herself. If you do this and they work for you, I would love to see your photos!
Information on Osiria Rose Care:
If you decide to try growing Osiria, these rose care tips will help.
Size of the rose bush
Osiria rose bushes will grow to about 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide (the size of many normal rose bushes.) It can take 2-5 years for a bush to get to its mature size.
How was Osiria created?
The rose bush was initially produced by cross breeding two different types of roses – hybrids and tea roses.
Diseases and problems for Osiria rose
The rose bush is susceptible to the insects aphids, caterpillars, spider mites and leaf hoppers. It is also prone to developing black spot, powdery mildew and rose rust.
This is quite a long list of problems that you may encounter and one of the reasons that many rose growers won’t stock it for sale.
How to use Osiria Rose in the Garden
Plant osiria in beds and borders. It is lovely in a cottage garden and the flowers are great for cut flowers in vases and for flower arranging.
Sunlight Needs
Like most rosebushes, Osiria rose does best in full sun. Even with idea sun conditions, the rose is quite slow growing and has a limited output of flowers.
When to prune
Prune Osiria in the spring before the plant starts actively growing. When you prune be sure to remove some of the inner branches to allow for good air flow to throughout the plant. See my tips for pruning here.
Also take care to deadhead regularly. This helps the whole plant to look better and promotes the healthy new growth. Not keen on deadheading? See these plants that don’t need to be deadheaded and still look great.
Cold Hardiness for Osiria Rose
Osiria Rose is cold hardy in zones 6b to 10b. It will over winter and start growing again in the spring. Mulch well to protect from the cold.
When to fertilize
Fertilize osiria rose bushes with Rose fertilizer in early spring and then again in mid summer.
Alternatives to Osiria Rose
If you are an experienced rose grower, you may not find the problems associated with Osiria a problem and may want to try growing it. 
For those less experienced, these roses offer similar coloring with less pest and disease problems. Not all are the bright red and white colors that Osiria has but all are bi-color and more strong.
Nostalgie Rose
This hybrid tea rose has creamy white petals that are edged with cherry red borders. It has a lovely fragrance and blooms throughout the growing season. See nostalgie rose for sale at Gardening Express.
Photo credit Wikimedia commons
Gemini Rose
This patented rose has creamy white centers with a coral edge. Each flower takes on a perfect form. The colors of the flowers intensify with age and it has long stems. Very light fragrance. See Gemini Rose for sale at Edmunds Roses.
Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons
;
Coretta Scott King Rose
This grandiflora rose has paler colors than osiria but still with the two toned look to the petals. It is hardy in zones 4-10 and has creamy white with coral orange tips. The rose blooms with a moderate fragrance. See this rose on Amazon.
photo credit Amazon
Dream Come True Rose
This bushy and vigorous rose is a prolific bloomer. The bicolor combination for this version is yellow blooms that are edged in ruby red. The rose will bloom with larger flowers if you give it cooler temperatures. See this rose for sale at Week’s Roses.
PHoto credit Drew Avery on Flickr
Photo of Osiria that has not been photo shopped: (to my knowledge) More photos of it on this link too!
Photo credit: Garden Web
Magic Garden Roses stocks a red and white variety, too. A photo of their variety of Osiria is quite different from the photo shopped internet version of it but still lovely. The colors are much more muted.
Photo credit Magic Garden Roses
Update. One of our readers Carl H. Purchased a rooted cane from Roses Unlimited. He was on the waiting list for a few months before they shipped to him. When it arrived, it was a small cane with three buds on it.
Carl said ” We moved it to a larger pot using Miracle Grow potting soil and added some B1 when watering it in. Even though it’s small, some buds are starting.” Here are two photos showing the Osiria ruby rose as it grew.
And another as it started to open. Not the dramatic photo shopped look, but still a pretty rose.
Here is an update on Carl’s Osiria rose. One of my readers just shared this photo and some more information on Osiria rose care. Carl says that the rose seems to be putting it’s energy into blooms.
The plant is quite small and Carl has almost lost it a couple of times to black spot and mites. The bloom in the picture reached over four inches and lasted several days as a cut flower.
Carl thinks it will take a couple more years before he feels it is safe to plant outside. And he adds” I can understand now the comments that it’s a difficult plant to grow. Thanks for sharing this Carl.
This is a photo from a reader Tom. He purchased his from Palatine but is a bit disappointed in the color since it is not what he expected, but he says it has a great fragrance.
One of my readers, Pam has grown this Osiria Rose. She told me that this is an original plant from 1940’s that came out of her Grandfather’s garden in Birmingham, AL. She transferred it to Washington state. It looks as though is loves its new home Pam!
Here is another photo of an untouched Osiria rose submitted by Tammy B. I love the way the colors show on opposite sides. So pretty! Tammy said that all she had to do to get this gorgeous thing to grow was to water it, prune it and put down mulch.
Rooting Osiria rose from cuttings
Several of my readers have emailed me to tell me that they have gotten Osiria roses in bunches of cut flowers from Walmart stores around the country. Roses will root from cuttings, so if you are lucky to find Osiria rose as a cut flower, you could try growing them this way.
One note though: Most roses are grafted onto root stock that is different from the rose on top, so the end result might not be anything like your cut flower in appearance. 
If you do have luck this way, please send some photos and I’ll add them to the post with your tips.
If you have grown this rose with success, please let us know, in the comments below, where you purchased it and also how it grew for you.
Pin Osiria Rose Care Tips for later
Would you like a reminder of these tips for growing Osiria rose? Just pin this image to one of your flower boards on Pinterest so that you can easily find it later.
Osiria Rose Care - How to Take Care of Osiria Rose Bushes
Materials
- Osiria Rose Bush
- Pruning tools
- Well Draining Soil
Tools
- Print out this care care of osiria rose growing tips and keep it with your garden journal
Instructions
- Sunlight - Full sun for the most blooms
- Pruning - Prune in spring, Be sure to cut inner branches for good air flow.
- Size - 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Slow growing and slow to bloom.
- Flowers - White petals with bright red edges.
- Cold Hardiness - 6b to 10b. Does best in cooler weathe.
- Fertilize - Add fertilizer in spring before growth stars and again in mid summer.
- Pests - Powdery mildew,rose rust and black spot, as well as aphids, caterpillars, spider mites and leaf hoppers
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small commission from the sale, but the price is the same for you. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Canada? Rats. It probably wouldn’t do well here in South Georgia then.
It’s like here’s this great rose, but you can’t have it! I live in FL, so neither can I.
I know. I so wanted one here in NC.
That’s the most gorgeous rose I’ve ever seen. I would love to have it here in t’ville NC!
Hi Mimi. Me too! I also live in NC. Have not yet found it though, although they have them at the rose gardens here in Raleigh.
Carol
Consider a Love Grandiflora. You can pick them up for 12-15 bucks. I’ve had pretty fair luck with mine in Charlotte, NC.
Thanks for the tip, John. Carol
Or a “Fire and Ice” http://www.edmundsroses.com/dp.asp?pID=23710&c=6 Osiria are really prone to disease and bugs, have few blooms and do not repeat bloom . Fire and Ice or Love rose bush is a much better choice, and actually have the bi color petals.
I ordered them off wish. Com
Hi there Stony Point here from NC . I have some seeds will post how it goes.
Hello- so I just purchased these seeds from China. There are no growing instructions at all. I am hoping to be successful in getting them to sprout just not sure if I should do that indoors or out?! I live in Arizona and it’s starting to get hot. I loved your article and all the info on this rose. Thanks
Hi Tracee. Growing roses from seeds is quite a challenge, since the seeds need to go through a process of cold moist storage before they will sprout. Also, if they do sprout, they may not be like the parent plant. Most of the Osiria rose seeds that I have seen show a photo shopped rose on the package. Do let me know how you go with them, though. Carol
I just ordered some on eBay but u have to start them from seeds
Hi Bud, I haven’t seen very good reviews for Osiria seeds but please let me know if they grow for you. Carol
dear sir,
i am intrested buying osiria rose plants in bulk quantity.please contact us as soon as
thank you
As far as I know the retailer in Canada is the only one I know who has it. See link in article above.
Carol
Donde encuentro una de estas rosas?
http://palatineroses.com/rose/osiria
Osiria is a beautiful Rose, can I get this plant in India, (Maharashtra, Pun e.) ? If so please send me the link.
Thanks.
I have found there are a few places in california. But they sell out quickly. Best bet is to order early September.
Thanks Patricia. I’ve had so many people both here and on my Facebook page who want to get one!
Carol
I named my daughter after that rose “Osiria Yvette” est. 05.06.13
I bet she is a beauty too!
There is a nursery in England that sells the orisiria rose bushes for about $20 per shrub
http://www.spaldingbulb.co.uk/…/large-flowere...
Hi Gwydion. Thanks for the info. I’ve had lots of people ask where to get them. Carol
No problem my wife wanted some and even though I found 6 suppliers in the US they are all sold out and don’t expect to have any more in stock till late October. I then started looking for where they got the bushes from and even though they will not tell you. Checking with the patten office revealed that the spaldingbulb company of London England holds the patten for osiria hybrid tea-rose
That is good to know. It is definitely a hard one to find here in the US. I have people asking me all the time where to get them.
Carol
I just purchased seeds on eBay.
Hi Pat. Thanks for letting us know where to find the seeds. Carol
they do not ship to the u.s.a.
they do not send them from the u.k. from “Spaulding nursery.
Hi Beverly. That is a shame. It really is very hard to find here. Carol
um….I’m blown away that no one has mentioned this or thought of it…I bought my seeds on ebay
Hi Angelique,
Thanks for the tip!
Carol
I have 3 bushes – great fragrance – they thrive here in the mts of BC Canada. Got them a couple years ago from Lindenberg Seed Co in Manitoba.
Hi Vicki, Thanks for providing details of the supplier. Many people here in the US would love to get them. Carol
I just purchased some on ebay today. What I would like to learn is the optimal conditions for growing them. I will study this so that there is the greatest chance for success. Since this is August already, it seems that growing in a pot indoors would be the best idea. Any hints would be appreciated. These are the finest looking flower that I have ever seen. Thanks for your information !
Hi Susan, I have not grown one so I can’t really say for sure, but my guess is that it should be grown like any other rose would be. The link to the Canadian supplier just says that it grows outside in zones 6-10 and gets to about 3 feet tall and reblooms. Also says that it needs winter protection. I’ve not had much luck with growing roses in pots. All of mine are in the soil outside, but I live in zone 7b.
Carol
I bought a bush here in W.V. It bloomed around the end of July!!! it is the most Beautiful Rose I have ever seen! It has not bloomed since…. Can you give me some information on when to expect it to bloom and also so pointers on how to care for it?
Hi Amee. I have not grown this rose, since I have not been able to find one. The info that I have on it is that is it Deciduous, dark red and white bloom in summer and dark red in autumn. Flowers are lightly scented. Other than this, it is grown just as any other rose bush. Carol
Where in West Virginia did you purchase the osiria rose. –dealer and location, thanks.
Hi Don. I have no idea where in West Virginia. The only sources I know of are the ones that are listed in the post. Carol
I live by Parkersburg, W.Va. Where in W.Va. did you buy your rose?
Amee Harbin where in W.Va. did you buy your rose? I live by Parkersburg.
I hope more places begin selling these fully grown soon. I do live in Canada, but these roses are not available in any local flower shops. I got my boyfriend to go on quite the scavenger hunt looking for them after I saw their picture and became absolutely infatuated with them. I am a huge fan of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and they remind me greatly of the red painted white roses! I hope to have a bouquet of these at my wedding! So beautiful. I might have to try purchasing some seeds and growing my own, but I don’t have the greenest thumb when it comes to seedlings and I think it may be too cold where I live for them to thrive. Phooey!
Hi Emily. You are not the only one to fall in love with them. I’ve had so many requests asking where to find them. I can’t get them locally here either. Carol
Hi I’m from Michigan I just wanna know how I can buy a beautiful rose like that
Hi Marcelo. Your question is one of my most commonly asked ones on my blog. There are a couple of links in the article for sources, but it is a very hard rose to find here in the US. Carol
i got my seeds on ebay i have three plants growing now they are about three feet tall but no flowers yet
Please let us know if they do flower Kevin. Carol
https://palatineroses.com/rose/osiria
Discontinued, due to plants being disappointments, and most images displayed on the internet have been photoshopped.
Bummer!
HI Heather. Thanks for the info. It’s good to know. Carol
yes i sure will
Hi i found my roses on Aliexpress.com 50seeds 20 different colors… i just have to freeze my seeds for a while before i grow them.
How long do you have to freeze the seeds i got 5 colors 250 seeds off of aliexpress why do you have to freeze them?
I do not know how long to freeze, since I have never used rose seeds. But some seeds will not germinate without the cold. Carol
this rose is not for sale anymore at Palatine roses.
Sorry to disappoint those who have purchased seeds, but roses do not set true from seed, and all members of one particular variety are clones… I personally am doubting that this rose actually exists… there is a rose that is red with yellow underside, with the name of “ketchup and mustard”, people actually grow that and you can purchase it…. re: Palatine, the excuse that people would be put of off growing roses because one didn’t turn out sounds like a pile of BS to me…
I have had this growing since spring of 2013 now. I only got 2 roses the first year and about 3 the next. This spring so far I have gotten 5. I love this rose and I have sent you two untouched photos to your email.
Hi Patsy. Thanks for the photos. Where did you purchase the plant? I get asked that often. Carol
Patsy , I live in Kentucky 25 miles from the Tennessee Boarder . I’m in zone 6 I’d love to see your picture or pictures and where you got your plant. Thanks so much
Dreama
I was on the Roses Unlimited waiting list for a few months, and they sent a plant from a rooted cane. It will be a while before I think it will be ready for planting in the ground. We moved it to a larger pot using Mirical Grow potting soil and added some B1 when watering it in. Even youth it’s small, some buds are starting. Guess we’ll get to see how close it actually comes to the photoshopped pictures.
Hi Carl. I would love to see the photo when it grows so we can all compare!
Carol
Hi Carol,
Were you able to get more than 3 roses this year. I live in Wa we grow roses all the time. Where in the world do you find it.
Thanks
Peggy
just wondering my rose plants are now about 4 1/2 feet tall still now buds on them but should i dig them up come winter and bring them inside or cut them to the ground come winter i have worked to hard to just let them die over winter without seeing them bloom
Hi carol
My rose seed had now grown to 5 foot I think it may be getting to bud as winter will be here soon in michigan should I think about digging them up and bring them inside for winter or will they come back next year
Hi Kevin. I am not sure how roses do in Michigan. I believe that most northerners protect rose bushes with perhaps a rose collar to protect from wind and mulching around the bottom to protect from snow and frost. I have not heard of people digging roses up and bringing them inside. Did your rose seed have a zone for the rose bush? That is the best indicator of what needs doing. Here in the south, the bushes always come back but we have mild winters with only a bit of snow and frost. Carol
Similar rose is Snowfire I think it is easier to find. I was able to grow it successfully jn Southern. California.
Thanks for the info Sharon. Good to know!
Hi Carol, I grow roses from cutting. Now it’s look like Osiria Rose(Blood Red&pure white beauty) that I bought from Walmart in Fort Smith,AR. by product of Columbia as fresh flowers. The color inside is Red mix Orange mix Brown & outside is some white,some white mix light yellow, it’s really beautiful. I hope they’ll grow roots&leaves asap.
Hi Julia. I would love to see photos of the rose, if you can get it to root and grow. I’m compiling a list of them and adding them to the post as readers send them in. Carol
Hi Carol, Osiria mine grow from cutting the name is OSIRIA TWILIGHT as red mix orange mix brown inside & creamy mix white mix light yellow outside & yellow underside.
I can’t wait to see the photo!
Hi Carol, all my Osiria just start to grow light green tiny spots. the green color the leaves haven’t spread yet. my others already spread the leaves. just now at WALMART I bought the RED inside & WHITE outside w/WHITE underside. and LIGHT PINK inside & WHITE outside (smell sweet). I’ll let you know later on.
Hi Julia. Are these cut roses or plants that you got from Walmart? Carol
Hi Carol, yes for cut roses (not plants) all I bought from WALMART for growing my roses from cutting.
I bought one last year, this is its first flowering for me. It’s just starting to sprout for this season so am looking forward to it! I live in Tasmania, Australia, cool temperate zone ?
Hi Anna. Pretty photo. Is the picture one of the rose bush from a previous season? The colors are lovely! Did you buy seeds or a plant? Carol
Sorry I should have been more specific! The photo is my rose in its first flowering for me last season. We are just approaching spring here in Australia so it has just started to produce shoots after winter and looking a lot stronger this year! I have it planted in a wooden barrel in a part of the garden that gets full sun in a mix of compost and potting mix. I bought it as a bare rooted plant on order. I’m excited to see how it does this year now it is established! I’ve included another photo ?
Hi Anna. The photos are great. I’d love to include them in my article if it is okay with you! (with a shout out to you, of course) Carol
Thanks!
Yes of course! Knock yourself out ??
I have an osiria rose which I bought many years ago as a small bush from a gardening company. I found it slow growing, not easy but lovely flowers. I live in North Wales UK.
Hi Sue. it’s really hard to get here in the USA. Do you have a photo of yours? Carol
I live in South Carolina and I have a bush of these I’ve been growing it has been tough but I have some photos I could share but I didn’t see how
You can email them to me.