5 Tips For Using and Preserving Rose Flowers and Hips

Now that many of us have actively growing rose plants, here are 5 tips for using the flowers and hips.

To maximize the life of cut roses, place rose stems under water and re-cut at an angle. Remove foliage that will be below the water line once in the vase.

Leaves Removed Below Water Line

To extend the life of rose bloom in vases, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar to vase water. GardenZeus also recommends adding a small amount of vinegar to inhibit bacterial growth in vase water, not more than 1 to 2 teaspoons, and changing vase water every 1 to 3 days.

Keep roses away from fruit that may be sitting on your counter. Most fruits give off ethylene gas and the exposure to the gas will cause roses to deteriorate more quickly.

Rose hips are the fruit of roses. They are high in vitamin C, contain the antioxidant lycopene, are generally considered edible, and can be used to make bread, syrup, jams and jellies, wine, and other foods and beverages. Both rose petals and rose hips are used for herbal teas. To make rose hip tea, place two teaspoons of rose hips in one cup of hot water and steep for ten minutes.

Rose Hips

Rose petals can be placed in bath water, or dried for potpourri and sachets. Or, scatter fresh rose petals around candles on your table for an attractive centerpiece.

For customized information for growing roses in your area, go to GardenZeus and enter your zip code.  For instructions on tasks for roses in spring, see Spring Gardening Task: Add Mulch to Rose Beds.