How To Reflex Roses
Reflexed roses are a beautiful way to elevate and create voluminous floral arrangements. Reflexing, also known as flaring or opening, involves gently manipulating the petals of a rose to give it a fuller and more natural ‘bloomed-in-the-garden’ appearance.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you begin reflexing, ensure you have everything you need at hand:
Fresh roses
Clean water
Sharp floral scissors or knife
Step 2: Select Your Roses
Choose roses that are at their peak freshness with petals that are just beginning to open. This makes them more pliable and less likely to tear during the reflexing process.
Florist tip: Roses with petals that are still tight or roses that are still budded aren’t ready to be reflexed – you will likely tear each petal if you try to reflex them, no matter how gently you try. Wait 2-3 days and allow the roses to begin opening a little bit before trying again.
Step 3: Hydrate Your Roses
Place your roses in clean water to hydrate them and prepare them for the reflexing process. This makes the petals more supple and easier to work with.
Step 4: Start Reflexing
Hold the rose gently but firmly just below the bloom. Using your thumb underneath the petal and your forefinger above, gently push each petal outward and downward, one by one, until the entire bloom opens.
Florist tip: Gently remove any damaged guard petals (the first layer of petals) before beginning.
Step 5: Adjust and Balance
Take your time to adjust the petals as needed to create a balanced and visually appealing arrangement.
Florist tip: Don’t overdo it, we recommend reflexing the first 2-3 layers of the rose and keeping the beautiful centre untouched.
Reflexing roses is a florist skill that takes a lot of practise, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect. With time and patience, you can master the art of reflexing and be able to create stunning floral arrangements.