Preserved roses: What they are, how they work and why they’re more than a fad

An estimated 250 million roses are produced each year for Valentine’s Day alone — and of course, millions more are given throughout the year for anniversaries, weddings and other special events. While roses have long been a popular romantic gift, the types and styles of roses have changed over the years to involve new colours, arrangements and so on.

One of the most unique trends currently reshaping the industry is preserved roses — roses that are grown to last for years. Not found at a typical floral shop, preserved roses have quickly risen to prominence as a high-end gift.

I recently had the chance to interview Doniz Pauillac, COO of The Million Roses, to learn more about preserved roses and why they are expected to become an even more popular gift option in the floral world.

What are preserved roses, and how do they work?

“Preserved roses are luxury roses that are designed to last for at least three years,” Pauillac explains. “Our roses are grown sustainably in Ecuador, where we select only the highest-quality roses to undergo a special preservation process. Instead of letting the roses dry out completely, our experts utilise a special rehydration process that places the flowers in a liquid mixture of glycerine and plant elements. As the liquid gradually rises through the stem to the flower, it ensures long-lasting preservation while still maintaining the rose’s natural look. The flowers are then carefully arranged to fit our handmade boxes.”

This preservation technique is used while the roses still have stems — after the preservation process is complete, stems are cut for size or removed entirely, depending on the type of floral arrangement that has been ordered. The mixture is designed to ensure the roses last for at least three years, though they can last even longer with proper care.

“These flowers do not require any water — in fact, it is important to not water them to allow the preservative to continue to work,” Pauillac explains. “This makes them remarkably low-maintenance, even for more elaborate floral arrangements. To help the roses last even longer, they should be kept in a cool, dry area. Avoiding excess heat and humidity and only cleaning them with a soft duster will help them maintain their look for years.”

Preserved roses are primarily sold in boxed arrangements, though preserved long stem roses are also available. Pauillac notes that while boxed roses should be kept in the box, long stem roses can have their stems trimmed for size to better meet the display needs of a home without negatively impacting the preservative.

Why preserved roses are here to stay

While some might be tempted to write off preserved roses as a fad, Pauillac is confident that they are here to stay. “As a society, we see people increasingly looking for more sustainable gifting options,” he says.

“At the same time, the romantic ideas behind giving roses as a gift isn’t going away. For people who want a more sustainable floral gifting option, preserved roses are the perfect solution.”

This aligns with research from PwC, which found that 46% of customers are buying more sustainable products to try to reduce their environmental impact, and 80% are even willing to play more for sustainable products. Preserved roses are not only grown sustainably, but their long-lasting preservation process also reduces the environmental impact of needing to grow (and replace) so many roses each year.

Pauillac also believes there is longevity in preserved roses’ status as a luxury gift item: “Roses have always been considered a luxury gift, to an extent, but preserved roses help cement that idea even further. Beautiful arrangements that last for years mean the roses can become a lasting part of the decor, serving as a constant reminder of your feelings for each other. Both boxed arrangements and long stem roses can elevate your space as a centrepiece or a standalone ornament.”

It’s also worth noting that preserved roses counter many of the reasons why some people don’t like receiving flowers as a gift. Complaints about flowers requiring watering and other care, the fact that they will die after a week or even the state of vase water aren’t issues with preserved roses. Roses that are meant to last and don’t require much in terms of ongoing care can feel much more meaningful and worthwhile for both the giver and the recipient.

An excellent gifting option

As opposed to standard roses that only last one to two weeks at best, preserved roses can serve as a lasting reminder of your feelings. As a sustainable luxury gifting item that will last for three years or more, preserved roses are an excellent option as a gift or even as a decorative feature for your own home.

“From gold roses in a classic black box to a single red rose, preserved roses are the perfect way to express your feelings,” Pauillac says. “Combining the appeal of roses with modern preservation techniques gives us the best of both worlds. Whether you’re giving them as a romantic gift, celebrating an engagement or anniversary or even trying to enhance your home decor, preserved roses are up to the task.”

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