Garden Roses: Romantic Elegance

LivRio Magazine, Wedding Issue
May 2026, powered by FloraLife

Garden roses define wedding season with their romantic, elegant look and signature fragrance. Their full, layered petals create a luxurious aesthetic in bouquets, centerpieces, and installations. Because demand peaks during this time, proper care and handling is key to ensuring long vase life, encouraging beautiful opening, and preserving their delicate form. With the right hydration, temperature control, and prep, garden roses reveal the lush texture and shape that make them a wedding favorite.

Care and Handling Tips

Hydration & Storage at Store Level

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner.
• If received dry packed, conditioning of stem ends is recommended to prevent blockage and promote uptake. Cut approximately 1″ or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Place flowers in a holding treatment such as FloraLife® Express Ultra 200. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener as the salt levels can be damaging to flowers.
• Store in a cooler at 34 – 38° F (1-3° C) with a relative humidity of 75-85%.
• Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate, placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
• Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating flowers.

Vase Care

• Remove any leaves that might be below the vase solution.
• Cut approximately 1″ or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife. If received dry, treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Immediately place roses in a vase or bucket containing a flower food solution such as FloraLife Crystal Clear® or FloraLife® Express 300.

Special Considerations

• Wedding flowers are often subject to unfavorable vase life conditions, especially events held outdoors. To maximize freshness, use a hydration spray to lock in moisture. For flowers with limited to no water source like handheld bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres, use FloraLife® Clear Crowning Glory®. For arrangements in water or foam, a few spritzes of FloraLife® Finishing Touch.
• Roses are best hydrated with their protective packaging intact. If received dry pack, leave stems in their packaging for at least 2 hours or until hydrated. If received wet pack, no need to keep packaging on; gently remove upon arrival and process.
• Avoid getting water on blooms! Roses are prone to botrytis when blooms are over saturated.

*Product availability depends upon geographical region