A Little Care Goes a Long Way
A beautifully hand-tied bouquet deserves to be enjoyed for as long as possible. With the right care, most fresh flowers will last seven to fourteen days — sometimes longer. These are the simple steps our florists use every day.
1. Cut the Stems at an Angle
Before arranging, trim at least 2 cm from each stem at a 45-degree angle with a sharp knife or clean scissors. The angled cut increases the surface area for drinking, and a clean cut (rather than a crushing one) keeps the stem's vessels open.
2. Start with a Clean Vase
Bacteria are the main enemy of cut flowers. Wash your vase in hot, soapy water and rinse well before use — any residue from a previous arrangement will shorten the life of your blooms.
3. Remove Leaves Below the Waterline
Any foliage sitting in the water will rot and breed bacteria quickly. Strip the leaves from the lower third of each stem before arranging. This single step can add days to your bouquet.
4. Use the Flower Food
The little sachet of flower food that comes with most bouquets is worth using. It combines sugar for energy, an acidifier to balance the water, and a biocide to slow bacteria. Stir it into the water before you arrange.
5. Change the Water Every Two Days
Fresh, clean water keeps your flowers drinking well and prevents bacteria building up. Each time you change it, re-cut the stems by a centimetre to reopen the vessels.
6. Keep Away from Heat, Draughts and Fruit
Direct sun, radiators and draughts all shorten a bouquet's life. Keep flowers in a cool spot away from windows. And keep them away from the fruit bowl — ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which speeds up flower ageing.
7. Mist Delicate Blooms
Roses, peonies and hydrangeas all enjoy a light misting of cool water, especially in a warm room. Avoid misting open lily anthers, as the pollen can stain.
Questions About a Particular Arrangement?
If you would like advice on caring for a specific bouquet, our team is always happy to help. Get in touch, or pop into the shop in Westbury-on-Trym. Ready to send flowers? Browse the collection.