20 Ways to Use Old Roses
If you want to use roses, then I have some tips for you! Old roses may be past their prime for use in a vase, but their charm lingers, waiting to be repurposed. From practical uses to delightful indulgences, discover how to infuse your daily life with the subtle beauty of old roses. Check out these 20 ways to use old roses. Rose Cutting Gloves
1. Potpourri Creation
Utilize the fading beauty of old roses by drying their petals in a dehydrator or by direct sunlight to create aromatic potpourri. Mix with complementary scents like lavender and eucalyptus for a delightful fragrance.
2. Rose-Infused Oil
Craft a luxurious rose-infused oil by steeping dried rose petals in a carrier oil. This versatile product can be used for massages, skincare, or as a scented addition to baths like you would with other essential oils..
3. Rosewater Toner
Make a refreshing rosewater toner by distilling old rose petals in a bowl of rose water. Spritz on your face for a natural, hydrating toning experience that also soothes the skin.
4. Rose Petal Bath Soak
Enhance your bath time with a homemade rose petal bath soak. Simply toss dry rose petals into the bathwater in your tub for a relaxing and aromatic soak.
5. Homemade Rose Petal Jam
Transform old roses into a delightful jam. Combine rose petals with sugar and lemon juice for a unique and fragrant spread that pairs well with toast or scones. Keep the jam in a glass jar in the fridge to keep it as fresh as possible. You can also put the jar in the freezer for longer-term storage.
6. Rose-Infused Honey
Infuse honey with the subtle sweetness of old roses. This floral-infused honey mixture can be used in teas, desserts, or as a special addition to your morning toast. 10 Uses for Honeycombs Beyond Your Breakfast Table
7. Rose-Embedded Candles
Create beautiful homemade candles by embedding dried petals within the wax. These candles not only provide a warm glow but also release a subtle rose fragrance when burned. 10 Clever Uses for Candle Wax
8. Rose-Flavored Liqueur
Experiment with mixology by making a rose-flavored liqueur. Simmer and combine dried rose petals with alcohol and sweetener for a unique addition to cocktails or a standalone aperitif.
9. Rose Petal Sachets
Sew small sachets filled with dried rose petals to freshen up your drawers or closets. These dried flower sachets also make lovely gifts, spreading the joy of dried roses.
10. Rose Petal Paper
Craft handmade paper where you use rose petals that are dried and made into pulp. The resulting paper can be used for unique stationary, cards, or artistic projects.
11. Floral Ice Cubes
Freeze old rose petals into ice cubes for a stylish beverage addition. These floral ice cubes are perfect for special occasions or simply elevating your daily glass of water you pour into a clear glass. How to Make Ice in an Emergency
12. Rose Petal Vinegar
Infuse vinegar with the essence of old roses. Use this floral vinegar liquid in salad dressings or as a unique ingredient in your culinary creations. Does Vinegar Go Bad?
13. Rose Petal Lollipops
Combine the sweetness of sugar with the beauty of old roses by making rose petal lollipops. It is a delightful candy bouquet treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.
14. Rose Petal Bath Bombs
Craft luxurious bath bombs with dried rose petals for a spa-like experience at home much like using sea salts. These fragrant and fizzy bombs make for an indulgent bath ritual very much like bath salts. This fun ritual can reduce anxiety and put you in a much better mood after a rough day.
15. Rose Petal Body Scrub
Create a rejuvenating body scrub recipe by mixing dried rose petals with sugar or salt and nourishing oil. This exfoliating blend will leave your skin soft and subtly scented without any harsh chemicals. Uses for Bandaids: Beyond Covering Cuts and Scrapes
16. Rose Petal Perfume
Distill your rose petal perfume using a simple DIY process as you simmer in warm water. Capture the essence of old roses in a personalized fragrance that lingers throughout the day.
17. Rose Petal Hair Rinse
Infuse the benefits of roses into your hair care routine by making a rose petal hair rinse. This natural solution can add shine and a delicate scent to your locks.
18. Rose Petal Tea Blend
Stir dried rose petals with other herbs to create a fragrant tea blend. This floral infusion not only tastes delightful but also offers potential health benefits.
19. Rose Petal Art
Get creative by using old roses in artistic projects. Press and frame dried rose petals for unique floral artwork like a colorful wreath that captures the essence of fleeting beauty. Take the pressed rose flowers and glue them to card stock that can be placed in a picture frame much like a florist would do.
20. Rose Petal Potting Mix
Grind dried rose petals and add them to your potting mix for a natural and nutrient-rich addition to your gardening routine. Roses feeding roses in a beautiful cycle that brings extra beauty to a flower pot that you might not have thought of before. 12 Budget-Friendly Beautiful Garden Tips
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Final Word
The beauty of old roses can be preserved and repurposed in numerous imaginative ways, offering aesthetic pleasure and functional and fragrant products for various aspects of your life. Experiment with these ideas to breathe new life into fading blooms and make the most of their timeless allure. May God Bless this World, Linda
Copyright Images: Red Roses In Natural Habitat AdobeStock_440797437 By K.Jagielski, Red Roses Small AdobeStock_313813859 By Blackday
Compost
lol
HI Matt, oh my gosh, yes, compost, good one! Thank you! Linda
I have over 130 roses and at least 100 of them were chosen for their strong fragrance. I love David Austin roses! I’m going to try making perfume and dig out a book I bought years ago on making potpourri. So far I’ve been focused on planting this yard aka botanical garden but now I think I can delve into other venues. Some people collect things . . . I collect plants! Much easier on my descendants to deal with too! LOL. Thanks for the article to give me the nudge this year.
Hi Kay, well now I want to plant a David Austin rose!! Thank you for the tip. My house is a few months away from being done, but I love roses!! Linda
Unless you grow your own (or know someone who does!) it may be hard to find roses with a real fragrance. I bought a bouquet for my husband for St. Valentine’s Day (he is in rehab again, so needed pampering!) and unfortunately the roses had no fragrance at all; typical florist roses…
On the other hand–there’s a rose bush beside the house that was here when we moved in back in 1957–I assume probably goes back to the early 1800s when that part of the house was built (and similar roses down the road at other old houses from the same general period!) The scent is unbelievable. I’ve added petals to the potpourri jar that came from my grandmother’s house. Also tried the rose petal honey, which works beautifully.
Rose brandy was very simple–just fill a jar with fresh rose petals and add the brandy. No simmering (or sugar) needed. Let it sit for a month or so, shake the jar now and again, then strain.
I’ve always meant to, never got round to it, but I would bet one could make crystalized sugar rose petals (as I’ve seen done with violets). Someday.
And–don’t forget to pick the rose hips, for tea loaded with vitamin C!
HI Rhonda, oh my gosh, it is hard to find roses that have a great fragrance, I thought it was just me! I bet that rose Thanks for sharing the tips on making potpourri jars! I forgot about the rose hips! I LOVE your comment! Linda