When it comes to placing cut roses in the home, surely you would want the flowers to last for as long as possible? Ensuring you can do exactly that is florist David Denyer, based at Eflorist, who shared one simple trick.
To maximise the life of cut roses, one essential task you must do (that plenty of people don’t) is to trim the stems every few days. “Stem ends seal over time, which can block water uptake,” Mr Denyer explained. “Re-cutting every two to three days helps keep hydration flowing.” He added: “One of the biggest mistakes people make is not cutting the stems properly.”
To cut the stems correctly, it’s advised to always cut them at 45-degree angles, “ideally under running water or submerged in a bowl of water”.
Mr Denyer elaborated: “This helps prevent air from entering the stems, which can block water uptake and accelerate wilting.”
There are other considerations too in order to prolong the lifespan of roses, such as changing the water daily and where you display them.
Mr Denyer said: “Roses prefer cool water. Change it daily to prevent bacteria from building up, and always rinse the vase thoroughly before refilling.”
It’s also important to remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline; otherwise, they will rot and contaminate the water.
As for the perfect location, Mr Denyer said: “Heat and direct sunlight may make your roses open more quickly, but will shorten their overall lifespan.
“Instead, place your roses in a cooler spot, away from radiators, appliances, or sunny windowsills. Even a few degrees cooler can make a big difference.”
If you find that the roses are top-heavy, there are two options to help stop them from drooping downwards.
The first is to have a tall vase to support the stems to remain upright; the second is to tie the stems together “with floral tape for extra support”.
Another top tip is to take advantage of flower food that provides roses with the right ingredients.
“It’s not just about sweetness, commercial flower food also includes ingredients that balance the water’s pH and fight off the bacteria,” said Mr Denyer.
He insisted that with the right care, which includes cutting the stems every few days, cut roses can “stay vibrant and beautiful for seven to 10 days… sometimes even longer”.