Roses are in our name and I love them. I love growing them, smelling them and think they are so pretty. Unfortunately, roses have been used and abused to the point where they have become a cliche’ and more often than not, I hear “no roses”
I made it my mission to learn all I could about the rose. Like wine, countries, regions, and even farms can produce drastically different results with the same variety, anyone who has sampled a Merlot from Long Island vs one from Sonoma Valley will know what I mean.
I spoke with wholesalers, importers, growers and lots of other floral designers about Roses, where to get the best, how they are graded, what to look for when buying. I feel like I have a PhD in Roses.
Roses like most flowers are sold at auctions. The best and the biggest, I found, usually go to Russia. RUSSIA!!! They LOVE big headed, Extra Long roses and will pay a premium for them. Occasionally (Usually around Valentine’s Day) We will be able to get our hands on some of these puppies. These roses are left on the bush longer than regular roses so that the heads will have time to develop to the maximum size. They are only grown on older stock in the most premium conditions. Ask me about them….Come see them at the shop. They are about 45 inches tall! That’s taller than Lavender.
Speaking of size, Size does matter. There is no FDA council controlling the language used on flowers so a lot of “bargain” companies get away with calling any old crap “Premium” and “Long Stemmed” and I mean crap. I see the prices for the “discount” flowers and honestly, it is less than my cost, what the hell are they selling? Grade B and Grade C, 40cm (15″) Roses grown in Mexico, yuck.
Look at the chart below. This is the size of the roses we sell. We don’t carry anything less than 60cm (24″) and our Average Size for premium roses is 28″. Wow, that’s about a FOOT taller than the “bargain” brands….Size does matter. I am so picky that I will only buy from particular farms….and only their highest grade. It is not unusual for our roses to last up to three weeks in the vase.
Size does matter
I hope you do stop in and see our roses. They are divine even for someone who is not a “red rose” type of gal.
Roses Done Right
Two Dozen Roses
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