Q: Is it possible to perk up a tired rose?

A: Indeed it is. Roses are a lot like ladies of leisure. Sitting around looking pretty all day can be quite exhausting, and the best way to rejuvenate such a beauty is to run her a warm bath and allow her to hop in up to her neck and relax there for an hour or so.

Q: Should I pull off the thorns?

A: Many roses used in floristry are thorn-free, but, should your bunch be beset by prickles, just let it be. Pulling off thorns creates lesions in the stem where bacteria can enter and potentially shorten the vase-life of your flowers.

Q: Which are the best roses?

A: In our books (and in the eyes of many a romanced damsel), deep red Grand Prixs take the top title – they’ve not only got bustier blossoms, but longer ‘legs’ as well!

Florist Tips

Rejuvenate a wilted rose by trimming an inch off the stem, bathing it in warm water and leaving it submerged until the water cools (about two hours). You won't bring an expired bloom back from the dead, but it could work wonders for a heat-exhausted flower.