Heart of Roses: Types, How Many Roses and How to Make One

A heart of roses is one of the most romantic floral gifts: a heart-shaped arrangement in floral foam, in a box or on a stand. It is given on Valentine's Day, anniversaries, for a proposal or simply to declare your feelings. Here are the types of flower hearts, how many roses you need, how to make one yourself and how to care for it. Everything else about types, colours and care is in our complete guide to roses. On the symbolism of numbers: how many roses to give.

Ready-made arrangements are available among our roses in a box and red roses.

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Types of flower hearts

• Heart in a box — roses packed into floral foam in a heart-shaped box; the most practical option, no vase needed.
• Heart on a stand — a large arrangement for a celebration or proposal.
• Heart-shaped bouquet — roses in a round bouquet, with ribbons and wrapping forming the heart.
• Patterned heart — a message or a second heart in a contrasting colour inside.

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Size and number of roses

The exact number depends on bud size: large imported roses take up more room than spray or local roses. More in how to make a 101-rose bouquet.

How to make a heart of roses

• Base: a heart-shaped floral foam (sold ready-made) or one cut from a block, plus a tray or box.
• Soak: float the foam on water and let it soak itself.
• Prepare roses: cut stems at an angle to 3–4 cm and remove leaves.
• Outline: fill the edge of the heart first, then the middle, row by row and tightly.
• Pattern: mark any message or inner heart with toothpicks in advance.
• Finish: cover visible foam with greenery or moss and add a ribbon.

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Rose colours

• Red — passion and love; the classic for Valentine's Day and proposals.
• Pink — tenderness and romance.
• White — purity; striking with a red pattern inside.
• Combinations — a two-tone heart with an outline or message.

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Care

Every 1–2 days water the foam a little from above, and keep the arrangement cool, away from sun and radiators. A foam heart of roses lasts 5–10 days depending on the rose variety.

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When to give one

• Valentine's Day and relationship anniversaries.
• A marriage proposal.
• Wedding anniversaries; ideas by year in wedding anniversaries by year.
• Apologies and making up — along with a sincere conversation.

A rose heart for a proposal

A heart of roses is one of the most popular proposal props. Present it as you go down on one knee, place it at the centre of a romantic table or hide it in a hotel room. Red or soft pink roses work best, and for photos choose a heart in a lidded box that your partner opens herself. Think about lighting too: in the evening roses look more striking next to candles or fairy lights.

FAQ

How many roses are in a heart?

From 25–35 in a small one to 101 or more in a large one, depending on bud size.

How much does a heart of roses cost?

It depends on the number and variety of roses; a foam heart usually costs more than a bouquet with the same number of stems because of the base and the florist's work.

Does it need water?

Yes: water the foam a little every 1–2 days.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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