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Flower Care
Blooming Beginnings
Flowers as
beautiful as they are to us, they are also delicate and require care to help
prolong their vase life. Extra care
of fresh cut flowers can prolong the enjoyment period.
Following are some tips to help get fresh cut flowers off to a good start:
For Bouquets:
Cool Off While preparing to put the flowers in a vase, store the blooms in a cool location away from light, keeping them upright to allow stems to stay in the water provided for transport. Hand-tied bouquets are shipped upright in boxes with cello warp filled with water to keep flowers hydrated. When removing the bouquet from the box it is best to do so over the sink to avoid any spillage issues.
Keep it Clean Vases, floral clippers and knives should be clean. Wash the tools and selected flower container with a detergent or antibacterial cleaning solution each time you use them and or change water. Ring lines left in vases are prime areas for bacteria to form in the vase.
Food for Thought Commercial flower food solution is a must. Follow the mixing instructions on the flower food packet. Do not over dilute the solution. Use tepid water, too cold water will shock the flowers not allowing them to drink in water, too warm or hot water will bruise your flowers causing wilt within hours.
Leaf Em
Remove all
leaves on the stems below the water line. Leaves in water will promote bacterial
microbial growth thereby shortening the life of your flowers.
Under the Knife
Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife on a steep angle
while under running tepid water. Place the flowers in the vase solution you've
prepared. If fresh flowers show signs of wilting or blooms do not open it is an
indication that the flowers are not absorbing water. Immediately start the
process of rehydration of your flowers making sure they are re-cut removing at
least two inches from the base of the flowers. If caught early enough this
should save your flowers from further damage.
Climate Control Keep fresh flowers out of direct sunlight away from hot lights and drafts (air vents, heater vents, fans, appliances). The cooler the location and the less light the longer your flowers will last. Ideal temperature for flowers is 65 degrees F to prolong vase life. Flowers exposed to heat, or cold temperatures, or placed near drafts will suffer irrevocable damage. We strongly advise against exposing flowers and plants to extreme weather conditions as it takes seconds of exposure to damage flowers and plants.
Gas Keep all flowers away from Fruits. Fruits emit ethylene gas which will wilt your flowers.
Shower them with love A little misting of tepid water on a daily basis will help your flowers stay hydrated.
Keep it going Remember flowers in a vase need changing of water daily with a fresh cut each time.
For Arrangements in Water:
Upon arrival check the water level in the vase , if stems are above water level (this may occur as water may spill during transport) remove from vase, add tepid water to the vase and recut stems following the above instructions before placing in vase to ensure water absorption. Repeat the steps from a fresh cut flower bouquet above on a daily basis to ensure longevity of arrangement.
Flower Vase life.
Individual stems have different vase lives , this is normal, sometimes the highest value flower are the most delicate in nature having the shortest vase live, but is their beauty for the moment that makes them so valuable. As you recut your stems daily inspect your flowers and disregard the blooms that are spent. Enjoy playing with your flowers each day as you change their water is an opportunity to create an new arrangement. Mix it up, split them into different vases, change the vases you use as the stems become shorter. Have fun and enjoy!
For Arrangements in Oasis:
If your floral arrangement has been prepared in oasis, mist your flowers daily and gently turn your container over the sink to drain water in order to add fresh water to your arrangement, paying attention to climate to extend your arrangement's life.
Maintenance Musts
Downsize
The once appropriate vase may be too big once the stems are cut. Change to a smaller vase and rearrange. Be creative!
Divide and Multiply
Separate flowers into different groupings and move them into different rooms of your home as the stems get shorter and the vases change.
Maximum Enjoyment
When your flowers are coming to the end of their life cycle, cut the stems 1/2″ from the blooms and float them in water. Or place petals on a plate and let them dry naturally creating your own potpourri.
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I'm Out
If you run out of flower food try the homemade version |
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Flower Food Recipe 1 teaspoon of bleach 1 teaspoon of vinegar 2 teaspoons of sugar 1 litre of room temperature water
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Tips by Type of Flower
Tips for Rose Care
Facts you should know about roses:
Roses love love LOVE WATER. They hydrate (intake of water) through their bark, stem, thorns and petals. The quicker the rose is immersed in water the better. The more in contact with water the entire rose is the longer it will last, so watch that water level. Research has shown that a molecule of water can move from the base of a 24 inch cut rose to the petals in 30-seconds or less.
What to do when receiving or purchasing roses?
Make sure your roses are never left in an area where they may freeze or overheat. DO NOT place your roses (or any flowers) in the trunk of your car and or leave in an unheated vehicle in the winter or hot vehicle in the summer. The damage once done is irreversible. However do make sure your roses are not in direct contact with the heating vent of your vehicle or in your home the heat and dry air will damage your flowers. Keep them away from drafts, vents and direct contact of lighting. Flowers are delicate and require special care and consideration in order to have an extended vase life.
What are the steps to care of roses?
Step 1. Upon receipt, open the box/wrapping and give your roses attention. If you cannot attend to your roses immediately, open the wrapping and place it in a cool dark place until you can take a few moments to properly care for your gift of roses. Make sure your roses are never left in an area where they may freeze/ overheat.
Step 2. Remove any leaves that might be under water when you place the roses in your container. Be careful not to cut through, nor scrape, the green bark on the outside of the stem. Air can enter the water conducting passages through the injuries and restrict water uptake. Bacteria in the water can clog stems.
Step 3. Mix floral preservative in lukewarm water (about 100F or 37.80C). Place the solution in your vase. If you have some extra preservative solution, save it in a specially marked container to add to your roses later.
Step 4. With a sharp knife or shears, cut about an inch off the end of each stem. IMPORTANT: HOLD THE END OF THE STEM UNDER RUNNING WATER, OR UNDER WATER IN A CONTAINER, WHILE YOU MAKE THE CUT!!! This will avoid the stem-end drawing in air rather than water. If the stem draws in air the flower will suffer. The longer the stem of the rose the more vigilant you need to be with recutting each day and changing water to avoid bacteria and air bubbles and allow water to reach the head of the of the rose. These steps should be followed for rose vase arrangements as well.
Step 5. As soon as the cut is made, place the rose in a clean, deep vase filled with warm preservative solution. If possible, then place the roses and container in a cool, dark room, for 2 to 4 hours, this will allow the roses to rehydrate properly.
Step 6. Remember to repeat the process of cleaning your vase/changing water
and recutting every day to prolong the life of your roses.
Step 7. Display fresh cut rose arrangement in a cool area out of direct sunlight and drafts. Premature wilting - bent neck- in a new arrangement usually indicates that air is trapped in the stem and the preservative solution cannot flow properly up the stem. The end of the stem may be blocked. Look for a cut or scrape in the bark. Re-cut the stem above the injured section under water and lie the entire rose including the head in a shallow bath of warm water (about 100 degrees Fahrenheit) Be sure to keep the stem and head straight. A rose will usually revive within a few hours and can be placed within the arrangement and continue to thrive for more days of enjoyment.
Tips for Hydrangea Care
Hydrangeas are beautiful flowers, however these flowers can be fickle. One can have ten stems of hydrangea, grown, cut and treated at the same time by the grower and they will react differently. One may last a couple of hours before it shows signs of wilting another may last a couple of days, others may last five days and still yet some last two or more weeks. There is no rhyme or reason to this flower, but when it is hydrated it is such a beauty. Most who have not had experience with this flower will wonder about the freshness or quality but it really all comes down to will they drink water or wont' they. Here are some survival tips to help with your hydrangea.
Like the rose they absolutely, as the name suggests. love water. If the hydrangea is unable to drink water it will begin to wilt. This can be caused by an air bubble in the stem that has caused blockage to the head , not enough water in the vase - water level should be just below the head -or by bacteria in the water as water with hydrangea should be changed daily. Much like the rose if caught early this flower can be revived.
In order for Hydrangea's to drink water they require room temperature to lukewarm water. Cut the stem on a very steep angle to provide maximum drinking surface. In addition it is best to slice up the centre of the stem from the bottom, about an inch, as this helps the hydrangea to hydrate. Remove as many leaves as possible that are left on the stem as they take water way from the flower head. It is important to mist your flower at least once to twice a day to hydrate the head.
If your head stats to wilt immediately remove it from the arrangement. Prepare a bucket or vase of water that is large enough to stand the hydrangea straight up in with half its head submerged under the luck warm water. First cut the stem then place immediately in the prepared container. Leave it overnight. In the morning your flower head should be revived. If you do not have a container deep enough then lie it down in a sink filled with lukewarm water and gently weigh the stem down to stay below the water level for aprox. 40 min. Remove the stem from its bath recutting it as directed above and place in your vase. In a few hours the hydrangea will begin to revive.
There are types of hydrangea that tend to be less susceptible to premature wilting such as the mini green hydrangea or alternatively the exquisite import antique hydrangeas which will dry beautifully.
Tips for Calla Lilies
Calla lilies are beautiful flowers with delicate stems. It is important to try and avoid touching the flower head as they bruise easily. In addition due to their delicate stems calla lilies should have very little water in the vase. Aprox. 1/4 of inch of depth of water should be in the vase to avoid the stem rotting quickly or curling up. Calla lilies vase life generally is shortened due too much water in the vase. If you notice the stem softening immediately cut the stem approximately an inch above the decaying area and place in a shorter vase with very little water. If stems are curling again cut the stem above the curl with a sharp knife avoiding splitting the stems of thick callas. For thick stemmed callas a clear hair elastic at the base of the stem or tape the stem carefully with floral tape can help prevent further curl. It is imperative to avoid bacteria in the water, changing water daily is a necessity to keep these flowers blooming longer.
Tips for Gerbera
Gerbera, the happy flower bring so much joy when received. You can't help but make you smile. Gerbera's are generally sent home with tubes around their stems. This is to support the fragile stem which is hollow and must carry the weight of the flower head. Gerberas like Calla Lilies should never be placed in a vase with too much water. Like the calla 1/4 dept of water will do. However these flowers are extremely sensitive to bacteria and will wilt quickly if bacteria flows up their stem and unlike hydrangea or roses that may be revived these flowers can not be revived. To enjoy these happy flowers for as long as possible change the water daily if possible twice a day and your happy Gerbera will provide you with days of joy.
Tips for Anthurium and Orchids and Tropical Flowers
These unique tropical flowers have an extended vase life. Anthurium and orchids benefit from daily misting as tropical flowers require high humidity. To keep anthurium and orchid flowers looking beautiful avoid touching their heads. Where ever you touch or they feel pressure the flower head will bruise and leave a mark. Tropical flowers should not be left in temperature below 58 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tips for Celosia and Sunflowers
Vibrant Celosia and Sunflowers are lovely part of fall. However these flowers require a great deal of water and can have problems drinking water due to bacteria in the water. Due to the nature of their stems they easily create bacteria in the water. It is especially vital these flowers are placed in clean bacteria free vases and the water changed if possible twice a day to ensure it stays as clean as possible. Make sure to give these stems a fresh cut each time on an angle to provide fresh surface area for the flowers to drink in water. Dehydrated Celosia can be revitalized within 6 to 8 hours by providing them with fresh room temperature water and giving them a good clean cut.
Tips for Daffodils
Sunny Daffodils, the first sign of spring. These beautiful flowers should not be mixed with other flowers. Daffodils emit a substance from their stems that wilt other flowers. Consider it their own defense mechanism to ensure they are the show stopper. Place these flowers on mass in a single vase by themselves. As with all bulb flowers if you want them to open quickly place them in a warm area, if you want to slow down the process keep them cool.
Tips for Peonies
Peonies are beautiful spring flowers with a scent we love. However this flower is very delicate in its nature. It is best to handle it as little as possible to keep it from shattering. In addition as is true with all flowers but especially true of peonies the warmer and brighter the location the faster the peony opens. Once the peony reaches its full bloom it is easily shattered and begins to wilt. Peonies if in a bright location or warm location can fully open within a day and finish their bloom within 2 days alternatively kept cool away from light they can last 5 days.
Tips for Ranunculus and Anemone
Both these types flowers will open fully when in light or in warm settings. This is their nature. Both these flowers are similar to the calla in if too much of their stem lenght is in water it will rot. They will only to be in approx 1/2 an inch of water. The catch is they drink water so watch that they don't drink it all. What do to when these flowers are mixed in with other flowers that need more water, cut the stem shorter for your ranunculus and anemone than the other blooms in the vase. These flowers are best kept away from the sun to prolong their lives. Unlike anemone, ranunculus are very delicate, as they open they head becomes heavy and their stems and head need support. Like the peony as the bloom opens it is best no to touch the flower as petals will drop.
New to the market are the butterfly ranunculus and the romance ranunculus. The butterfly has very delicate stems with almost trasnparent blooms , delicate and costly but so beautiful as one bloom wilts away the other bud opens. These stems are very long and fine take extra care to not crush the stem or pinch it as the flower will stop taking in water. The romance ranunculus, is HUGE when this flower opens it is massive in size, and absolutely stunning, a mass of ruffled delicate petals, like the butterfly it's stems is far more delicate than regularly ranunculus and with such large blooms it is best they are well supported. These two varieties of premium flowers have a very short season so to be able to include them in your flower selection is always a treat.
One common question we get asked about is why flowers all don't' last the same and are all flowers priced the same. Even within the same variety. Growers have thousands of plants growing of one variety. The age of each plant, the strength of it, the amount of light one plant received over another all these things affect the blooms on the plant. When the grower cut their crop all the flowers of one variety/ colour are cut together. When they are shipped to the supplier one bunch of 100 stems of roses for instance could have come from more than 50 plants, this is one of the reasons roses for example in a vase have different vase lives. The other would be how they are taking in water or is one closer to heat or light than another. Think of when you purchase for instance cucumbers or tomatoes at the grocery store, when you bring them home they look the same a day later you notice that one cucumber is going to have a shorter life than the other or your tomatoes were both firm when you bought them in the store the next day one is still firm and one is getting softer sitting on the counter next to each other, the same applies to flowers.
Within types of flowers...no two flower types have the same vase life. Some are very short, some are very long. Some flowers will bloom a day some will like the carnation can with care bloom two weeks. Generally the more delicate the bloom is the shorter its individual vase life will be, and like the more premium select flowers such as ranunculus, anemone, callas , tropical's, lisianthus, hellebores, peonies, virburnum, delphinium, eremurs., rare varieties of tulips..etc these flowers tend to be far more costly than the carnation or daisies. For these premium flowers due to their short seasons, the cost it takes to grow them, transportation costs, the delicate nature of the blooms and the care it takes for the grower to harvest them the price is higher but the blooms are worth it even for just a moment.
Have a question about another flower's care? Drop us an email and we would be happy to answer your questions to help you enjoy your flowers as long as possible.