Are you wondering what are rose guard petals and their purpose? Well, learn how to remove rose guard petals. Wholesale fresh roses are packed at the rose farms with their guard petals still in place to protect the bloom. These outer roses petals look bruised, sometimes brown in color with damage. Don’t panic because this does not mean the rose is old or in bad shape. Rose guard petals are left on wholesale roses to protect the inner rose petals during transit to keep them from bruising. When things are in transit, it’s hard to control bumps and bruises.
Photograph By Annie Spratt
Preparing Roses
Fresh cut roses require some additional care during the preparation process. Besides cleaning lower leaves and making a clean cut on each stem, roses should be dethorned and have their guard petals removed before arranging.
To remove thorns from the rose stem, you can use a thorn stripper or your fingers. If using a thorn stripper, close the stripper below the rose head and gently but firmly pull down the stem’s length. Be very careful not to break the head off, and also watch the stem around the thorns is not being pulled off. If you find that the stripper is damaging the stem (some rose varieties are more stubborn to de-thorn than others), you may need to use your fingers. To remove thorns manually, gently push each thorn from its side to pop it off the stem. Be careful not to prick your finger! You may find it helpful to put a bandage on your thumb to protect it.
Removing Guard Petals
Photograph By Anne Sack
You may be unhappy to see that the outer petals of your roses may look bruised or damaged. Don’t panic!!! These are called “guard petals,” which growers leave on to protect the inner flower head during packing and transit. To remove the guard petals, place your index finger inside the petal and gently pinch the petal base, pulling down toward the stem away from the head. Do this as slow and gentle, careful not to damage the flower. Keep removing the imperfect outer petals until you have a blemish-free rose. Some varieties have few guard petals; others have more. If you are using garden roses, sweetheart roses, or spray roses, you can follow the directions above.
Watch this quick video to learn more about how to remove rose guard petals for your DIY arrangements carefully!
Learn more on How to Make a Peony, Rose, Ranunculus flower centerpiece, or be inspired by picking your wedding theme!
Tina Merola
As a professional designer with over twenty years of industry experience, Tina's lifelong creative passion has enabled her to pursue her artistry and vision in various professional environments. Drawing on her knowledge from floral techniques and tips from the industry’s leading professionals allows her the opportunity to channel her love of the unique beauty of nature’s many wondrous blooms into stunning floral designs.
