Desciption & Quality Guide

* The cut stems can range in length, from approximately 14" to 36"
* When blooms are open, they can range in size from 3" to 6" in diameter.
* As the bloom matures, the tips of the petals curl back towards the stem.
* Look for tight heads, showing full color and strong, straight stems.

Care Tips

* Roses are very sensitive to bacteria, which will reduce their
longevity, so the utmost care should be taken to use clean water,
cut flower nutrients, and a clean vase.
* Remove foliage and thorns from the part of the stem that will
be under water in your vase.
* To prevent the intake of air into the stems,
give them a fresh cut at an angle under water.
* Place immediately in a vase filled with water and flower nutrients.
* Recut 1 inch from the flower stems every 4-5 days to maintain
water uptake.

How to Air Dry Roses

* Select partially or fully open roses for the best results. Keep in mind that lighter colors dry better than darker colors.
* Tie roses with raffia or a ribbon in a bunch layering the heads.
* Hang roses upside down keeping them out of sunlight and in moderate temperature.
* Make sure roses are thoroughly dry (about 2 weeks).
* Spray with hair spray to keep from shattering.
* Enjoy the roses as they are or use individually in your own personal creation.

Fun Facts

For centuries, roses have inspired love and brought beauty to
those who have received them. In fact, the rose's rich heritage
dates back thousands of years.

* The rose is a symbol of the times. In fact, it's the official
National Floral Emblem of the United States.
* It's official - the rose is New York's state flower.
* While the rose may bear no fruit, the rose hips (the part left on the
plant after a rose is done blooming) contain more Vitamin C than
almost any other fruit or vegetable.
* A rose by any other name...according to Greek Mythology,
it was Aphrodite who gave the rose it's name.
* Wherefore art thou rose?
In the readings of Shakespeare, of course. He refers to roses more
than 50 times throughout his writngs.
* 1,000 years old. That's the age of the world's oldest living rose is
thought to be. Today it continues to flourish on the wall of the
Hildeshiem Cathedral in Germany.
* Why white roses are so special is no mystery - it's a myth.
Perhaps it started withthe Romans who believed white roses grew
where the tears of Venus fell as she mourned the loss of her beloved
Adonis. The myth also has it Venus' son Cupid accidentally shot
arrows into the rose garden when a bee stung him, and it was the
"sting" of the arrows that caused the roses to grow thorns. And
when Venus walked through the garden and pricked her foot on a
thorn, it was the droplets of her blood which turned the roses red.
* Leave it to the romantic French to be the ones to deliver roses.
It was in the 17th century that French explorer Samuel deChamplain
brought the frist cultivated roses to North America.
* Roses are truly ageless.
Recently archaeologists discovered the fossilied remains of wild
roses over four million years old.

Rose Colors & Their Meanings

* Red - says "I love you," and also stands for respect and courage.
* White - has several meanings: "You're heavenly," reverence and humility,
innocence and purity, "I'm worthy of you," and secrecy and silence.
* Red & White Together - or white roses with red edges, signify unity.
* Pink - symbolizes grace and gentility. Deep pink stands for gratitude and
appreciation. Light pink conveys admiration and sympathy.
* Yellow - stands for joy and gladness.
* Coral or Orange - denotes enthusiasm and desire.
* Deep Burgundy - means "unconscious beauty."
* Red & Yellow Blends - stand for jovial and happy feelings.
* Pale Colors - convey socialbility and friendship.
* A Single Rose - stands for simplicity.
In full bloom it means, "I love you" or "I love you still," and a bouquet of roses in full
bloom signifies gratitude.
* Two Roses - taped or wired together to form a single stem signals an engagement
or coming marriage.
* A Crown Made of Roses - signifies reward of virtue.