Posted on June 19, 2025

Reflexing is a technique that creates the classic furled head of a rose into a larger, bolder bloom by pulling back some of the petals to create a different, fuller shape. This works best with flowers that aren't too rigid, such as Secret Garden and Quicksand, whose petals bend back easily. However, be cautious, as this may reduce the lifespan of the flowers to 3-4 days. Most roses in the Ohara family prefer to be reflexed instead of spun open.

Materials Needed:

• Sharp scissors or secateurs
• Gloves
• A vase or bucket
• 10-20 minutes per flower

Steps to Reflex Roses:

1. Condition your roses first. Hydrate them for at least 24 hours to make peeling the petals easier.
2. Optionally, remove the guard petals or clip them back to expose the flowers.
3. Find the central point of the flower and peel the petals back until they pop out.
4. Start with the outer petals and work your way toward the center, stopping about two-thirds of the way in for a more natural look.

Quick Tip: If you're working with a large number of roses, use pot tape to grid your buckets, which helps support the heads while the flowers hydrate.