Spray Roses - How to make the most of this versatile flower

Su Whale
Mar 4
2 min read

Updated: Mar 5

While spray roses are sometimes viewed as the little sister of single headed roses, they are anything but. In every shade and variation of colour that you could wish for, they are good value for money with anything between five to a dozen heads on a stem, depending on variety.

How to buy spray roses

Stem Length: 40-70cm, sold in batches of 10 stems. Cost per stem can vary, based on the length of the stem and the size of the flower heads. The taller varieties with large blooms are generally more expensive, and although shorter stems and smaller heads may seem more cost effective it really depends on what you need your spray roses for.

It is possible to buy spray roses in mixed colours, but you have to commit to larger quantities in order to do so.

What is very useful is that for every large headed rose in a trending colour, there is a spray rose to match, something to bear in mind when ordering bridal flowers. Spray roses add a prettiness to bridal tied designs, and are of course, perfect for corsages and more delicate wired work, where not just the open flowers but the buds can also be utilised – nothing is wasted!

Spray roses: all you need to know

Availability: All year round.

Vase life: 7-12 days.

Colour Range: All expect green, blue and black.

Care and conditioning:

Ideal temperature for display: 2-5°C.
Spray roses are very sensitive to bacteria so it’s important that all containers are scrupulously cleaned before use and that includes buckets!
Re-cut stems with a sharp knife or scissors and remove any foliage that will be in contact with water.
Change water every two to three days, re-cutting stems each time.
Spray roses need good air circulation to minimise the effects of botrytis (grey mould), so don’t overcrowd containers.

How to dry spray roses

Spray roses look as lovely dried, and it is very easy to do. Use the air drying method; take off any unnecessary foliage and remove thorns for easy handling. Hang individual stems upside down so that the heads remain straight, in a dry, well ventilated, warm spot. They should take two to three weeks.

Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over Thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.