Caring for your True Romance

Roses drink heavily, so keep the vase generously filled and check the level daily, as these are the stems that will signal thirst first by drooping at the neck. Re-cut each rose stem on a sharp diagonal under running water before arranging, which clears any air lock and lets them draw water freely. The Amaranthus is more forgiving, but strip its lower foliage below the waterline so the water stays clean for both blooms. Keep True Romance out of direct sun, away from heat and ripening fruit, and the cooler the spot, the longer the roses in particular will reward you.

A note on your specific blooms

  • Amaranthus — Recut the stems at an angle and keep the water shallow, as amaranthus drinks heavily and the lower stem softens quickly when submerged too deep.
  • Rose — Roses drink heavily — re-cut the stems at an angle every couple of days.

How long your flowers last

This pairing of Amaranthus and Rose holds well for roughly 5–8 days in the vase, with the arrangement looking its fullest through the first half of that window. The roses are the first to fade, typically softening after 5–7 days as their outer petals begin to relax, while the trailing Amaranthus is the quiet endurer, keeping its deep colour and form closer to 7–10 days. That difference is part of the design: as the roses ease back, the Amaranthus carries the silhouette and keeps the piece feeling intentional rather than spent. The single most useful habit is to refresh the water every two days and trim a centimetre from each stem at an angle each time, which is how Amicis recommends keeping True Romance at its best for as long as possible.

The story behind these flowers

A closer look at the blooms gathered into this arrangement.

Amaranthus

Origin

Tropical Americas (Andes & Mesoamerica)

Cultivated since

For thousands of years by Andean & Mesoamerican peoples

Fragrance

Virtually scentless

Symbolises

Immortality, unfading love & endurance

Grown across the Americas for millennia as both grain and ornament, amaranthus is best known for its long crimson tassels that spill downward in soft, trailing ropes. Its name comes from the Greek for unfading, a nod to blooms that hold colour and form even as they dry. In an arrangement it adds movement and weight, draping over the edge of a vessel to break a clean silhouette and lend an Amicis piece an unhurried, sculptural fall.

Rose

Origin

Asia — China, Persia & the Mediterranean

Cultivated since

Over 5,000 years

Fragrance

Warm and sweet, of honey & tea

Symbolises

Love, gratitude & admiration

The most storied flower in the world, grown and gifted for five millennia. Its layered petals and soft scent have made it the universal language of affection — and the quiet anchor of almost every Amicis arrangement.