How to Cut Roses for Square Vases

Tall Vase

• 1

  Hold one of the tallest rose stems next to the tall square vase. The center rose should be twice the height of the vase for a tall arrangement. If the roses aren't tall enough, you can add twigs, greenery or glass marbles to the vase interior to lift them higher.

• 2

  Cut the rose stem on an angle with a sharp knife or pruning shears. A thick stem should be cut with sharpened pruning shears to prevent it from splitting open. A slant cut allows the stem to soak in water for a longer vase life.

• 3

  Remove all leaves from the stem that will be inside of the vase with your fingers or knife. Leaves that are immersed in water will break down, and bacteria will be introduced to the clean water.

• 4

  Remove the thorns by sliding a sharp knife down the side of the stem. You can also snap large thorns off by grasping them with your thumb and forefinger and pulling them sideways away from you.

Short Vase

• 5

  Remove the leaves from a rose stem by pulling them downward. The leaves on fresh, crisp roses will snap right off.

• 6

  Slice the thorns downward from the rose stem with a sharp knife, or snap them off with your fingers. This will give the roses a smooth appearance in a clear vase.

• 7

  Hold the rose blossom next to the vase rim. The bottom of the rose blossom should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch higher than the rim.

• 8

  Cut the stem directly across from the bottom of the vase with pruning shears or a knife. Your rose is now the height of the vase plus 1/4 to 1/2 inch. The 1/2 inch of extra height allows you to tie a ribbon band around the roses for a formal look for an event centerpiece. The rose should be cut on a slant with a sharp knife for maximum water usage.

• 9

  Cut the remaining rose stems at the same height for a level arrangement. If you want a tapered arrangement, cut one center rose 1/2 inch taller than the blossoms surrounding the rim. Cut four more roses at 1/4 inch shorter than the center rose and surround it with them. Place a rose that lines up with the rim in each corner of the short square vase.