Cut Roses: How to Choose Roses that Are Beautiful and Long Lasting

Flowers and thoughts of love have been intertwined throughout history. And the one flower that stands out in particular when it comes to expressing love is the cut rose.

The language of roses

A gift of cut roses is not just for "lovers" but can be exchanged between all types of relationships. Therefore, it is good to know about the language of roses regarding colors, varieties and numbers of blooms. There is a great source of information about this at the website, theflowerexpert.com. (Click here).

These "experts" offer the meanings of ten different colors of roses; also, they say that a mixed bouquet of different colors can even be chosen to purposely create a bouquet of emotions.

They also discuss the meanings of different varieties of roses, such meanings being described as sublime desire, deceitful desire, long standing desire, and consumed by love.

Even the number of flowers has meaning as stated on this website. A single flower has different meanings in different colors. And when you give a bouquet of red roses, the meaning varies between one, three, twelve and even fifty roses. Twelve red roses is the most popular of all which conveys "Be mine" and "I love you."

Tips regarding the purchase of roses

When it comes to roses, you usually get what you pay for. They are a perishable commodity so how they have been handled prior to your purchase makes a significant difference as to how long they will last in the home. It is wise to buy from a reliable source where you have had success before, whether this is online or from a local floral distributor.

Most importantly, the roses that you purchase should be fresh. Because many florists keep them refrigerated so that they don't open in the shop, it is important to not buy roses that have been refrigerated for too long which will mean that they may never open for you. Know your florist, and ask what type of replacement policy they have if the roses you purchase never open.

If roses get too cold, that can cause a problem regarding opening. If they are to be transported in cold weather, be sure they are well protected from temperatures below 35 degrees F.

When picking out roses look for firm heads and buds that aren't too tight but that aren't too far open either. Look for roses that are just starting to open; also, roses with many petals might last longer than those with just a few petals.

The University of Illinois Extension Service offers some excellent selection advice on their website at web.extension.illinois.edu. (Click here).

According to this website, regarding loose petals: quality roses have just the outer one or two petals loose and the green sepals are turned down around the stem; old or poor quality roses have many petals loosened; and immature roses have no petals loosened, the bud is short, fat and feels hard, and the green sepals are tight against the bud.

In regard to color and feel: quality roses have a fresh and rich color and a crisp feel while poor quality roses look dull and faded and feel soft and flabby.

And finally, when presenting the roses in person...

The experts at theflowerexpert.com tell us that If the rose is accepted with the right hand it conveys that you are in agreement with that person and the affirmation that is being made; if it is accepted with the left hand, it shows disagreement.

Hmm. I personally think that whichever hand is used might just signify whether you are right or left handed! However, if neither party is aware of this "meaning" it is a moot point anyway!

For more articles by this writer, click here.

Sources:
quotegarden.com
theflowerexpert.com
web.extension.illinois.edu