Rose Cost
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How Much do Roses Cost?

Last Updated on February 4, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by Certified CFA CFA Alexander Popinker

Roses are one of the most iconic and beloved flowers, frequently given as romantic gifts or used in floral arrangements to mark special occasions. But anyone who has sent a bouquet knows that the cost of roses can vary widely. So how much do roses really cost? Read on for a deep dive into rose pricing.

Highlights

  • A single retail rose stem averages $2-5. Dozens are $30-60.
  • Premium varieties, arrangements, and peak seasons increase prices.
  • Wholesale and bulk-buying offer the lowest per-stem costs.
  • DIY arranging has huge savings over florist-designed bouquets.
  • Added fees like delivery and vases boost total rose gift costs.

How Much do Roses Cost?

The cost of roses depends on several factors, including the type of rose, where you purchase it, stem length, and how many you buy. On average, a single rose stem costs $2-5 from a florist.

For a dozen roses, expect to pay around $30-60 at a flower shop. Of course, boutique varieties and elaborate arrangements can cost much more.

Sam’s Club, for example, notes that a dozen roses can cost $50 or more at a florist, and prices can rise dramatically when demand is high around Valentine’s Day.

Tipton & Hurst offers the following prices for red roses:

  • 1 Dozen Red Roses Arranged: $85.00 – $120.00
  • 1 1/2 Dozen Red Roses: $135.00 – $175.00

Rose Farmers offers a variety of long stem rose products at different prices, such as:

  • Red Romantic Roses: from $79.88
  • Juliet by David Austin Roses: from $88.88
  • Dried Golden Beauty: $78.88
  • Orange Citrus Roses: from $62.88

The Fresh Market provides the following prices for roses:

  • Passion Growers Dozen Roses Assorted Colors: $12.99
  • White Roses: $12.99
  • Spray Roses: $12.99 

What Impacts the Price of Roses?

Many elements influence the pricing for roses. Here are some of the main considerations:

  • Variety – Long-stem classic red roses are generally the most affordable option. More exotic varieties like garden roses or luxury imports will be pricier.
  • Source – Roses from your local florist will usually cost more than online wholesalers. But a florist offers convenience and professional design.
  • Season – In peak seasons like Valentine’s Day, demand drives rose costs up. Prices are lower in the summer when supply is plentiful.
  • Number of stems – Buying roses in bulk brings down the average cost per stem. A single rose will be the most expensive on a per-stem basis.
  • Arrangement size – A dozen roses may cost $40-$60, while a grand bouquet could be $80 or much more. Labor and embellishments increase the price.
  • Add-ons – Upgrades like premium vases and teddy bears will boost the total price of a rose gift. Delivery fees also add cost.

How Do Rose Varieties Compare?

The species of rose makes a major difference in pricing. Some of the most popular types include:

  • Long-stem classic roses – These traditional roses with long, straight stems are likely the most affordable at $2-5 per stem when buying retail. Wholesale can be under $2.
  • Sweetheart roses – These spray roses featuring multiple smaller blooms on a single stem cost around $3-6 per stem on average.
  • Garden roses – These lush, full blooms ring in around $4-10+ per stem since they’re harder to grow.
  • Specialty imported roses – Unique varieties imported from exotic locales can command $5-15 per bloom thanks to high demand.

Buying for Special Occasions

Expect to pay a premium when roses are in high demand around certain holidays and events. Here are typical costs:

  • Valentine’s Day – With extreme demand comes extreme prices – as high as $75-100 for a dozen red roses, compared to $30-60 normally.
  • Weddings – Bridal bouquets with roses often range $50-150. Centerpieces can be $40-60 per arrangement.
  • Anniversaries – Milestone anniversaries call for a dozen roses, which may cost $40-80 based on variety.
  • Mother’s Day – A floral bouquet featuring roses tends to run $50-75 depending on size and extras.

Comparing Florists vs. Online Stores

Should you buy roses locally or order online? Here’s how it breaks down:

  • Flower shops – Expect to pay $2-5 per stem and $40-75+ per dozen. Higher pricing but professional arranging.
  • Online retailers – Prices can be as low as $1 per stem and $20 per dozen for basic roses. Lower prices but less customization.
  • Wholesalers – Buying direct from wholesale growers yields the best prices but no arranging. As low as $0.60 per stem in bulk.

You might also like our articles about the cost of boutonnierescorsages, or easter lilies.

DIY vs. Professionally Arranged Roses

Rose BlossomYou can save substantially by making your own rose bouquets instead of buying pre-arranged flowers:

  • DIY roses – Purchase bulk roses for $15-25 per dozen and arrange them yourself in a vase. More effort but huge cost savings.
  • Professionally arranged – A florist-designed dozen roses costs $40-60. Maximum convenience but higher price.

Tip: Watch floral arranging videos to learn simple DIY rose bouquet techniques.

Buying Roses in Bulk

To get roses for the lowest cost per stem, buy them in bulk whenever possible:

  • Single roses – The highest per-stem cost at $2-5 per bloom retail.
  • Half dozen roses – Around $2-3 per stem for a small bulk order.
  • One dozen roses – The best deal for an occasion, averaging just over $2 per rose.
  • Two dozen roses – For weddings and large arrangements, roses may cost around $1.50 per stem.
  • Bulk wholesale roses – Growers offer 500+ roses at under $1 per bloom for giant orders.

Other Rose Costs to Factor In

Beyond the roses themselves, arrangements incur additional fees:

  • Flower food – $5-10 to nourish roses and extend vase life.
  • Flower delivery – Local courier fees average $10-15; national delivery can be $20+.
  • Vase – Basic vases run $10-20, but designer vases can be $50+.
  • Flower preservation – To dry and preserve roses, expect costs of $25+.
  • Taxes – Applicable local and sales taxes will be added to the purchase price.

How to Get the Best Deal on Roses

Follow these tips to keep costs down while still getting amazing roses:

  • Buy loose stems in bulk whenever possible – dozens are ideal.
  • Purchase wholesale if arranging roses yourself.
  • Avoid peak seasons and holidays when pricing surges.
  • Compare local florists and online stores.
  • Choose standard varieties; exotic roses cost more.
  • DIY basic rose arrangements instead of buying premium arranged bouquets.
  • Supply your own quality vase instead of paying marked-up fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are black roses real or fake?

Black roses do not exist naturally, so they must be dyed or genetically modified to achieve the deep black color. However, black roses sold today are real, living roses that have been specially treated – they are not artificial flowers. The most common methods for creating black roses are:

  • Ink injection – Florists will inject black ink into the stem of a fresh rose bloom. The ink travels up into the petals, turning them black within a day or two. This is a temporary effect that fades as the rose dies.
  • Cut stem soaking – Stems of freshly cut roses are placed in black water. Over 1-2 days, the black pigment is absorbed into the rose petals. This lasts about 1-2 weeks.
  • Genetic modification – Black rose varieties have been bred by modifying genes that control pigment production. ‘Black Magic’ and ‘Black Baccara’ are two naturally black rose cultivars.

So while naturally black roses don’t exist, methods have been developed to produce real black roses that can be purchased – not artificial silk flowers. The black color will eventually fade but can be maintained for 1-2 weeks on cut roses.

Do real roses smell?

Yes, most real fresh roses have a lovely fragrance, although the intensity varies based on the rose variety. Hybrid tea roses, old garden roses, and other full, lush bloom types tend to have the strongest perfume. Some things that influence rose scent:

  • Rose type – Hybrid teas and English roses have the strongest aroma. Miniature and single-petal roses are less fragrant.
  • Color – Red and pink roses usually smell stronger than white, yellow, orange, or purple blooms.
  • Freshness – Scent is strongest in newly opened buds. As roses age, fragrance fades.
  • Weather – Warm, sunny days allow roses to produce the essential oils responsible for fragrance.
  • Time of day – Rose perfume is strongest in early morning and evenings. Heat mutes midday fragrance.
  • Genetics – Some roses are bred to prioritize color or vase life over scent.
Alec Pow
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