Essential Care Tips for Ecuadorian Roses When They Arrive at Your Flower Shop
Ecuadorian roses are known worldwide for their large buds, vibrant colors, and impressive vase life. Grown at high altitudes in the Ecuadorian Andes, these roses develop strong stems and fuller blooms that make them a favorite among professional florists.
However, even the highest-quality roses require proper handling when they arrive at the flower shop. The first steps taken after receiving fresh roses can significantly impact their hydration, opening, and longevity in arrangements.
Below are some simple and practical florist tips to help ensure your Ecuadorian roses perform at their best.
Unbox the Roses Carefully
When your shipment arrives, begin by opening the boxes carefully and removing the bunches without damaging the stems or blooms. Once removed from the box: Inspect the bunches Organize the roses by variety or color Prepare them for processing and hydration Handling roses carefully during this stage helps maintain their quality and prepares them for the next steps.
Hydrate the Roses Immediately
Hydration is one of the most important steps in proper rose care. As soon as possible after unboxing, place the roses in clean buckets filled with fresh water. This allows the stems to begin absorbing water immediately after transportation. For best results: Use clean buckets or containers Fill them with fresh water Add floral preservatives when available Proper hydration helps maintain the structure of the bloom and improves the overall performance of fresh roses.
Re-Cut the Stems and Remove Guard Petals
Before placing the roses into water, it is recommended to cut the stems to improve water absorption. Using clean and sharp floral shears, remove about 1–2 cm from the bottom of the stem, cutting at a slight angle. This simple step helps reopen the stem’s water channels, allowing the rose to hydrate more efficiently. Florists may notice that the outer petals of a rose sometimes appear darker or slightly imperfect. These are called guard petals. Guard petals protect the rose during growth and transportation. Removing them helps reveal the perfect inner petals of the bloom, improving the presentation of the rose for arrangements and displays.
Place Roses in Clean Water
After processing, place the roses into clean buckets with sufficient water levels. To maintain freshness: Use clean containers Keep stems well hydrated Remove any leaves that fall below the water line Keeping leaves out of the water helps prevent bacteria buildup and supports longer vase life.
Store in a Florist Cooler
After hydration and processing, roses should be placed in a flower shop cooler until they are ready to be used.
Keeping roses hydrated in a cooler allows them to rest properly before being arranged, helping maintain their freshness and bloom quality.
With proper care and handling, Ecuadorian roses can deliver exceptional performance, beautiful opening, and long-lasting freshness.
By following these simple florist tips—from hydration and stem cutting to proper storage—you can ensure your roses are always ready to create stunning floral designs.
At Highland Flowers, we proudly supply premium Ecuadorian roses directly to florists across the United States, helping bring exceptional quality and beauty to every arrangement.
Discover the difference of Ecuadorian roses with Highland Flowers.
