How to Cut Roses from a Rose Bush

Overview

Roses have complex, vibrant flowers. All roses make excellent cut flowers, although long-stemmed roses are the most popular for vases. Creating indoor arrangements is easy with the proper tools and techniques.

Step 1

Cut the flowers with sharp pruning shears when the buds are well-formed but not fully open. Flowers that are 1/3 open are best for vases.

Step 2

Cut roses at a 45-degree angle near the end of the stem, leaving two to three leaves on the plant. The leaves left behind will help the rose bush produce new growth.

Step 3

Pinch off leaves that will be below the water line in your vase. Pour in a little lemon juice and sugar, or lemon-lime soda, to extend the life of the blooms.

Step 4

Place your roses in a dim, cool place for the first few hours after cutting. This will help them adjust to being cut.

Step 5

Take the flowers out of the vase and cut 1/4 inch off the bottoms of the stems if the blooms begin to wilt. Premature wilting is caused when the stems are blocked and not able to transfer water to the flower.