Everything You Need to Know About Roses in Philadelphia
Roses are everywhere. They’re the go-to flower. The safe choice. The “I didn’t think too hard about this” option. And you know what? That’s totally okay. Roses are popular for a reason, they’re beautiful, they last a while, and pretty much everyone knows what they mean.
But if you’re going to buy roses, you should understand what you’re actually getting. There’s a big difference between grabbing a bunch at the grocery store and ordering roses from a florist in Philadelphia who really knows their stuff. Let’s talk about roses, the real information, not the fancy marketing talk.
Not All Roses Are the Same
When you say “I want roses,” that’s like saying “I want food.” Okay, but what kind? There are different types of roses, and they look totally different from each other.
Long-Stem Roses (The Classic)
This is what most people think of when they picture a rose. One big flower on a tall stem. Clean, classic, and elegant. These are the roses you see in movies, the ones that come by the dozen.
The stem length matters more than you’d think. Longer stems give you more options for how you show them off. You can use a tall vase or cut them shorter if you need to. Shorter stems lock you into whatever length they came at.
Longer stems look fancier. There is a reason they cost more.
Garden Roses (The Fancy Ones)
Garden roses are big and fluffy. They look like a rose mixed with a peony. They open wide, have lots of petals, and they usually smell like real roses.
They cost more, but they feel special. Less “I picked these up on the way over,” more “I actually thought about this.” If you want roses that feel unique, this is the way to go.
Spray Roses (The Cute Ones)
Instead of one big flower, spray roses have several smaller blooms on one branched stem. They are light and airy, and they change the look of an arrangement.
Great for mixing into bouquets when you want something sweet without being too formal.
The European Style (And Why We Do It This Way)
At Adore Flowers in Fishtown, we do European and French-inspired designs. That means airy and natural, more “garden” than “factory.”
We add greenery like eucalyptus to give height and breathing room. This works best for smaller arrangements, like a dozen roses. Once you get to two dozen or more, the design naturally gets round and tight because there are so many stems. Neither approach is “better,” it’s about taste.
Rose Colors and What They Mean
- Red: love and romance.
- Pink: gratitude and appreciation.
- White: purity and new beginnings, also used for sympathy.
- Yellow: friendship and happiness.
- Orange: energy and excitement.
- Lavender: enchantment, love at first sight.
Red is still number one, white is second, pink is third. Any color is right if the person likes it. About black and blue roses, those are usually painted or dyed, which is not our style, though some people want them.
How We Get Roses Ready (Behind the Scenes)
Clean the stems: remove leaves and thorns below the water line to reduce bacteria.
Remove bruised petals: outer guard petals get beat up in shipping, so we pull the bad ones.
Trim the stems: fresh angled cuts help water uptake and vase life.
Check freshness: anything that will not last does not go into your bouquet.
This is a big reason a florist-arranged bouquet looks and lasts better than a random grocery bunch.
The Roses Problem (And Why That’s Okay)
Roses are safe and they work for almost everyone. That is fine. Many people truly love roses and ask for them.
If you have given roses twenty times in a row, consider trying something different or asking for a mixed arrangement at the same price. If you do not know what they like, pick what you like. Thought matters more than the exact stem.
Same-Day Delivery in Philadelphia: What’s Real
Yes, we do same-day flower delivery all over Philadelphia. Calling at 10 a.m. for a dozen roses by 2 p.m. is usually fine.
Asking for 50 or 100 roses the same day is different. Good studios keep limited on-hand inventory for quality. Order big quantities ahead.
How to Keep Your Roses Alive Longer
Cut the stems: take about an inch off at an angle when they arrive.
Fresh, cool water: change it every two days to keep bacteria down.
Use flower food: that packet helps. A tiny pinch of bleach works in a pinch.
Keep them cool: away from heaters and direct sun. Cooler rooms mean longer life.
With good care, fresh roses last about one to two weeks, depending on room temperature and water changes.
What Makes Long-Stem Roses Worth the Money
Stem length: more styling options and a fancier look.
Processing: cleaned, trimmed, checked by hand.
Freshness: careful sourcing and rotation.
Presentation: better wrapping and greenery for a gift-ready look.
Grocery roses are fine for your kitchen. For gifts, presentation and care matter more.
That is the real difference between nice long-stem roses from a Philadelphia florist and a cheap bunch from a shelf.
When Roses Are the Right Choice
- Romantic occasions when they love roses.
- When you need something everyone recognizes.
- Anniversaries and apologies.
- When someone specifically asks for roses.
When to Try Something Else
- When you want to show you know their taste.
- When you keep repeating the same gift.
- When a personal, seasonal mix fits better.
- When the budget goes further with mixed flowers.
How to Order Roses from a Philadelphia Florist
Tell us why: anniversary, birthday, sorry, just because.
Share color likes and dislikes: helps guide the palette.
Be clear on budget: we can design to it.
Ask about style: tight classic versus airy with greenery.
Order early for special requests: big quantities or specific varieties need time.
If you’re ordering from Adore Flowers or any good florist in Philadelphia, these details help us help you.
