Garden roses are one of the most breathtaking flowers you can work with. With their full, layered petals and intoxicating fragrance, they're a top choice for weddings and special occasions. When they first arrive, they may look a lot like standard roses, tight and understated. Don't be fooled! Given the right care and a little time, garden roses open into full, lush, layered blooms that are truly stunning.

Like all of our flowers, garden roses are not ready to display the moment they arrive. They need time to hydrate and bloom, and the transformation from tight bud to full open rose is absolutely worth the wait.

What You'll Need

• A clean vase
• Fresh, cool water
• Floral preservative (recommended)
• Sharp scissors or floral shears

Step-by-Step Care Instructions

1. Unpack and inspect. Remove your garden roses from the packaging as soon as they arrive. Don't worry if the buds look tight. This is completely normal and means they were packed at the perfect stage for shipping.
2. Check the outer petals. You may notice the outermost petals look green, brown, wrinkled, or a little rough. These are called guard petals, and they are left on intentionally during shipping to protect the inner bloom. They are completely normal and not a sign of damage. Simply peel them off gently and you'll find a beautiful, healthy bloom underneath ready to open.
3. Trim the stems. Cut 1 to 2 inches off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle using sharp scissors or floral shears. This fresh cut allows the stems to drink water more efficiently.
4. Remove lower leaves. Strip any foliage that would fall below the waterline to keep your water clean and bacteria-free.
5. Fill your vase. Use clean, room-temperature water with floral preservative. The nutrients in the preservative help fuel the blooming process.
6. Give them time. Garden roses naturally take longer to open than standard roses, sometimes 2 to 4 days. This is part of what makes them so special. Be patient and let them bloom at their own pace.
7. Change the water every 2 days. Re-trim the stems each time to keep them hydrated and drinking well.
8. Find a good spot. Keep them away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ripening fruit. A bright, cool room is ideal.

Pro Tips

• Speed up blooming: Move your garden roses to a warmer spot or place them in slightly warmer water to encourage the petals to open faster.
• Plan ahead for events: If you need them in full bloom for a specific date, unbox them 3 to 4 days before your event so they have plenty of time to open beautifully.

How Long Will They Last?

With proper care, garden roses typically last 5 to 8 days in a vase. The slower they open, the longer they tend to last, so that patience really pays off!