If you’ve just received a stunning bouquet of roses and want to keep those gorgeous blooms lasting longer, you’re in the right place! We’ve gathered 10 tips to keep roses fresh from expert florists Jeanne Walker and Pilar Zuniga, along with the best practices for rose care. Whether you’re looking to extend the life of your roses or simply make sure they stay vibrant, these tips will help you do just that. By following these simple steps, your roses will continue to shine and brighten your space.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to preserve your roses at their peak. Ready to dive in? Here are 10 tips to keep roses fresh and ensure your bouquet stays beautiful for as long as possible.
When you pick the freshest blooms and give them the right care, your roses will stay alive and thriving. If you’ve ever wondered how to care for cut roses, we’ve got you covered with expert advice and easy-to-follow instructions. Let’s explore these 10 tips to keep roses fresh, so you can enjoy your roses even longer!
Don’t let your roses fade too soon—use these 10 tips to keep roses fresh, and they’ll look as stunning as the day you brought them home.
How to Extend the Life of Your Roses
- Start by cleaning your vase with soapy water and allowing it to dry completely.
- Remove any leaves that are near the bottom of the stems to prevent them from touching the water.
- Gently remove any wilting guard petals, but leave the thorns intact for better support.
- Cut 1 inch (2.5 cm) off the stems at a 45-degree angle to ensure proper water absorption.
- Fill the vase with lukewarm water, and be sure to change it daily to keep the flowers fresh.
- Add flower food to the water every day to nourish the roses.
- Place your roses in a spot that is free from drafts and direct sunlight to avoid wilting.
By following these simple steps, your roses will stay beautiful for a longer time!
How to Keep Roses Alive
1. Clean Your Vase Before Placing Roses
Start by thoroughly cleaning your vase with soap and hot water, and let it dry completely. A clean vase is essential to prevent bacteria from affecting your roses and shortening their lifespan. If your vase is particularly dirty, use a bottle brush to scrub away any residue.
2. Remove Leaves from the Bottom of the Stems
Using garden shears, trim any leaves that will be submerged in the water. Leaves left in the water can cause bacteria growth, which will speed up the wilting process. Only leave the leaves that are above the waterline.
3. Remove Wilted Guard Petals
Guard petals are the outer thicker petals of the rose that protect the budding flower. If these petals are bruised or wilted, gently remove them with your fingers to conserve energy for the fresher petals. If they are still fresh, it’s best to leave them on.
4. Leave the Thorns on the Stems
Avoid removing the thorns from your rose stems. While they may seem like a nuisance, cutting them off can damage the stems and impede water absorption, causing the roses to wilt prematurely. Leave them intact for the best results.
5. Trim the Stems at a 45-Degree Angle
Using clean floral shears or a sharp knife, cut about 1 inch (2.5 cm) off the stems at a 45-degree angle. This angled cut increases the surface area for water absorption, helping the roses stay hydrated longer.
6. Place Roses in Lukewarm Water Immediately
As soon as you trim the stems, place your roses in a vase filled with lukewarm water. Lukewarm water helps the roses absorb water more efficiently. Be quick to prevent the flowers from drying out.
7. Add Flower Food to the Water
Commercial flower food contains essential nutrients and helps prevent bacteria and fungi growth. Mix the flower food into the water as per the instructions. If you don’t have flower food, you can make a DIY version by mixing 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of sugar.
8. Change Water and Add Flower Food Daily
To keep your roses fresh longer, change the water every day, or at least every 2-3 days. Pour out the old water, refill with fresh lukewarm water, and add more flower food each time. This will keep bacteria from building up and help your roses last longer.
9. Display Roses in a Cool Spot, Away from Direct Sunlight
Roses last longer in cooler environments. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can cause them to wilt. Choose a cool area in your home with indirect light for the best longevity.
10. Monitor Roses and Trim Stems if Necessary
Keep an eye on your roses and trim the stems if you notice drooping. Cutting about 1 inch from the bottom of the stem under running water can rehydrate the flowers and make them perk up. If some roses don’t revive, it may be time to remove them from the vase. Be sure to also remove any fallen petals or leaves from the water.
How to Select the Freshest Roses
1. Cut Roses from Your Garden in the Early Morning
For the freshest blooms, cut your roses from your garden early in the morning, before the temperature rises. The cool morning air helps prevent the flowers from wilting. After cutting, immediately place the stems in a clean bucket of fresh water to keep them hydrated. The night before, make sure to water the rosebush thoroughly, as well-hydrated roses last longer than those from a dry bush. When cutting, use a clean pair of hand pruners and trim the stems at a 45-degree angle.
2. Buy Cut Roses from Local Florists
Roses that are locally grown tend to last longer because they are usually picked within a few days of being sold. Florist expert Pilar Zuniga advises buying roses from a local florist to ensure their freshness. Roses that have traveled longer distances may not have been properly stored during transit, which can reduce their shelf life. Always try to purchase from a reputable florist and, if possible, ask for the freshest blooms available.
3. Examine the Stems When Buying Roses from a Store
When selecting roses from a store, closely inspect the stems to make sure they are fresh and healthy. Look for bright green stems without any damage, bug bites, or signs of decay. The cut area of the stem should appear fresh and green or white—brown or pink discoloration indicates the rose may be rotting. Additionally, check the leaves; healthy, green leaves are a good sign that the roses have been properly hydrated and cared for. Avoid any roses with browned or rotting leaves.
FAQS about Caring for Roses
1. How Long Do Roses Last in a Vase?
With proper care, cut roses typically last about 7-10 days in a vase. Some rose varieties, such as Crystalline, Red Intuition, St. Patrick, and Elizabeth Taylor, are known to have a longer vase life. If you want your roses to stay fresh as long as possible, consider choosing one of these longer-lasting varieties.
2. Does Sugar Keep Roses Alive Longer?
Sugar can help keep roses alive longer because it is an essential ingredient in flower food. However, adding sugar directly to the water in your vase isn’t recommended, as it can promote bacterial growth. Sugar should be combined with an antibacterial agent, like white vinegar, to balance the water’s pH and prevent bacteria. If you are using commercial flower food packets, they already contain sugar, so there’s no need to add extra.
3. How Do You Style and Display Roses?
For a visually interesting floral arrangement, mix different-sized roses, suggests florist Jeanne Walker. This creates a more textured and dynamic look, making your arrangement more attractive in photos. If you’re incorporating other flowers, choose smaller blooms so that the roses remain the focal point of the bouquet, allowing them to truly stand out.
4. What Are Some Other Ways to Use Fresh Roses?
Roses are incredibly versatile and can be used in many creative ways. If you opt for non-sprayed or organic roses, they can be edible and used to decorate cakes or charcuterie boards. For a relaxing experience, you can add rose petals to your bathwater with some bath salts, or even craft your own bath bombs using dried rose petals, as recommended by expert Pilar Zuniga.