How to Keep Your Roses Fresh Longer: Tips and Creative Ideas for Dried Flowers

Roses are timeless symbols of love and affection that make them a perfect gift for your loved one. However, keeping roses fresh and vibrant can be challenging. With the right care and a few creative ideas, you can extend the life of your roses and even repurpose them when they start to dry. In this blog, we'll explore how to keep your roses fresh longer, what to do when they dry, and how to create beautiful crafts like a dried bouquet, a homemade dried flower body scrub, and flower art.

How to Keep Roses Fresh Longer

• Trim the Stems

When you first receive your roses, cut about half an inch off the stems at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption, helping the roses stay hydrated. Make sure to use a sharp knife or garden shears to avoid crushing the stems.

• Remove Lower Leaves

Remove any leaves that will be submerged in the vase water. Leaves left in the water can rot and promote bacterial growth, which shortens the life of the flowers.

• Use Fresh, Lukewarm Water

Fill your vase with fresh, lukewarm water. Lukewarm water is more easily absorbed by the flowers than cold water. Change the water every two days to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial buildup.

• Add Flower Food

Most bouquets come with a packet of flower food. Add this to the water to provide essential nutrients and prolong the life of your roses. If you don't have flower food, you can make your own by mixing a teaspoon of sugar, a teaspoon of white vinegar, and a few drops of bleach into the water.

• Keep Away from Direct Sunlight and Heat

Place your vase of roses in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts. Excessive heat and sunlight can cause the flowers to wilt faster.

• Refrigerate Overnight

If possible, place your bouquet in the refrigerator overnight. The cool temperature slows down the aging process and keeps the roses fresh longer.

What to Do When Roses Start to Dry

Even with the best care, roses will eventually start to dry out. However, this doesn't mean their beauty is lost. Dried roses can be used in various creative and decorative ways.

 

Create a Dried Bouquet

Drying your roses is a great way to preserve their beauty. Here's how you can create a dried bouquet:

1. Hang Them Upside Down: Remove any remaining leaves and hang the roses upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area. This helps retain their color and prevents mold growth. Leave them to dry for about two to three weeks.
2. Arrange Them in a Vase: Once dried, arrange the roses in a vase or tie them together with a ribbon to create a rustic, dried bouquet. This can serve as a long-lasting keepsake of your special occasion. 

Homemade Dried Flower Body Scrub

Transform your dried roses into a luxurious body scrub. Here's a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• Dried rose petals
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of coconut oil
• 10 drops of essential rose oil

Instructions:

1. Grind the Petals: Use a blender or food processor to grind the dried rose petals into a fine powder.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the rose powder, sugar, coconut oil, and essential rose oil. Mix well until you get a smooth consistency.
3. Store and Use: Transfer the scrub to an airtight container. Use it in the shower to exfoliate and moisturize your skin, enjoying the lovely scent of roses. 

Flower Art

Dried roses can also be used to create beautiful flower art. Here's a simple project to get you started:

Materials:

• Dried rose petals
• Canvas or heavy paper
• Mod Podge or clear-drying glue
• Paintbrush

Instructions:

1. Plan Your Design: Arrange the dried rose petals on the canvas or paper to create your desired design. You can make patterns, shapes, or even spell out words.
2. Glue the Petals: Using the paintbrush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge or clear-drying glue to the back of each petal. Press the petals onto the canvas according to your design.
3. Seal Your Artwork: Once all the petals are glued down, apply a final layer of Mod Podge over the entire surface to seal and protect your artwork.

By following these tips and getting creative with your dried roses, you can extend the life of your bouquet and enjoy the beauty of roses in new and delightful ways. Whether you’re preserving a special memory or creating unique gifts, these ideas will help you make the most of your roses long after they've left the vase.

 

For beautiful bouquets that you can cherish and turn into lasting memories, order from BISOU Flowers today. Contact us to bring the beauty of fresh roses into your home or to gift your loved ones.