Funeral roses are some of the most common flowers to give and receive when a loved one dies. Not only do they bring those who are grieving comfort, they also represent love and respect for the deceased.

So, why should you only get to enjoy them for a short amount of time? Let’s discuss some funeral rose preservation methods and memento ideas. This way, they can last forever along with the memory of your loved one.

Meaning Behind Roses

In general, roses represent love or reverence. However, roses can have different meanings depending on their color, as well. Specifically, red roses represent love, respect, and courage; pink roses represent love, grace, and appreciation; white roses represent reverence, innocence, peace, and hope; and dark crimson roses represent grief and sorrow.

Grow More Roses

Roses have a lifespan of four to 12 days. If you want to grow even more roses, try this unique rose preservation method. First, dip the rose stem in honey and stick the stem in a potato. (The honey will stimulate roots and the potato fertilizes them.) Then, place the potato in a pot of dirt and fully cover it. Lastly, cut off the top of the rose and any extra leaves. Now, wait for more roses to grow.

Preserving Funeral Roses

These rose preservation methods are perfect for making meaningful mementos with your funeral roses. However, some methods work better for certain mementos, so have your memento in mind beforehand.

Air Drying

One easy method is to air dry your roses, although this takes longer than other methods. To do this, wrap the stems together with a rubber band, with three to six roses per group. If possible, don’t let the blooms touch. Then, hang them upside down for five to 10 days in a warm, dry area, like a closet or kitchen.

Silica Gel

There are several rose drying methods using silica gel. One way is to put them in a large container, about the size of a shoebox, and fill it with silica gel. Then, leave them in it for three to five days and spray them with hair spray after taking them out.

Another faster way is to microwave them in a container of silica gel. Just make sure to put a cup of water in the microwave to prevent burning or over-drying. It also works best to cut the stems short. Depending on your microwave wattage and the rose petal thickness, heat them for two minutes and additional minutes, if needed.

Food Dehydrator

If you have a food dehydrator, you can use this to dry your roses, as well. To do this, put the roses on the dehydrator racks and make sure the blooms aren’t touching. Then, set the temperature to 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and leave them in there for eight to 24 hours.

Pressed-Flower Method

This method works well if you’re creating a frame-pressed petal memento, which we’ll discuss in the next section. To do this, press the rose petals in between wax paper in a book for about a week.

Rose Memento Ideas

By making a meaningful funeral rose memento, you always have a special reminder of your loved one. One memento idea is the frame-pressed rose petal mentioned above. First, glue the rose petal(s) onto a piece of paper that fits inside your chosen memorial frame. Then, let it dry, and find a place to proudly display it in your home.

You also can use your pressed rose petals to decorate a memorial candle. To do this, heat a spoon over a plain candle, and use it to gently press them onto the candle. Or, make a bookmark by gluing the rose petals onto a bookmark-sized piece of paper. After it’s dry, place it in between parchment paper and put a heavy object on it overnight to flatten it. Then, place them in laminating sheets and use a laminator to make your bookmarks.

Another display-based memento is a dried rose shadowbox. Simply arrange the dried roses in the shadowbox along with photos, memorabilia, and other decorations and mementos. Or, make a beautiful dried rose ornament to display. To do this, place the dried rose petals in a clear glass ornament with a removable top. Then, tie a ribbon through the hole or use an ornament hook to display it.

Donating Them

Of course, if you have more funeral roses than you know what to do with, consider donating them. There are several flower donation programs, such as Random Acts of Flowers or Power of Flowers Project. Find one in your area to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Oftentimes, these programs recycle the flowers and take them to healthcare facilities.

If there isn’t a program in your area, you also can deliver the roses yourself. Take them to your local nursing homes, hospitals, churches, and other places where others can enjoy them as well.

How have you preserved your funeral roses? Share your ideas with us in the comments!