Reflexed Roses - What are Reflexed Roses and why are they added to Flower arrangements? How to reflex a Rose

Reflexed roses are roses whose petals are gently turned back on themselves, giving them a fuller and more open appearance.

Reflexed roses are when the Roses petals are gently peeled back and turned back onto themselves, increasing the size of the flower, giving them a luxurious, fuller and more open appearance. 

Compared to that of a classic bud, or semi-opened rose, a reflexed rose has the petals curved outwards and shaped to reveal more of the inner petals, increasing its size by two to three times. Reflexing Roses as a technique reveals and showcases the layers and depth of the flower, transforming the rose into a grand and even more beautiful version of itself. 

Reflexing Roses is a favourite amongst florists, particularly for modern styled florists, and are extremely popular for special events, like Weddings and Celebrations as this look can give bouquets increased volume, modified styling and a luxurious touch that cannot be achieved by standard rose heads.

Why do Florists Reflex Roses?

• Longevity: Sometimes, when roses start to age and their outer petals begin to wilt or brown, reflexing can give them a fresh look, extending their beauty for a little longer.
• Unique Design: For those wanting to add a unique touch to their arrangements, reflexed roses stand out and make a statement.
• Fuller Appearance: Reflexing adds volume to the rose, making each stem look bigger and more dramatic.
• Reduce Costs: Roses are an expensive flower, by increasing the volume of the rose, for those wanting to save money, less roses are able to be used to cover a larger area of space.

How to Reflex a Rose: A Step-by-Step Guide

Reflexing roses might seem like a professional technique, but with a little patience, you can master it at home. Here's how:

1. Choose the Right Rose:

Look for roses that are slightly open, but not too mature. The petals should be flexible but not overly soft.

2. Prepare the Rose:

Hold the rose by its stem, ensuring you have a good grip. Gently remove any guard petals (the outermost layer of petals) that may be discoloured or damaged.

3. Begin with Outer Petals:

Using your thumb and index finger, gently hold the edge of a petal. Carefully, and with a soft touch, roll or fold the petal back onto itself. It should curve outward, away from the centre of the rose.

4. Work Your Way Inwards:

Continue the process, working your way around and towards the centre of the rose. The petals become more delicate as you move inward, so be extra gentle to avoid tearing.

5. Adjust and Fluff:

Once all petals are reflexed, you can adjust them a bit to get the desired look. Gently fluff and arrange the petals to ensure the rose has a symmetrical and full appearance.

6. Hydrate:

After reflexing, it's essential to keep the roses hydrated. Place them in a vase with fresh water, preferably with some floral food, to prolong their life.

Reflexed roses offer a stunning twist to the conventional rose presentation. By gently turning the petals back, you can enhance the flower's beauty, making your floral arrangements stand out. Whether you're preparing a bouquet for a special event or just want to jazz up a single stem, reflexing is a technique worth trying!

Where can I get Reflexed Roses?

Reflexed Roses appear in almost all of the Flower Arrangements here at Flowers Gold Coast, providing increased volume, bigger and luxurious bouquets through the styling of reflexing roses, you will see them appear in many of our gorgeous Flower Bouquets as we deliver them across the Gold Coast, and Brisbane, or you can get them at home when purchasing your own roses and giving it a go, you'll be an expert in no time!