Can You Dye Roses?

Supplies

• You need a few basic supplies to dye roses. First of all, you need white roses. You can use a light-colored rose, but the rose's natural hue will alter the final color. You will also need a vase, water, scissors and dye. Roses can be dyed with food coloring or with a special floral dye that you can buy online or at specialty floral stores. Remember when dying roses that the more dye used the darker the rose will be.

Dying Process

• The activity of dying roses contains a scientific process. Flowers must take in water to survive. The water enters the flower through the stem and moves up to the petals. In this process, transpiration and cohesion work together to move the water through the rose. When cut roses are placed in water that contains a dye, the colored water moves through the plant to the petals, changing their color to the same color as the water.

Keeping Roses Fresh

• There are several ways to extend the life of roses once you've dyed them. One way is to place an aspirin in the water. You can also add a copper penny to the water to help keep your dyed roses looking fresh longer. Lemon juice or vinegar added to the water is another way to keep roses fresh. All of these techniques help keep fungi and bacteria from growing and making the flowers wilt.

Decorating With Dyed Roses

• Dyed roses can be used as decorations in a variety of ways. Roses can be dyed to coordinate with seasonal or holiday colors. When decorating for a dinner party roses can be dyed to match the colors used in the party decor. Also, dyed roses can be used in boutonnieres and corsages to match school colors for a high school prom. Dyed roses can also be used in floral arrangements and bouquets for a wedding.