Rose Care
A bouquet of roses
is a beautiful, fragrant addition to any room. To achieve
the best results from fresh-cut roses, follow these steps:
Remove leaves that may
decay under water. When removing leaves and thorns, do not
cut through the green bark. Air can enter the water conducting
passages through the injuries and restrict water uptake. Bacteria
in the water can clog stems.
While holding the stems
under water or running water, cut about one inch off each
stem with a sharp knife or shears. Do not let the newly cut
end dry off before transferring it to the arrangement or other
container.
Water in which a good
floral preservative has been added is the best solution in
which to arrange fresh-cut roses. Florists can provide small
packages of floral preservative. Use it as recommended to
provide additional days of vase life. Do not use stronger
solution than the manufacturer's recommendation. Avoid using
water from a water softener.
Immediately after the
stems are cut, place roses in a deep vase of warm preservative
solution (about 100 degrees Fahrenheit). If possible, leave
the flowers in a cool, dark room or refrigerator to "condition"
for two-three hours before arranging.
If a florist's porous
foam material is used in assembling the arrangement, it is
important that it is thoroughly saturated in advance in water
containing a floral preservative. Use a vase large enough
to keep the entire block of foam submerged. Be sure that the
rose stems are inserted firmly, well below the solution level
in the container.
Roses are thirsty flowers.
It is most important to check to see that the vase is full
and add preservative solution often. Be sure foam materials
are completely saturated and the container is full daily.
Display fresh cut rose arrangement in a cool area out of direct
sunlight and drafts.
Premature wilting is
not necessarily a sign that the rose is old. It usually indicates
that air is trapped in the stem and the preservative solution
cannot flow properly up the stem. The end of the stem may
be blocked. Look for a cut or scrape in the bark above the
water level. Re-cut the stem above the injured section under
water and then submerge the entire rose in a basin or shallow
pan of warm water (about 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Be sure
to keep the stem and head straight. A rose will usually revive
within an hour and can be placed within the arrangement.
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