
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, February 12, 1991                   TAG: 9102120176
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NEW YORK                                LENGTH: Short

VALENTINE'S FLOWERS REQUIRE PROPER CARE AND FEEDING

The long-stemmed red rose has long been a symbol of love, and a dozen delivered on Valentine's Day is the ultimate declaration from someone who cares.

The rose also is one of the most difficult flowers to grow, requiring about 57 days to develop and mature, according to the FTD Report, a publication of Florists' Transworld Delivery.

These florists, who wire flower orders around the world, offer some tips on caring for roses:

If possible, condition roses when you receive them. Put them in a clean, deep container of warm water, about 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and then place the container in a cool room for about 2 to 4 hours.

Before arranging roses, cut the stems at an angle with a sharp knife, being careful not to bruise or scrape the stems.

Remove any foliage on stems that will be below the water line.

Arrange roses in a clean, deep vase filled with warm water. Add a floral preservative. A powder that dissolves in water is available from florists for a few cents.

If you arrange roses in florists' foam, which is presoaked and provides a water source as well as a base, put a preservative in the water the foam is soaked in.

Display roses away from heat and drafts and water them daily with warm water.

by CNB