Care for Cut Lavender Roses

Fill the vase two-thirds full with tap water that is 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Dissolve a powder- or gel-cut flower food in the water, following the packet instructions.

Submerge the bottom of the rose stem in a bowl of water. Cut the bottom inch off the rose stem at a 45-degree angle, using a sharp knife, while keeping the stem submerged. Strip off any leaves or thorns that will sit underwater inside the vase.

Place the trimmed roses in the vase and arrange them as desired. Trim any other flowers or foliage stems and add them to the arrangement at this time.

Set the vase in a cool room where the flowers receive bright but indirect sunlight. Cooler temperatures, especially in the first 24 hours after cutting, help prolong the lives of the lavender roses.

Change the water every other day. Add fresh-cut flower food to the new water before replacing the flowers.

Remove the rose stems from the arrangement as the flowers wilt, leaving only those that are in bloom or about to bloom in the vase. Remove any leaves or petals from the water that fall off the fading flowers.