When you’re buying roses, you’re likely looking for the freshest, most vibrant bouquet available. But how do you achieve that when your flowers are constantly in transit?
One of the best ways to protect your rose flower delivery is by using outer petals as a buffer. When your arrangement arrives, you can follow a simple procedure to remove these outer petals and reveal the fresh, beautiful ones underneath. Keep reading to learn why outer petal damage is normal and how you can use it to your advantage!
Outer Rose Petals 101
At first glance, outer petals might make a flower look damaged or unappealing, but understanding that these petals are meant to come off can make all the difference. Florists know that flowers can sometimes be at risk through transit and occasionally sustain some minor damage. That’s why they leave the outer petals intact — to ensure the inner petals remain pristine.
So, when will you see outer petals, and when won’t you? Outer petals are mainly used in arrangements that might get jostled around. For hand-delivered displays, they might not be necessary. If you're picking up flowers directly from your florist, they might leave the outer petals on to protect them while you transport them home.
How to Remove Outer Rose Petals
Never removed petals yourself? Don’t worry! It’s a straightforward process that you can easily do at home. Here’s how to ensure your roses look stunning every single time:
Step 1: Identify the Guard Petals
Your first step is to identify which petals need to be removed. The guard petals are the ones that have protected your flower during transit and are likely to look the worst — wilted, discoloured, or damaged. Don’t worry! This doesn’t reflect the quality of the entire flower; it’s simply a result of the petals doing their job.
Step 2: Gently Peel Away the Petals
Gently is the key here! Place your index finger on the inside of the petal and pull it down towards the stem slowly and softly. Avoid plucking the petal, as this can damage the flower. Peel away only the guard petals.
Step 3: Discard the Guard Petals
Once you’ve removed all the guard petals, dispose of them as you wish. You can also repurpose them for potpourri or other crafts if you’d like!
Step 4: Tease the Remaining Petals
While this step is optional, it can help make your roses look fuller. Gently pull on each petal to give it a more voluminous appearance, encouraging them to open outward. Be gentle, applying only a small amount of pressure to avoid pulling the petals out or causing them to wilt.
Step 5: Follow Basic Rose Care Tips
Once your roses are looking their best, make sure to care for them properly. Trim the stems and prune any leaves, clean the vase and fill it with cold water (changing it every other day), and keep your roses out of direct sunlight. For more information, check out our Top Tips for Buying and Caring for Roses.
Final Thoughts
Roses are one of the most popular flowers available, and when you buy them, you want a beautiful bouquet to display in your home. Ensuring that every flower looks perfect can be challenging during transit, but your florist knows that keeping the guard petals in place will help protect them. Once you get home, identify the guard petals, gently peel them back, discard them creatively, and fluff up the remaining petals. You’ll have a perfect bouquet in no time!
I’ve also made a quick video showing you how to manage your roses. Enjoy!
Kate x
