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Flower Care2024-03-14T10:26:06+00:00

FLOWER CARE

8 steps to extending the life of your flowers

Woman pruning the leaves of a pink Delphinium with orange Alstroemeria on the counter to mix with the vase bouquet arrangement

You may have come to this page by scanning the QR code that came with your bouquet, or you may have just surfed here on the net. Either way, we hope that by sharing our top tricks, you can keep your flowers fresh and make your bouquet last longer. Many of these tricks may seem obvious at first, but like everything, once you know the trick, you can perform magic. We hope you find them helpful in keeping your cut flowers alive longer.

choose a vase suitable for your flower arrangement

1. CHOOSE YOUR VASE

Size and cleanliness are the two most important things to consider when picking your vase or container to hold your flowers. First, think about the size of your vase. Your bouquet stems should fit nicely into the opening without being too snug. A large vase may cause your bouquet to lose its shape. Lighter, fragile-cut flowers work best in a taller vase. Cut heavy blooms short, and place them in a low vase with room to spread out. Once you have the correct size vase, check it’s clean, free of detergent and residue.

2. ADD WATER

Fill your vase up until the three-quarters mark with fresh, clean water. Although most flowers keep best in room-temperature water, bulb flowers last longer in cool or cold water. If you are trying to get your flowers to open, you can use warm water to encourage your buds to bloom. Once the buds have fully opened, use cold water when replacing the water.

Add fresh clean water up to the three quarter mark
choose a vase suitable for your flower arrangement
Add fresh clean water up to the three quarter mark
add flower food to your vase and mix well with the water
cut the stems of your flower bouquet at a 45° angle
add flower food to your vase and mix well with the water

3. FEED YOUR FLOWERS

If your flowers arrive with a small packet of flower food, add it to the water and mix it well. This time-tested mixture contains a bit of sugar to feed your flowers, acid to maintain the pH levels of the water, and some bleach to reduce the bacteria and microbes in the water in the vase water. All three help extend the life of the flowers.

4. CUT THE STEMS

Before putting your flowers in water, cut the stems of your bouquet. Using garden scissors, trim 4 – 5cm off from the bottom at a 45° angle. The angle will help the flowers to take the water more effectively since they will not sit flat on the bottom of a vase. Some flowers, like roses, sometimes get air bubbles stuck in their stems, blocking water flow; you can cut your flower stems underwater to prevent this. After the initial cut, re-trim your bouquet every few days to allow fresh water to penetrate the stem. It also is helpful to replace the water every couple of days.

cut the stems of your flower bouquet at a 45° angle
woman holding a vase of clean fresh water for a bouquet of flowers
Remove any excess leaves below the waterline

5. CUT BACK OR REMOVE EXCESS LEAVES

Before placing your cut flowers in a vase, remove any extra leaves near or below your vase waterline. This will decrease any bacteria in the water and help to keep the water clean and free of foul odours.

6. PLACE YOUR BOUQUET IN BEST LOCATION

Where you keep your bouquet can directly impact the life of your flowers. Avoid Direct Sunlight, Heat, Drafts, and Fruit. Placing your arrangement in a shaded spot or a room with indirect sunlight and cooler temperatures will help helps preserve the blooms. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near appliances that generate heat. You’ll also want to avoid open windows, heating or cooling vents, and ceiling fans, which can cause your flowers to dehydrate quickly. Some flowers, like tulips, are sensitive to heat. It would be best if you didn’t place your bouquet near ripening fruit, as it releases tiny amounts of ethylene gas, which can speed up the wilting process. Remember, cool temperatures are generally better for bouquets, except for tropical blooms like orchids which prefer heat and humidity.

Place your vase away from heat, drafts or sunlight
Remove any excess leaves below the waterline
Place your vase away from heat, drafts or sunlight
Change the water regularly, remembering to trim the stems
Remove any flowers from your bouquet arrangement that begin to wilt or die
Change the water regularly, remembering to trim the stems

7. CHANGE THE WATER EVERY TWO DAYS

Change the water and re-trim your bouquet stems once every 2 to 3 days to allow fresh water to penetrate the flower’s stem. To do this is to remove the flowers from the vase. Rinse and clean the vase thoroughly. Fill with fresh, clean water and flower food, then re-cut the stems at a 45° angle about 1cm from the bottom. Remove any dying foliage of flowers in the bouquet before placing the flowers back in the vase.

8. REMOVE DYING FLOWERS

After several days, you may notice some individual flowers wilting or dying. To keep your arrangement looking fresher for longer, remove these flowers from your bouquet as they detract from the beauty and will begin to contaminate the other healthy flowers.

Remove any flowers from your bouquet arrangement that begin to wilt or die
Woman soaking tulip flowers in water to extent the life of her bouquet

TULIP CARE

Many people do not realise that tulips, unlike most cut flowers, continue growing even after they have been cut. Their stems have been known to increase dramatically during their vase life. To help prevent your tulips from bending, we recommend selecting a vase that supports at least half of the length of the stem. Trim your tulip stems regularly, turning your vase a little each day. If a tulip starts to droop, you can use a pin to prick the stem below the flower, letting out any air. Re-cut the stem and place it in a fresh room-temperature water for an hour.

Roses in a vase perfectly pruned to keep fresh longer

ROSE CARE

The outer petals of your roses may look a little discoloured or like they are wilting, On arrival. Do not worry. The outer petals of a rose are called ‘guard petals,’ and we purposefully leave them on when shipping roses as they protect the rose. On arrival, peel the guard petals away gently. To prevent your roses from drooping, cut the rose stems underwater. This will stop any air bubbles from forming. If you notice early signs of dropping, you can re-submerge the roses underwater, cut them again, and gently shake the stem, allowing any trapped air bubbles to escape.

FAQs

How Long Do Flowers Last?2023-02-16T14:41:16+00:00

Typically most bouquets will last seven to ten days. However, some fresh-cut flowers that are known to last longer in a vase include chrysanthemums, carnations, alstroemeria, lilies, hydrangeas, and clematis are great choices. Chrysanthemums have been known to last longer than four weeks, which has led many florists to consider them the best flower for flower bouquets. Other flowers like lilacs, daisies, and peonies last only a fraction of the time— usually around three to seven days, depending on the variety.

Can I put my flowers in the fridge to extend their life?2023-02-16T14:40:31+00:00

We do not advise putting your flowers in a fridge, mostly because fridges can have cold spots and may freeze the more delicate blooms; however, many people swear by it. This is because florists tend to use large chillers to help extend the life of their floral stock. If you are set on the idea, it may prove tricky, depending on your bouquet size.

Why did my flowers arrive without water?2023-02-16T14:43:10+00:00

All our bouquets ship dry to prevent bacteria from growing around the base of the stems. Please remove your flowers from the box as soon as you receive your bouquet. Then trim the stems at an angle, and place them in water. Your flowers will soak up the water and perk up in a few hours.

How can I keep my flowers fresh for longer?2023-02-16T14:44:17+00:00

As soon as they arrive, trim the stems at an angle, and put them in a vase with cool water. Follow the care steps and remember to change the water every other day. Please remember not to put your flowers in direct sunlight. Instead, find a shaded spot around the house.

Why does the bouquet look small?2023-02-17T11:02:49+00:00

We purposefully pack your bouquet tighter so the flowers don’t get harmed in transit. Once you receive your flowers, please place them in water. Your flowers will expand. If you have received carnations, you may also want to fluff them. To do this, pick up the flower and gently squeeze it beneath the petals. Then while you are pressing it, gently fluff the petals with your hand. It does not harm the carnation flower and allows it to be as showy and beautiful as it can be from day one. This technique only works with some blooms, so don’t try it on roses, but it works a charm on carnations.

Why are my flowers wilting?2023-02-17T11:00:28+00:00

Your flowers have arrived thirsty since they’ve been out of water during their journey. Think of it as a marathon – they have just been on a long run and are a little dehydrated. Once you place them in water, your flowers will begin to perk up. Depending on their type, they will need between six and twenty-four hours to get back to looking their best.

Why have my roses arrived with brown outer petals?2023-02-17T11:01:20+00:00

We have purposefully left the outer petals of the rose on during transit. These outer petals are called ‘guard petals.’ Their main job is to protect the rose inside. Pick them off once your flower bouquet is in water, and your fresh rose will reveal itself.

What are pet friendly flowers?2023-02-16T14:52:12+00:00

Sunflowers, marigolds, snapdragons and roses are all pet-friendly cut flowers. It is always good to check that your plant is safe for your pet. You may not realise that lilies, chrysanthemums, carnations, and tulips are all toxic to pets. Although the RSPCA believes most animals rarely ingest enough of the plant to react because of the unpleasant taste. It is still a good idea to place bouquets containing these flowers just out of the reach of your pets. For the complete list of toxic flowers and plants, please visit the RSPCA.

What are pet friendly flowers?2023-02-16T14:52:12+00:00

Sunflowers, marigolds, snapdragons and roses are all pet-friendly cut flowers. It is always good to check that your plant is safe for your pet. You may not realise that lilies, chrysanthemums, carnations, and tulips are all toxic to pets. Although the RSPCA believes most animals rarely ingest enough of the plant to react because of the unpleasant taste. It is still a good idea to place bouquets containing these flowers just out of the reach of your pets. For the complete list of toxic flowers and plants, please visit the RSPCA.

Why have my roses arrived with brown outer petals?2023-02-17T11:01:20+00:00

We have purposefully left the outer petals of the rose on during transit. These outer petals are called ‘guard petals.’ Their main job is to protect the rose inside. Pick them off once your flower bouquet is in water, and your fresh rose will reveal itself.

Why are my flowers wilting?2023-02-17T11:00:28+00:00

Your flowers have arrived thirsty since they’ve been out of water during their journey. Think of it as a marathon – they have just been on a long run and are a little dehydrated. Once you place them in water, your flowers will begin to perk up. Depending on their type, they will need between six and twenty-four hours to get back to looking their best.

Why does the bouquet look small?2023-02-17T11:02:49+00:00

We purposefully pack your bouquet tighter so the flowers don’t get harmed in transit. Once you receive your flowers, please place them in water. Your flowers will expand. If you have received carnations, you may also want to fluff them. To do this, pick up the flower and gently squeeze it beneath the petals. Then while you are pressing it, gently fluff the petals with your hand. It does not harm the carnation flower and allows it to be as showy and beautiful as it can be from day one. This technique only works with some blooms, so don’t try it on roses, but it works a charm on carnations.

How can I keep my flowers fresh for longer?2023-02-16T14:44:17+00:00

As soon as they arrive, trim the stems at an angle, and put them in a vase with cool water. Follow the care steps and remember to change the water every other day. Please remember not to put your flowers in direct sunlight. Instead, find a shaded spot around the house.

Why did my flowers arrive without water?2023-02-16T14:43:10+00:00

All our bouquets ship dry to prevent bacteria from growing around the base of the stems. Please remove your flowers from the box as soon as you receive your bouquet. Then trim the stems at an angle, and place them in water. Your flowers will soak up the water and perk up in a few hours.

Can I put my flowers in the fridge to extend their life?2023-02-16T14:40:31+00:00

We do not advise putting your flowers in a fridge, mostly because fridges can have cold spots and may freeze the more delicate blooms; however, many people swear by it. This is because florists tend to use large chillers to help extend the life of their floral stock. If you are set on the idea, it may prove tricky, depending on your bouquet size.

How Long Do Flowers Last?2023-02-16T14:41:16+00:00

Typically most bouquets will last seven to ten days. However, some fresh-cut flowers that are known to last longer in a vase include chrysanthemums, carnations, alstroemeria, lilies, hydrangeas, and clematis are great choices. Chrysanthemums have been known to last longer than four weeks, which has led many florists to consider them the best flower for flower bouquets. Other flowers like lilacs, daisies, and peonies last only a fraction of the time— usually around three to seven days, depending on the variety.

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