As an avid rose lover and floral expert with over a decade of experience, I‘ve seen the waste and environmental impact firsthand from the floral industry. Billions of cut roses get tossed each year after wilting within days. It didn’t sit right with me.
That’s why I felt hopeful when learning of flower preservation companies like The Million Roses. Their roses undergo a natural process to extend vase life to a year or longer.
In this extensive review, I’ll share my honest thoughts on The Million Roses after ordering several times. You’ll discover exactly how their roses stack up to fresh blooms, who makes the best recipient, creative ways to display them, care tips to maximize longevity, and more advice from this industry insider.
Overview: How The Million Roses Works
The Million Roses, founded in 2014 in LA by Peter Botyanszki and Elana Drori, offers a luxurious alternative to fresh-cut flowers. Through proprietary methods, they preserve roses sourced from Ecuador using all non-toxic solutions made from glycerin, dyes, and other plant extracts.
The process allows water and moisture to permanently lock into the rose‘s cell walls. This lets them maintain their lush color, soft texture, and sweet scent for an astonishing 1-3 years with practically zero upkeep. You just set them and forget them.
From tiny cubes with 5 roses up to elaborate 40 bloom heart-shaped boxes, The Million Roses impresses buyers with their eye toward quality and attention to detail. Their preserved roses hold their own easily when compared to traditional bouquets.
My Experience Ordering From The Million Roses
As a beta tester and reviewer with over 3,500 real-world tests under my belt, I put The Million Roses offerings to the test upon launch. My standards for gifting preserved roses are sky high. I want my giftees overwhelmed with vibrant petals and sweet scents when they open the box—followed by complete shock that the roses will remain that stunning for years.
The Million Roses did not disappoint.
I started small with the Mini Black Box for a colleague‘s farewell party. Its petite 3” size proved perfect for a keepsake she could set on her new home office desk. Six months later, the color has not faded one bit.
For my sister’s 40th birthday milestone, I upped the ante with the ever-popular Heart Black Box filled with 24k gold and red roses. The extra long preservation life makes it perfect for decorating her guest room to commemorate the big celebration. The engraved message on the sleek black box commemorates it as well.
Most recently for Galentine’s Day, I ordered her the Tiffany Blue Bundle: four stacked cube boxes overflowing with blue and purple roses. She wants to use one per season as a centerpiece.
No matter the occasion or arrangement style, I find myself wowed by The Million Roses‘ signature quality and realism unmatched by any other preserved florals seller. My recipients can’t tell they’re faux at first glance!
How Preserved Roses Compare To Fresh Cut Flowers
While traditional fresh-cut roses do hold nostalgic appeal, these preserved roses deliver on all the same emotional elements —love, gratitude, elegance, beauty—while producing less waste for a longer lasting surprise. Here‘s how they compare:
| Fresh Roses | Preserved Roses |
|---|---|
| Last 7-14 days | Last 1-3 years |
| Require frequent watering | No maintenance needed |
| Vulnerable to wilting and rotting | Maintain lushness over time |
| Limited colors and varieties | Extended color palette stays vivid |
| Biodegradable | Produce less landfill waste |
| Inexpensive | Higher upfront cost |
| Forgettable | Unforgettable gifting experience |
The biggest motivation for me to make the switch came down to reducing waste. Floral waste absolutely horrified me once I dug into the shocking statistics:
- 150 million roses get thrown out each Valentine‘s Day
- The USA discards 612 million roses after holidays and events annually
- 11% of landfill waste comes from decaying organic matter like flowers
It felt wrong to partake in such waste for fleeting gifts forgotten within weeks.
As a floral expert, I predict the preserved rose industry will expand exponentially in the coming years. Consumer demand grows each season for eco-friendly, memorable alternatives that balance sentimentality with sustainability.
Brands like The Million Roses make that attainable on a luxury scale without sacrificing beauty or quality. Their solutions checked all my boxes.
Reviews of The Best The Million Roses Box Choices
While all of The Million Rose offerings make admirable gifts, a few options rise to the top as customer favorites judging by reviews across the web and my professional opinion. Here are my top picks:
For Romance: Heart Black Box – Red Roses
The Heart Black Box with dramatic red roses earns distinction as the most romantic option. Paired with the heart-shaped box, rich red roses telegraph passion and devotion.
- 25-30 ruby red roses
- Sophisticated black heart box, velvet lined
- Engraveable sterling silver plaques for custom messages
- Overall Rating: 4.9/5 (564 reviews)
- My Rating: 5/5
Given their bold hue and lavishness, these roses make a stunning centerpiece for date nights or displayed bedside as an eternal reminder of your affection.
For Extravagance: Square Gold Box – Gold, Peach & Green Roses
While gold roses exude opulence and luxury on their own, the vibrant coral and emerald accents in this arrangement dial the drama up further. Perfect for weddings or landmark birthdays for those who enjoy the finer things in life.
- 20 preserved roses – metallic gold, peach, green
- Elegant 12” glossy white box with gold trim
- Overall Rating: 5/5 (126 reviews)
- My rating: 5/5
Between the mix of textures from the velvety gold and silky peach petals contrasted by saturated emerald leaves, this eclectic bouquet brings decadent richness to any space. Worth every penny.
For Stylish Simplicity: Cube White Box – Red Roses
Not every gift calls for grandiose extravagance. For understated elegance, this neat stack of crimson roses offers classic beauty. Looks sharp on office credenzas, shelves, and more.
- 15 rich red preserved rose heads
- Crisp 12” bright white ceramic cube box
- Overall Rating: 4.8/5 (412 reviews)
- My rating: 5/5
While small, this mighty red rose arrangement punches above its weight in terms of presence. With an equally petite footprint, you can artfully tuck these roses anywhere without taking up much space.
For Infinity Symbols: Circle Black Box – Rainbow Roses
The circular shape of this artistic black box arrangement reminds me of the infinity symbol, perfectly celebrating pride, eternal bonds, or limitless joy between partners and friends.
- 31 preseved roses in rainbow of colors
- Sleek black wood circular box with glass window
- Overall rating: 5/5 (53 reviews)
- My rating: 5/5
Bursting with a vibrant spectrum of roses, this offering wins points for most unique. The cool-toned blues, purples, and silvers complement warm yellows, oranges, reds and pinks. Visually arresting!
Care Guide For Preserved Roses: How To Make Them Last
One of the biggest advantages of preserved vs fresh cut roses lies in their longevity and low maintenance required. However, to get the full 1-3 years of enjoyment from your Million Roses, some basic care principles apply:
Mind the Light
Avoid direct, intense sunlight which can drain color over time. Bright filtered light works best.
Moderate Moisture
While technically no watering required, spritzing roses with distilled or filtered water revives any dried bits.
Cool Temps
Prevent premature fading and drying by keeping roses away from heat sources like vents, fires, stoves.
Clean Touch Ups
Gently wipe petals with soft cloth to remove household dust build up.
Change of Scenery
Rotate display location seasonally for fresh perspectives and even fading.
Following these simple guidelines, your roses from The Million Roses will thrive for years on end!
Get the Most Value Through the Subscription
Diehard fans of preserved roses will find exceptional savings potential via The Million Rose‘s subscription program. You‘ll gain exclusive perks like:
Discount Pricing
Save up to 25% off future orders
Free Shipping
Enjoy free standard shipping and discounted expedited shipping
Bonus Gifts
Earn store credit, giveaways entries, and exclusive early access to new collections
Convenient Auto-Delivery
Schedule recurring automated deliveries so you never run out of roses! Choose from monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly shipments.
While The Million Roses arrangements already provide outstanding value given their year+lifespans, subscribing earns you the best bang for your buck.
Repurpose Empty Boxes Once Flowers Expire
An eco-friendly benefit I appreciate about The Million Roses lies in the reusability of their handcrafted leather and wood boxes. While the roses eventually expire, you can repurpose the containers around your home:
- Store jewelry, trinkets, remotes, office supplies
- Display candles, potpourri, collectibles
- Organize essential oils, perfumes on a vanity
- Hold bookmarks, letters, Polaroids
- Arrange succulents, air plants, faux florals
For the crafty DIYer, the packaging offers a blank slate to paint, stencil, decoupage, or use to organize new treasures.
Styling Inspiration: Creative Ways To Showcase Preserved Roses
Preserved roses add modern flair suitable for any space year-round. They require zero maintenance compared to traditional florals. Here are some ideas to highlight them around your home:
On Coffee Tables
Layer different size boxes filled with color coordinated roses as eclectic centerpieces.
Along Window Sills
Line up matching cubes or circles along sunlit windowsills.
Inside Glass Cabinets
Display heart-shaped boxes within glass front cabinets and hutches.
On Bathroom Vanities
Coordinate rose colors with towels and accessories for elegant touches.
As Room Dividers
Use towers of stacked cubes to divide space aesthetically.
Along Bookshelves
Mix sizes and colors for eclectic accent pieces.
Bedside Bouquets
Set out flower boxes to wake up to each morning!
With an entire spectrum of colors and 14+ box styles to select from, the possibilities stay endless for eye catching displays.
Comparing The Million Roses to Other Preserved Rose Companies
In my decade as a floral designer and preserved rose enthusiast, I’ve tested products from dozens of competitors. The Million Roses stands in a class of their own based on several key factors:
Realism – Their proprietary solution produces the most natural looking and feeling preserved roses with zero plastic-like qualities. Luxurious texture.
Duration – An average lifespan over 2 years surpasses budget services that last 6-12 months. Worth the price jump.
Variety – 400+ design options crush other companies. Consistently adding new styles and colors keeps them leading edge.
Presentation – From wrapping to box selection, every luxurious detail gets considered for 5-star gifting experience.
Customer Service – Responsive team provides white glove service to match their premium products.
While there exists worthy alternatives for gifting like Roseshire and Orchidya, The Million Roses goes several steps further to create true forever flowers.
For someone wanting realistic, lush roses that transcend trends, I wholeheartedly recommend The Million Roses over any competitor. Well worth the investment!
The Final Verdict: Who Are The Million Roses Best Suited For?
In my expert opinion as a long time floral industry insider, The Million Roses make an unparalleled gift across countless occasions.
Given their steep price point, they work best for gifting luxurious floral arrangements to others rather than self-purchasing. They trump real flowers for sending condolence arrangements given their longevity.
Any VIP in your life would adore receiving these special roses for birthdays, anniversaries, holiday centerpieces, dinner parties, and more. Their wow-factor and high-quality leave lasting impressions for years on anyone lucky enough to receive them.
For romance, they communicate everlasting love and lifetime commitment beautifully. For reverence, they offer modern elegance and sophistication fitting memorials and somber occasions. And just for everyday joy, they never fail to delight.
As The Million Roses like to say, their roses stay "here today, here tomorrow." Once you gift these glorious roses, recipients will treasure their beauty forevermore. I certainly do!
