Lucky you! You’ve been given roses, either from someone else or from yourself, and you want to know how you can make them last for a long time. This type of flower can be particular, but there are many things you can do to prolong their beauty. Whether they are just cut from your garden or from a florist, roses are perfect for arrangements, vases and displays. Learn how to take care of them today.
From the florist
If you’re bringing home flowers, you’ll want to prepare them quickly for the vase or arrangement and not let them get dehydrated. First, you’ll need to remove any leaves that will be below the waterline. If they are left there, you’ll have decay, mold and dirty vase water. Then you’ll need to prepare the vase water. Use warm water, not hot or cold, and then add the powder “plant food” mix that came with the flowers. If your roses didn’t come with anything like that, when you’re adding the warm water, add and equal amount lemon-lime cola, so the vase is half warm water and half lemon-lime cola.
After the vase water is prepared, quickly cut the stem bottoms at a diagonal angle and immediately put in the water. If this isn’t done as the last step, the benefits of the cut are lost. When you cut the bases, you’re actually opening the pores so the rose can take up water more easily.
From the garden
One of the greatest benefits of having a personal rose garden is bringing them into your home to enjoy them. Only cut your roses when they are very hydrated, usually in the morning. When you’re ready to cut, bring a pitcher or bucket with warm water with you. Choose the plumpest buds and use pruning shears or a florist knife. Cut them at a diagonal angle just above the fifth leave on the stem. Place the cut flowers immediately into a pitcher or bucket with warm water. Bring them inside and put them in a cool dark place, like a refrigerator, and let them stay there for several hours before arranging them.
Now you know how to make them last longer. Enjoy!
Tags: roses