How to Dye Rainbow Roses

In the 17th century, roses and rose water were considered legal currency in Europe, due to the high demand for these flowers.

In nature, roses come in a variety of shades of white, red, pink, and peach. However, in 2007, at the Hortifair flower show in Amsterdam, the world was introduced to the multicolored wonder of rainbow roses. In a few simple steps, you can dye your own rainbow roses.

Things You'll Need

• Roses
• Utility knife
• 4 glasses
• Flower preservative
• Systemic dyes

Instructions

1. Prepare your dyes. Determine which four colors of the rainbow you'd like your roses to be. Prepare each glass with warm water, flower preservative and a single color of systemic dye. Follow the manufacturer's directions regarding the ratio of preservative to water and dye to water. Mix each color thoroughly and cluster all four glasses together where they can sit undisturbed while your flower is dyeing for 24 to 48 hours.

2. Prepare the rose. Select a rose with a long stem. Make a diagonal cut approximately 1/2 inch off the bottom with the utility knife. A diagonal cut allows for more surface area to be exposed to the dye, better facilitating dye absorption. Carefully make a 3- to 4-inch slice parallel with the stem, splitting the bottom portion of the stem in half. Slice each of these halves in half again, so the last 3 to 4 inches of your flower stem is split into four sections.

3. Place the flower into the dyes. Very gently separate the four sections of stem and place them into the glasses of dye. Allow the flower to absorb the dye for at least 24 hours. When you've achieved the color vividness you desire, remove the flower stem from the dyes, cut off the cut ends and immediately place it in fresh water with flower preservative.

Tips & Warnings

• Although white roses are the most common roses to dye, try dyeing other pale-colored roses for different looks.

• Straight-sided glasses, such as tall shot glasses, work the best because you can cluster them close together.

• Always handle utility knives with care and keep them out of the reach of children.

• Dispose of unused dye according to the manufacturer's instructions.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: History of Roses
• Pressed Flowers by Preserved Gardens: How to Dye Flowers and Foliage
• Purdue University:Gilding the Lilies: Rainbow Roses and Confetti Poinsettia

Resources

• Rose.org: Growing Roses