How to Preserve a Live Rose Bouquet

Preserving a live rose bouquet does not require any special equipment or products. A simple method using plain soap and water can keep a rose bouquet beautiful and bright for as long as a month, or possibly even longer. This process has been used with success for over a hundred years, but has been updated here for modern bouquets.

Things You'll Need

• Vase
• Mild dishwashing soap
• Wooden spoon
• Sharp knife

Instructions

1. Sprinkle the live rose bouquet with fresh water as soon as possible, preferably right after you get it home or receive it. This will keep the leaves and petals from drying out and help preserve the bouquet longer.

2. Remove any leaves that may decay under the water line, being very careful not to cut through the stem. Bacteria and water may enter through any blemishes in the stem and clog or restrict water intake of the live roses.

3. Fill a vase large enough to hold the bouquet with fresh water, and add a few drops of mild dishwashing soap. Stir with a long wooden spoon to create suds in the vase.

4. Hold the rose stems under running water, and use a sharp knife or shears to cut the stems about 1 inch from the bottom, preferably at an angled or diagonal cut. Do not allow them to dry, but quickly place the live rose bouquet into the soapy water.

5. Remove the rose bouquet from the soapy water each morning and place it into a container of clean water. Allow the bouquet to remain for 1 to 2 minutes.

6. Remove from the water and sprinkle the flowers and leaves with clean water to keep them from drying. Replace the bouquet in the vase of soapy water. Repeat daily.

7. Change the soapy water every 3 to 4 days for best results. Empty the vase, rinse with clean water and make a fresh batch of soapy water using the instructions in step 2.

Tips & Warnings

• This method has been tried and tested for preserving a live rose bouquet. However, if you want even more assurance, try using a commercial floral preservative, which can be found at your local florist.

References

• Book: Arthur's Home Magazine; Timothy Shay Arthur; 1870
• SendFlower -- How to Preserve Roses