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Florist explains five things to look for when picking the ‘perfect’ rose for Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about what flowers you’re going to buy for that special someone. Roses have been a symbol of love and romance for centuries and are a must on February 14 – but what makes a good one?
Anyone can go and pick up a bunch of basic roses from the nearest store, but if you really want to bring the wow factor this Valentine’s Day, there are a few things you need to look out for. From cut to color and length, here’s how to choose the ‘perfect’ bouquet.
5 things to look for in the ‘perfect’ rose
The Focus exclusively spoke to James Stevens aka ‘Mr Roses’, who founded the world-renowned Roses Only, which sells bouquets in the US, UK, Hong Kong and Singapore.
The Australian-born florist describes his bouquets as “the Tiffany of flowers,” sourcing and selling the “best roses available”.
He told The Focus there are five things you need to look out for…
1. Length
Roses vary in length from around 1ft to 2ft, but you need to be looking for the longer ones for the best February 14 bunch.
“Ours are closer to 2ft always,” said Stevens, who revealed that longer roses are not as plentiful with regards to production.
2. Stem
Longer roses have a thicker and stronger stem which “will not bend easily” and will “stand upright in a vase”.
If you look for roses with a nice thick stem, they will typically last longer too, extending the Valentine’s magic.
3. Head
Make sure you find a rose with a nice big head that’s not thin or “week looking,” Mr Roses further explained.
He said the flower’s head size should be a minimum of 1 to 1.5 inches in length, with a diameter of almost 1 inch.
4. Foliage
Another thing you need to consider is the leaves. Look out for bright green foliage and avoid yellow at all costs.
“A rose must not be naked of leaves,” he said – so make sure the bouquet’s greenery hasn’t all been plucked away,
5. Color
Finally, what would Valentine’s Day be without a red rose? There’s only one color option to go for and the redder the better.
Roses Only prides itself in offering roses with “intensely vivacious colors,” so make sure they’re bright and deep for that extra WOW.
And if you’re thinking of going against the crowd and getting a different type of flower for your significant other this Valentine’s – forget it!
“Any other flower other than roses, in fact, specifically red roses, more specifically, long stemmed red roses, leaves a recipient somewhat deflated. Save the other flowers for any other time in the year,” Stevens said.
Mr Roses’ flowers are sourced 8,000 feet above sea level, in Ecuador, Colombia, Kenya and Ethiopia, where they are exposed to the ideal sunlight to product the “finest” roses.
Each flower is finished by hand, with someone de-thorning, carefully plucking the guard petals away, and cutting the stem at an angle for extra water absorption.
Delight the one you love this Valentine’s Day with a stunning bunch of red roses from Roses Only. They ship USA wide and prices start at $69.
