How to Keep Your Roses Looking Fabulous

So, you've got roses in your box this week. First of all - lucky you. Second of all - roses have a bit of a reputation for being high maintenance. And look, it's not entirely undeserved. They're the divas of the flower world. But here's the good news: with a few simple tricks from our florist, you can keep them looking fresh and fabulous for way longer than you might think.

WHY ROSES NEED A LITTLE EXTRA LOVE

Unlike their low-key flower friends, roses are a bit particular. They thrive on hydration, cleanliness, and good nutrition. Skip the TLC, and petals will start to droop while stems get clogged with bacteria. Not ideal.

But here's the thing... a little extra attention really does go a long way with these beauties. We're not talking hours of effort here. Just a few minutes of know-how that makes all the difference.

THE GUARD PETALS

You know those outer petals that look a bit tired, bruised, or just generally past their best? Before you panic and assume your roses have had a rough journey - relax. They're called guard petals, and they've been doing exactly what they're supposed to: protecting the soft, gorgeous petals underneath during transport.

Gently peel them away to reveal the fresh layers beneath. It's incredibly satisfying, like unwrapping a present, and it makes a huge difference to how your roses look. Don't be shy – those outer petals have done their job. Time to let them go.

FINDING THE PERFECT SPOT

Roses are fussier about their location than your average houseplant. Here's what they don't love:

Fruit bowls. That banana ripening on your bench is releasing ethylene gas, which ages flowers faster. Keep your roses well away from the fruit basket.

Direct sunlight. A sunny windowsill might seem like the obvious choice, but it'll have your roses wilting faster than you can say "photosynthesis."

Heat sources. Radiators, ovens, sunny spots – roses prefer to stay cool.

ROSE RESCUE REMEDIES

Even with the best care, sometimes roses need a bit of emergency intervention. Here's what to do:

Drooping roses? Don't give up on them just yet. Re-cut the stems at an angle and place them in very warm (not boiling) water for 5-10 minutes. This can genuinely bring them back to life. It's like a spa treatment for flowers.

Petals looking a little sad? Remove any damaged outer petals and try the overnight fridge trick. Sometimes all they need is a cool-down.

DON'T FORGET THE BASICS

All the usual flower care tips apply to roses too – clean vase, fresh water, stem trim every few days. These extra steps are just the cherry on top to help your roses really shine.

Now enjoy those beautiful blooms. And when they're looking gorgeous on your table, give yourself a pat on the back – you've earned it.