Long-stemmed roses impress before they are even unwrapped. Tall straight stems and large, dense buds make even a small bouquet look luxurious, and 51 or 101 metre-long roses are a real event. Here is what long-stemmed roses are, where they come from, how to choose good ones, how many to give, what such a bouquet costs and how to care for tall roses at home. For how many to choose, see how many roses to give.
A tall rose is striking on its own, so even a few stems make a proper bouquet.
What long-stemmed roses are
Long-stemmed roses have stems from 80–90 cm to a metre or more. They are usually hybrid tea varieties with large high-centred buds grown specifically for cutting. Catalogues also call them tall roses or 90–100 cm roses.
Most long-stemmed roses are grown in Ecuador. The Andean highlands, equatorial sun and cool nights produce slow growth, thick stems and big buds. Read more about the differences between countries in Kenyan vs Ecuadorian roses.
Popular long-stemmed varieties
The best-known tall red rose is Explorer, with a rich velvety colour and large bud. Red Freedom, creamy white Mondial, white Playa Blanca and hot pink Pink Floyd are also popular. Red long-stemmed roses are the ultimate classic; read about the colour's meaning in red roses.
How to choose good long-stemmed roses
The stem should be straight, thick and springy with no dark marks near the cut. The bud should be firm and half-open with springy outer petals; a few slightly wilted outer guard petals are normal and get removed. Leaves should be fresh and green. A drooping neck below the bud means the rose has been out of water for too long.
Caring for long-stemmed roses
Tall roses need a tall, heavy vase of at least 40–50 cm so the bouquet won't tip over. If you don't have one, shorten the stems: the rose loses none of its beauty and drinks more easily. Cut stems at an angle by 2–3 cm with a sharp knife, strip leaves below the waterline and change the water every day or two.
Large bouquets of 51 or 101 roses are easier to split between several vases or stand in a bucket of water for the first night. Keep the flowers away from radiators and direct sun. With proper care long-stemmed roses last 10–14 days. More tips in our rose guide.
How much long-stemmed roses cost
A tall rose costs more than a regular one, depending on stem length, variety and season. At the time of writing, a single 90 cm Explorer rose in our catalogue costs about 170 UAH, 11 tall roses about 2,160 UAH, 25 about 4,330 UAH, and 51 or 101 tall red roses from 8,200 and 15,400 UAH respectively. Prices usually rise before holidays.
Long-stemmed roses delivered in Kyiv
A big bouquet of long-stemmed roses is awkward to carry, so leave it to us: we deliver tall roses by the stem or as a bouquet across Kyiv at the right time.
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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