How to Get Paraffin Wax Off Roses

Roses are a long-time favorite of many gardeners.

Florists often cut bare-root roses at the tips then coat the tips with a layer of paraffin wax. The paraffin wax holds in moisture while protecting the tips and reducing the possibility of stress to the plant. You can leave the paraffin wax on the tips of the roses, since it is designed to deteriorate quickly. However, many people do not like the idea of leaving the wax on the tip. Removing the paraffin wax is a relatively simple process.

Things You'll Need

• Garden gloves with rubber tips
• Gardening shears

Instructions

1. Equip yourself with a pair of garden gloves that feature rubber-tip fingers.

2. Crack the paraffin wax seal by holding the tip of the rose cane and gently squeezing. Pull away any pieces of the wax that have become broken.

3. Using a pair of gardening shears, cut off the paraffin wax tip. Cut no more than about 1/8 inch of the rose cane.

4. Make a cut on the bias just below the paraffin wax at no less than ¼-inch below a bud or leaf axial. Make sure you cut each paraffin-wax-covered rose cane at the same height.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not scrape the paraffin wax off the rose because scraping could cause damage to the cane.

References

• Maine Rose Society: MRS Meeting Report: March 9, 2002
• University of Illinois Extension: Selecting Rose Plants