Roses are a beautiful and versatile flower. They are a popular choice for gifts, centerpieces, bouquets and flower arranging. As they are available in a range of colors, sizes, stem lengths and fragrances, choosing roses is entirely up to personal preference.
Arranging a Dozen Roses in a Vase
There are three elements to consider when arranging roses in a vase. These are stem lengths, type of filler and composition.
- Stem Lengths - Trim stems to suit the size of the vase. As a rule of thumb, the rose stem should be at least one and a half times the height of the vase.
- Filler - Baby's breath and ferns are traditional complements to roses. Do not use too much filler, as it will overwhelm the roses, which are the focal point of the arrangement.
- Composition - Trim roses to one uniform length, and let them fall towards the edges of a large vase. Or, for more structure, keep six roses at a longer length and trim the rest four to six inches shorter. Arrange these shorter roses around the taller ones. The idea is to create a rounded shape in the arrangement. Trim and add filler to complete the ball-like shape.
Flower Arrangements With Dried Roses
Dried roses are often treated with perfumes, to release a lovely scent in the room. As with fresh roses, they are available in a variety of colors and sizes. Mini roses look especially nice when used in dried rose arrangements.
The secret to using dried roses is to trim the stems so that only the actual flower is showing. Dried stems and dried filler are often not as attractive as the dried rose. Arrange dried roses in opaque vases and containers, like clay flower pots or silver vases.
Unique Floral Arrangements Using Roses
Sometimes, arranging flowers in an unusual holder will make an interesting statement. Use rusty watering cans, vintage food tins, or mason jars to create a rustic arrangement. For a fun modern spin, fill a glass vase or jar with colorful water storing gel beads.
If the rose arrangement does not have to last very long, take a piece of craft foam or Styrofoam, and cut into an interesting shape, like a rainbow or heart. Cut the roses very short and poke them into the foam, until it is completely covered in roses. These sorts of arrangements are great for birthday and wedding centerpieces.
How to Arrange Fake Flowers - Roses
Fake flowers come in a range of materials and quality, so shop around to find the ones that look like the real thing. Fake flowers are versatile for crafting and flower arranging. Using plastic, paper or silk flowers has the added benefit of creating an arrangement that will last much longer than real flowers.
When the flower arranger is not necessarily interested in creating a "real looking" arrangement, this opens up the possibilities for creative flower arranging. Try using roses trimmed in sparkles, or unusual colors. Add beaded wire, pearl beads or any other craft accessories, to create an original flower arrangement.
Buying Roses in Bulk - Wholesale Flowers
If the flower arranging project is quite extensive, for a wedding or other large celebration, it is best to keep the arrangements fairly simple. To get the best price, try buying roses in bulk from a local flower shop or online. When purchasing bulk roses, there are many online options to consider, including Whole Blossoms and Fifty Flowers.
Marie MacDonald - Marie MacDonald is based in London, UK. She joined Suite101 in January, 2010.
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