Among the multitude of floral offerings for Valentine’s Day, roses always stand out. It’s hard to resist the beauty and softness of their petals, their intoxicating perfume and outstanding depth of color. A bouquet of long-stemmed roses may go for anywhere from $20 to more than $200 depending on the number, type of arrangement, specialty touches or floral shop. What’s an admirer, especially one on a budget, to do?
A single rose with a bit of baby’s breath and some greenery in a bud vase is one option. Even a simple bouquet of 3 or 6 roses with some other floral accompaniments would surely be appreciated by the receiver, whether given as a token of romantic love or terms of endearment. When selecting roses, freshness counts. Stems should be strong, flowers partially opened and erect on the stems and leaves should be firm. Avoid any that feel flimsy or look like they are beginning to wilt. Do keep in mind that some are more heavily scented than others.
While red roses, of course, symbolize love and admiration, blossoms of other colors also are associated with meanings or emotions. What they stand for, might help you decide which ones to choose for that special person in your life. Deep and medium pinks express gratitude while light pinks symbolize innocence and appreciation. Looking to stir up some romantic feelings, try salmon roses that represent desire and excitement. Orange colored blooms indicate fascination, cream, charm and thoughtfulness, yellow signify friendship and white, innocence or new love. The dyed rainbow ones are though to express hope and pride.
Although it is not clear why of all flowers, the rose is emblematic with Valentine’s Day, one legend has it that the first red rose appeared on the spot where the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite’s, lover Adonis was felled by a wild boar. From the mixture of his blood and her tears, a lovely red rose sprang forth from the ground. Regardless of how this association began, over 250 million roses worth about $2 billion dollars were sold for Valentine’s Day last year according to the National Retail Federation.
When properly cared for, cut roses can be enjoyed for at least a week and maybe two. If not already in a container, prepare a clean vase for them. Always give your vases a good scrubbing with soap and water before storing to reduce chances of bacterial growth that is harmful to cut flowers.
Mix up the packet of floral preservative that typically comes with cut flowers or arrangements as directed on the package. Use lukewarm tap water. While there are suggestions for use of common household items to make a homemade floral preservative solution, some do not work at all while others may not extend vase life to the same extent that these commercially prepared mixes do. All contain some form of carbohydrates, generally sucrose, to serve as a source of energy for the flowers, some type of acidifier as flowers last longer when not in alkaline water, and an anti-bacterial agent to inhibit the growth of damaging microbes. Store any extra floral preservative mix so it can be used when the water needs to be replaced.
Recut the stems of roses at an angle before placing in the vase filled with floral preservative. Use sharp pruners or scissors to avoid crushing the stem. If at all possible, do this with the bottom of the stem in a pan of water. Cut at least one inch off every time the stem is recut. Before placing the rose stems in a vase, remove any of the foliage that would be submerged.
Once arranged, keep your roses in a bright spot but out of direct sunlight. Blooms will last longer at cool temperatures so do not place your bouquet near heaters, fireplaces or in other warm areas. Avoid drafts and check vase water daily. Refill if the level decreases and change the water if it begins to look cloudy. With a little TLC, you can keep Valentine’s Day flowers looking fresh for days to come.
Potted miniature roses also make delightful Valentine’s Day gifts. With beckoning buds and petite blossoms, these attractive plants are hard to resist. The price is right too with grocery store florists often offering them at less than $10 a pop.
Miniature roses are a bit more challenging than your average houseplant. Conditions for their continued healthy growth and bloom are more typically found in a greenhouse than in a home. They enjoy bright light, so place in a south or west window, where temperatures are on the cool side. Many are hardy and would do well when planted outside come spring. Perhaps they can be considered a temporary house plant guest rather than a permanent resident.
Many of these charming plants are perfectly hardy here. The key is to find miniature roses with tags that name the variety. Then, the plant can be looked up to see what its hardiness zone is. If hardy to USDA zone 5, it will likely survive in most Connecticut gardens.
While plants are indoors, check the potting medium frequently and make sure plants remain moderately moist but are not allowed to dry out. Since plants are actively growing, every other week mix up a dilute, quarter-strength houseplant fertilizer and use that to water them.

Remove any spent flowers and keep an eye out for yellowing leaves. These often indicate conditions that are too moist, too little light or not enough humidity. Although those decorative plastic or foil sleeves look attractive, they can block light and air flow. They can also prevent the pots from draining adequately after watering.
When the weather starts to warm and the danger of frost has passed, plants can be hardened off to set in the garden. Do this by starting plants out in a semi-shaded spot and gradually exposing them to more hours of sunlight each day. Miniature roses, like their full-size relatives, thrive in full sun, a fertile, well-drained soil in a site with good air circulation. Plants can also be moved up to larger size pots and grown in containers.
If you’re thinking your special someone has greater desires than a bouquet or miniature rose plant -perhaps a formal rose garden in mind – why not give a gift certificate to either a local garden center with a large rose selection or to a specialty rose catalog? Some mail order sources to consider include www.jacksonandperkins.com, www.davidaustinroses.com, www.edmundsroses.com, www.highcountryroses.com and www.antiqueroseemporium.com. Note that the Antique Rose Emporium even carries a rose named ‘Valentine’!

May all your Valentine’s Days be filled with lots of roses!
Dawn P.