How to care for your roses
If you’re the lovely sender or lucky recipient of roses this year, keep reading to find out more about how to care for them!
They’re sent with guard petals
Have you got bruised-looking petals on the outside of your rose? Don’t worry, they’re guard petals. They are the flower’s oldest petals so they can look tired and brown. But we leave them on on purpose because they’re really tough so they act like bubble wrap (protecting the perfect inner petals) en route to you.
How to get rid of the guard petals
It’s easy! Just pinch them away from the base of your rose (there should only be a few of them). You’ll discover perfect petals beneath!
They bloom over a few days
The guard petals keep the inner-rose petals so safely tucked up that it takes a few days for them to fully open up (and look like their picture).
5 ways to make your roses last longer
Whether you’ve received a beautiful rose bouquet or picked up fresh roses for your home, knowing how to care for roses properly can make all the difference. With the right rose care, cut roses can last 7–10 days — sometimes even longer.
In the UK’s cooler climate, small changes like trimming stems correctly, refreshing water regularly and keeping roses away from radiators can significantly extend vase life. Below, we share simple, expert-approved rose care tips to help your blooms stay fresher for longer.
1. Trim them on arrival
After travelling to you, the ends of your stems will be hard and dry. And if you don’t trim them, it’s like trying to make your flowers drink from a bottle of water without taking the cap off! Trim at least 3-5cm off your stems at a 45° angle as this improves water absorption and helps prevent air bubbles from blocking the stem.
2. Prune some leaves away
Take off any leaves that will fall below your waterline of your vase. Or they’ll just deteriorate. Then dirty the water your stems drink. And make them fade faster!
3. Give them plenty of water
We recommend filling your vase ¾ full of fresh lukewarm water and flower food. Flowers don’t like drinking dirty water, so refresh your water and flower food every few days. If your vase isn’t clear, check the water level every day!
4. Find the right home
Keep off windowsills and away from radiators or your bouquet will dehydrate fast. Also (randomly) avoid keeping them next to fruit as it releases gasses that make flowers fade!
5. Re-trim them every few days
Re-trim your stems by 1cm every few days. This will help them to keep drinking water easily! Need some more help? Find the answers to some popular FAQs or get in touch with our friendly Customer Delight team below.
Rose Care FAQs
How long do cut roses last?
With proper care, cut roses typically last 7-10 days. Changing the water regularly and trimming stems can extend their vase life.
Why are my roses wilting quickly?
Roses usually wilt due to dehydration, bacteria in the water, or exposure to heat. Re-cutting the stems and refreshing the water often helps revive them.
Should I put roses in hot or cold water?
Use lukewarm water. It helps roses absorb water more efficiently than very cold water.
Can you revive drooping roses?
Yes. Re-cut the stems under running water and place the roses in fresh lukewarm water with flower food. Leave them in a cool place for several hours.
Want to send some roses? Our collection has something for everyone (and every budget)