Roses have strong, sturdy stems and an unforgettable fragrance.
Florists should look for roses that have just begun to unfurl, these are the best cut roses to buy. Roses will take about 2 weeks from the time a bud is set to the time the blossom opens.
Florist Care Guide
To care for red roses, remove lower leaves of the stems while being careful of thorns. Cut off 1 inch of stem from the bottom.
Put red roses in a clean vase or container with fresh water and flower food.
Do not put roses near fruit, in full sunlight or near any heaters.
Guard Petals
The outer petals of roses tend to be different than other flowers, these are called Guard Petals.
Florists may choose to remove guard petals for aesthetic reasons. To remove simply hold each petal firmly and give a gentle tug to remove.
The guard petals also can be kept to add a naturalistic element.