Written By: Phaedra, a Pressed Bouquet Shop Designer
What Are Quicksand Roses?
Quicksand roses are one of the most popular wedding flowers we see in bridal bouquets. These stunning blooms feature a distinctive dusty pink hue with subtle mauve undertones, making them a favorite among brides seeking a romantic, vintage-inspired aesthetic. If you’re planning your summer wedding flowers or browsing inspiration for your big day, chances are you’ve come across these beauties.
But here’s what most brides don’t know: quicksand roses have a unique characteristic that affects how they look after flower preservation. As preservation specialists who have worked with thousands of wedding bouquets, we want to share everything you need to know about quicksand roses—including what happens when we press them.
Quicksand Rose Color: What Makes Them Special
The quicksand rose gets its name from its sandy, muted pink coloring. Unlike bright pink roses or classic red varieties, quicksand roses possess an undertone of light bluish lavender with the gentlest of pink overtones. According to David Austin Roses, this unique coloring comes from the specific balance of pigments in the petals.
When fresh, quicksand roses appear as a warm, dusty blush pink. They pair beautifully with:
Cream and ivory roses
Blush peonies
Eucalyptus and olive branch greenery
Dusty miller foliage
Ranunculus in soft tones
Many brides choose quicksand roses for their pressed flower frames because of their elegant, understated beauty. They’re especially popular in romantic and bohemian wedding styles.
How Quicksand Roses Change During Preservation
Here’s what we need you to know: quicksand roses transform during the pressing process.
The rose is well-known among our designers and preservation specialists for the way it changes from its light, delicate pink to a pale bluish lavender. This isn’t a flaw in the preservation process—it’s a natural characteristic of this particular rose variety.
Why Does This Color Change Happen?
The color shift occurs due to anthocyanin pigments present in quicksand rose petals. These same pigments are responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors in many flowers and fruits. When the moisture is removed during pressing, the pH level of the petals changes, causing the anthocyanins to shift toward blue and purple tones.
For a deeper dive into how different flowers change color, check out our guide on pressed flower color changes. Understanding these natural transformations helps set realistic expectations for your preservation keepsake.
The Smithsonian Gardens notes that botanical preservation has always involved some degree of color change, which is why historical herbariums often show muted or shifted tones compared to fresh specimens.
Quicksand vs. Sahara Roses: What’s the Difference?
We often get asked about the difference between quicksand roses and Sahara roses, as they look similar when fresh. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Quicksand Rose | Sahara Rose |
| Fresh Color | Dusty pink with lavender undertones | Warm peachy-pink with carmel tones |
| After Pressing | Shifts to blueish-lavender | Retains more warmpth, shifts to tan/mauve |
| Best Paired With | Cool-toned bouquets | Warm-tone, autumn bouquets |
| Popularity | Very common in modern weddings | Common in fall weddings |
If you’re concerned about color shifts, Sahara roses may be a better choice for your wedding bouquet preservation. However, many brides absolutely love the lavender transformation of quicksand roses—it creates a unique, ethereal quality in the final piece.
What We Do When We Notice Quicksand Roses
When our preservation specialists receive your bouquet and notice quicksand roses, we document them and reach out to let you know. We want you to be aware of how these particular blooms will transform so there are no surprises when you receive your finished pressed bouquet frame.
Here’s our process:
Identification: Our team identifies quicksand roses during the intake process
Documentation: We photograph the roses in their fresh state
Client Notification: We send you a message explaining the expected color transformation
Preservation: We proceed with pressing, knowing you’re informed about the outcome
This transparency is part of our commitment to ensuring you love your final piece. Have questions about what to expect? Visit our FAQ page or schedule a consultation with our team.
Why We Still Love Quicksand Roses
Despite the color transformation, quicksand roses remain one of our favorite flowers to preserve. Here’s why:
The Pressed Result Is Stunning
The lavender-blue tone that emerges after pressing is absolutely beautiful. It creates a soft, dreamy quality that many of our clients adore. When paired with white flowers or greenery, the transformed quicksand roses add depth and visual interest to the design.
They Hold Their Shape Beautifully
Quicksand roses have a classic rose form with tightly layered petals. This structure presses exceptionally well, maintaining the recognizable rose silhouette in your framed preservation piece.
They Tell Your Story
Your wedding flowers are unique to your day. The quicksand roses in your bouquet—even with their color transformation—are part of your story. Many brides tell us they love knowing their preserved piece captures the actual flowers from their wedding, color shift and all.
Browse our preservation gallery to see examples of pressed quicksand roses in finished pieces.
Tips for Brides Considering Quicksand Roses
If you haven’t ordered your wedding flowers yet and are considering quicksand roses, here are some tips:
1. Talk to Your Florist
Discuss your preservation plans with your florist. According to the American Institute of Floral Designers, a knowledgeable florist can suggest rose varieties that hold their color better during preservation if that’s a priority for you.
2. Consider Your Overall Palette
Quicksand roses work beautifully in cool-toned or neutral palettes. If your wedding aesthetic leans warm (peaches, corals, terracottas), you might prefer roses that maintain warmer tones after pressing.
3. Embrace the Transformation
Many of our most stunning preservation pieces feature quicksand roses. The lavender transformation can actually enhance certain designs, especially in a white wood frame against a clean background.
4. Plan for Preservation Early
Whether you choose quicksand roses or another variety, planning for bouquet preservation before your wedding ensures your flowers arrive to us in the best possible condition. Learn more about how to safely ship your bouquet to our studio.
Caring for Your Preserved Quicksand Roses
Once your preservation piece is complete, proper care ensures it lasts for generations. Our preservation care guide covers everything you need to know, but here are the basics:
Avoid sunlight: UV rays will cause additional fading over time
Control humidity: Keep your piece in a climate-controlled environment
Handle with care: The frame protects your flowers, but avoid dropping or jarring the piece
Enjoy daily: Unlike fresh flowers, your preserved quicksand roses will last a lifetime
Ready to Preserve Your Bouquet?
Whether your bouquet includes quicksand roses or other beloved blooms, we’re here to transform your wedding flowers into a lasting keepsake. With over 16,000 preservation pieces created, we have the expertise to handle any flower variety—and the transparency to keep you informed every step of the way.
Next Steps:
Have questions about quicksand roses or any other flower variety? Contact us—we’re always happy to help.
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Pressed Bouquet Shop has been preserving wedding flowers since 2019. Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, we ship nationwide and have created over 16,000 preservation pieces for brides across the country. Learn more about our story.