Rose Care: How to Keep Your Roses Beautiful and Fresh for a Long Time
You received a bouquet of roses that took your breath away. And two days later, they’re already starting to wilt. It’s frustrating, especially when you know it can be prevented with next to nothing.
Don't worry: roses aren't high-maintenance. They just need a little attention. We'll explain everything!
How do you care for cut roses in a vase?
A bouquet of roses can last a week. It can also last two weeks. It’s not a matter of luck—it’s a matter of technique. A few simple steps at the start, a few small habits along the way, and your roses will truly surprise you.
Prepare the vase and the water before placing the roses in it
First step: a clean vase. Bacteria lingering in a poorly rinsed vase are the number one enemy of cut roses. A splash of dish soap, a thorough rinse—that goes a long way.
As for the water: cool, not cold. And if your local florist has included a small packet of flower preservative in the bouquet, don’t hesitate to use it. It works discreetly but is truly effective.
Cutting the Stems: The Action That Makes All the Difference
Before placing the stems in water, cut them at an angle, about two centimeters from the bottom, using a sharp knife. Don't use scissors, which crush the fibers instead of cutting them cleanly. The angled cut provides more surface area in contact with the water, resulting in much better-hydrated roses.
What if you cut the stem right under running water? Even better. That prevents air from getting into the stem and blocking the flow of water. It’s a small detail, yes. But it’s also what makes all the difference.
I find my bouquet of flowers
Everyday Tips for Keeping Roses Fresh Longer
Change the water every two days, remove any leaves that have fallen into the vase (they rot quickly and contaminate the water), and trim the stems slightly each time you change the water.
Also, avoid placing the bouquet near a radiator, a window that gets a lot of sunlight, or a bowl of fruit. Ripe fruit releases ethylene, a gas that causes flowers to wilt more quickly. And yes, it’s really worth keeping in mind.
Mistakes That Cause Roses to Wilt Too Quickly
The most common reason: a room that’s too warm. Roses love cool temperatures: 18 to 20°C is ideal. Avoid placing them on top of a radiator!
The second tip: never trim the stems. The end gradually gets clogged, the rose can no longer absorb water, and it droops. But a quick snip with a knife every two days is all it takes to turn things around.
How do you care for roses in the garden or in pots?
A rose bush in full bloom is a sight to behold. The flowers keep blooming, the fragrance fills the garden, and the colors dance in the light. It takes a little care, but really not much time. And the results are well worth it!
Pruning Roses: When and How to Do It
Major pruning is done in latewinter, in February or March, depending on the region. The goal is to remove dead wood, open up the center of the rose bush, and prepare for the upcoming bloom. Cut one centimeter above an outward-facing bud, at an angle, using sharp, clean tools.
Throughout the season, remove wilted flowers regularly. This practice, known as green pruning, encourages the rose bush to produce new flowers rather than seeds. A rose bush that is green-pruned will bloom all summer long. It really is that simple.
Watering and Soil: How to Care for a Rose Bush Without Overwatering It
Roses love water. They don’t like having their feet in it. Watering them thoroughly but infrequently is far better than giving them small amounts every day. The idea is for the water to seep deep into the soil so the roots can reach down and draw it up.
Always water at the base of the plant; never water the leaves. Moisture on the foliage encourages disease, particularly the dreaded black spot disease. In the summer, mulching around the base of the rose bush works wonders for retaining moisture in the soil and reducing the need for watering.
Caring for Potted Roses: What You Need to Adjust
In pots, roses dry out much faster than they do in the ground. In hot weather, you may need to water them every other day. Also, remember to fertilize regularly: frequent watering washes nutrients out of the soil, and a rose plant that lacks fertilizer will show it pretty quickly.
Every two or three years, repot it into a slightly larger container. You can tell when a rose bush is too cramped: fewer flowers, less vigor, and less enjoyment.
Sessile's Review: The Skincare Product That Makes a Difference
At Sessile, we often meet people who are convinced they have a “black thumb” when it comes to flowers. Most of the time, that’s not true at all. It’s just a few simple steps that people never learned, because no one took the time to show them.
You can tell when a rose has been well cared for. It lasts longer, stays beautiful, and brings joy for much longer. And it all starts with a few simple steps that are easy to get the hang of.
Our florists are here to help with that, too—feel free to ask them; they know their roses better than anyone.
Who are we?
Sessile champions the independence of artisan florists online. Founded in 2019 by six friends, Sessile brings together 500 florists committed to transforming the industry and enables flower delivery throughout France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. By breaking away from the traditional online catalog model, the network highlights each florist’s expertise and helps keep the art of floristry alive. Florists can pursue their passion and create more creative bouquets because they have greater freedom to offer seasonal flowers and, whenever possible, locally sourced flowers.
