Expert Flower Care Tips

Hydration and Cleanliness

Hydration

The number one reason flowers fail prematurely is a basic lack of water and turgor pressure. Check your vase now, and add treated water daily. To make treated water at home, use flower food, and mix it according to the instructions on the label. If you have hard or softened water this can prevent nutrient intake. Use purified bottled water instead.

The water we prepared your flower arrangement in has been balanced and treated to provide the ideal environment for your flowers to develop.

Cleanliness

For the absolute longest vase life, remove your bouquet from the vase five days after you receive it and follow the steps outlined below:

  1. Wash the vase.

  2. Replenish the water, preferably with treated water.

  3. Remove blossoms that feel sticky to the touch, and continue to do this anytime you notice a flower has faded. This has a significant effect on total arrangement longevity because it prevents mold, bacteria, and ethylene build up which will affect other flowers. The apple adage is also true of flowers, one bad flower can spoil the bunch.

  4. Recut remaining stems to where you see healthy green tissue.

  5. Place the flowers back in the vase.

  6. Repeat this process every 3-5 days.

Some varieties of flowers last 3-5 days and others last for 3-5 weeks. We use a blend of the two so you can experience both uniqueness and longevity.

Care-Tips for Specific Flower Types

Hydrangea
If your arrangement includes hydrangea, you should know they are one of very few flowers that drink through their petals. As such they are sensitive to shifts in humidity. Before they left the shop they were treated with a petal protectant that will help them regulate moisture on their journey. Occasionally, and especially in winter they may need extra care. If they become soft, submerge upside down in a bowl of water for about 30 minutes. If the flower is not too stressed, this process will fully restore their moisture balance and cellular structure, and you can place it back in your arrangement. A happy hydrangea can last three weeks or more!

Roses
If your arrangement includes a garden-style rose and it appears “open” when you receive it — don’t let that surprise you or worry you. It is normal for a very fresh rose of this type. They have an extremely high petal count and will continue to unfurl and double or triple in size.

Our research has shown that older floral design standards of removing guard petals and thorns from roses can effect vase life so we leave these on whenever possible.

Where to Display Your Flowers for Optimal Vase Life

Flowers will perform best in cool (but not cold) spaces. If you keep your home warm (72 degrees) your flowers will not last quite as long as a home environment where the temperature is cooler (68 degrees).

Flowers perform best in balanced humidity environments. If you use humidifiers in your home in the winter, the flowers will like this. If your home is quite dry in the winter you may see an affect on your cut flowers.

Areas of constant and direct airflow can be stressful to cut flowers (under a fan or air vent).

Areas of bright and constant light can also be stressful to cut flowers (think under a lamp or in a windowsill).