Why Proper Care Makes All the Difference
A beautifully hand-tied bouquet from Blooms at London deserves to be enjoyed for as long as possible. With the right care, most fresh flowers can last seven to fourteen days — sometimes longer. These are the tips our florists use every single day.
1. Cut the Stems at an Angle
Before placing your flowers in a vase, cut at least 2 cm from the base of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption. Always use a sharp knife or clean scissors — a crushing cut can damage the stem vessels. Do this under running water if possible to prevent air from entering the stem.
2. Use Clean Vases
Bacteria are the number-one enemy of fresh flowers. Wash your vase thoroughly with hot, soapy water before use, and rinse well. Any residual bacteria from a previous arrangement will dramatically shorten the life of your blooms.
3. Remove Leaves Below the Waterline
Any foliage sitting in water will rot and introduce bacteria rapidly. Strip all leaves from the lower third of each stem before arranging. This single step can add days to your bouquet's life.
4. Use Flower Food
The small sachet of flower food included with most bouquets (including ours) is worth using. It contains a combination of sugar for energy, an acidifier to maintain correct water pH, and a biocide to prevent bacterial growth. Mix it into your water before placing the flowers.
5. Change the Water Every Two Days
Fresh, clean water prevents the build-up of bacteria and ensures your flowers can keep drinking effectively. When you change the water, re-cut the stems by a centimetre or so at the same time — this reopens any blocked vessels.
6. Keep Away from Heat, Draughts, and Fruit
Direct sunlight, radiators, and draughts will shorten a bouquet's life significantly. Keep your flowers in a cool room away from windows. Ripening fruit — particularly bananas and apples — releases ethylene gas which accelerates flower ageing. Keep your vase well away from the fruit bowl.
7. Mist Delicate Blooms
Some flowers — particularly roses, peonies, and hydrangeas — benefit from a light misting with cool water. This is especially helpful in warm, dry rooms. Avoid misting open lily anthers, as the pollen can stain.
A Note on Individual Flowers
Roses: After purchase, hold stems underwater and cut at an angle. They also benefit from a "drink" of deeply cool water before arranging.
Tulips: These continue to grow in the vase and can reach toward light. Rotate the vase to keep them upright.
Lilies: Remove the pollen-bearing anthers as the flowers open to prevent staining and extend life.
Hydrangeas: These drink through their petals as well as their stems. Mist frequently and submerge the whole head briefly if they begin to wilt.
Questions? Ask Our Florists
If you have questions about caring for a specific arrangement, our team is always happy to help. Get in touch or visit us in one of our London stores in Putney, Fulham, Wimbledon, or Hammersmith.