Like diamonds, roses are forever. Because they do not wither. If you keep aside all your worries about the short shelf life of the sweet-smelling flower, you may even like to ‘invest’ in a premium multi-hued rose that can last for two to three years. No wonder roses with extended shelf lives are gaining popularity with new-age brides, corporate czars, socialites and the well-heeled in town. These specially grown and curated flowers exude the same touch and feel as fresh cut roses.

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Since the South American country of Ecuador with its volcanic slopes and nourishing soil produces some of the world’s best and largest roses, those flowers are cut when in full bloom, says Keerthi Reddy, founder of luxury floral brand OneRoze. “The flowers are then hydrated using special formulas that we have worked on with farms. Next, the blooms are dyed with desired colours to retain the full colour during the course of their shelve life. The dyed blooms are then put through a patented technology of freeze-drying process to make them last for over two years, depending on the variety and the strength of the rose,” says Reddy.

Due to the unique production and preservation techniques used, each long-lasting rose can cost upwards of Rs 2450, and as much as over Rs 4,000. While gift boxes of nine long-lasting roses, slightly smaller in size, can command a cool Rs 11, 500.

Individuals who are collectors of fine things consider premium flowers as a sound investment that amplifies the beauty of a place. Instead of constantly buying and replenishing (withered) flowers time and again, it works better to invest in a set of long-lasting stems, say connoisseurs.

Jet-setter Menaka Bhandary has kept a red, yellow and cobalt blue coloured long-lasting rose at her high-end blowdry bar, Blown, in Bangalore. She says the exotic flower brings with them a certain amount of vibrancy to space, while enhancing the mood of her clients. “Such flowers are subtle and blend in perfectly with the interiors of any upscale space. And the best part about them is that they call for zero maintenance,” says Bhandary.

Shruti Pai from the Manipal Group says the long-lasting rose at her table “looks perfect every day and I am happy I can enjoy the beauty of it and appreciate it longer.”

According to Reddy, their production team works on a fresh range regularly “which look chic as a coffee table accessory, or to elevate the charm of the dining or vanity table.”

Preserving and protecting flowers in general, to enhance their shelf life, is an art as much as it is science, say experts. Tomas De Bruyne, the floral designer at Interflora, a leading global flower delivery network, says conditioning is crucial. “Conditioning of flowers involves the preparation of cut plant material prior to its arrangement, to ensure that its life is not unduly shortened. Correct conditioning will ensure that flowers and foliage last longer, providing the most value,’’ says Bruyne, adding that to keep flowers fresh and beautiful, florists have to pay attention to the quality of the stem, checking for sturdiness, and the absence of damage. 

Source: DNA Money