Have you ever wondered what separates a quality rose from a cheap rose? Well, let me start by saying we have been florists for 18 years, and have learned a thing or two from first hand experience.
First, start with where the rose is grown. We have found the best quality roses from our experience have been grown in Ecuador. They have larger heads, are more fragrant, and have longer, straighter, and more sturdy stems.
There are so many varieties of roses it is mind boggling. Generally, the longer lasting roses are in the red and pink colors. The shortest vase life in roses, in our experience has typically been the yellow and purple varieties.
Further complicating the process, you can choose between long and short stem lengths. Over the years the roses have been sorted by stem length and head size. The higher quality roses always have a longer, straighter, stem and a good head size.
How you choose to arrange your roses or intend to use the roses are what should determine what to buy, (i.e. short, long etc.). For instance, if you are making corsages or a small vase, short roses work fine. However, if you wish to show off a little and go with a dozen roses in a large vase or something more impressive such as a funeral spray or a large corporate arrangement, then of course you will want to use the longer, nicer ones.
So, just what is a long rose?
Well, let's start with the grades and sizes.
The short roses, or what I would call a market rose, (like you see on the corners and in grocery stores and mass merchandisers)are usually 40cm long or approximately 15 inches long. These roses generally don't last as long, and usually aren't as pretty and shapely as the larger roses and tend to have lower petal counts.
The more standard size of 50cm, or about 19 inches are generally a fair sized rose and more like what you'll find in a smaller rose arrangement at a florist or used for corsages. The 50 cm roses are generally a bigger head with a larger bloom and prettier shape to them. Now for the higher quality roses, or what is known as florist quality. These are 60 - 70 cm or 23 - 27 inches long. This is what is really considered a long stemmed rose by florists. Typically this size has an excellent shaped head and a high petal count, giving the roses a very firm feel to them, and the blooms tend to open more fully. The stems are generally straighter, and thicker so the rose is fairly sturdy and will hold up longer in a vase with the proper care.
On occasion, you can find the premium roses that are 80 cm long or 31 inches or longer. These are mostly available in the red varieties. Known for the characteristics of having very long, straight and really thick stems (1/4 of an inch or a little better). Renowned for a superb and shapely head with a higher petal count, and generally a better fragrance. Of course, these are going to be available at a premium price.
Author Byron Pittser, over 18 years experience as a retail florist owner and operator and top quality floral designer. 3rd generation family owned florist http://tipsonroses.blogspot.com
http://chosenflowers.com
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