Roses might just be the most popular, celebrated flowers we know of. They have a special cultural significance, are celebrated as the perfect gift to show love, and are coveted and prized for their special beauty. This Valentine’s Day, countless numbers of the beautiful flower will be bought and given to mark special relationships.
Whether or not you’re planning to mark the holiday with a single red rose or a beautiful bouquet of pink roses, there’s no reason why you can’t treat yourself by picking up some roses of your favorite color – red, white, yellow or pink – for yourself or a loved one. Read on for some must-save tips on how to pick out the perfect bud or bouquet of roses – anytime!
1) Check to see if they’re fresh by gently squeezing a few of the flower heads near the base. The best flowers will feel firm, but not hard.
2) Carefully inspect the flower petals. The fresher the rose, the more crisp the petals will appear.
3) Look for rosebuds that are closed a little more tightly than you might have originally thought to purchase. A closed bud is a young flower and will last longer. Bonus tip: You can use a blow dryer to gently warm the flowers and get them to open, if you prefer that look. That way, you’ve got the freshest flower you can find to enjoy a longer at-home lifespan.
4) Conversely, check to make sure the buds aren’t too hard, or tightly closed. Another bad sign is loose petals. The first is a sign of a flower cut before it could mature, and might never open; weak petals are a signal that the flower is too old or wasn’t properly cared for. Also watch for and avoid green sepals tight against the bud, and a bud that is too short and fat.
5) Finally, once you’ve picked your perfect flowers, keep your roses out of direct sunlight and heat to preserve them. You can even refrigerate roses to help keep the arrangement longer before giving them as a gift, or when they aren’t on display in your home.
For more great tips on how to choose and care for roses, check out this article by a horticulturalist with additional ideas you can use. And don’t forget to call your florist anytime. We’re happy to answer questions and help you find the best roses for the occasion!