Caring For Your Flowers

A few simple steps can make all the difference when it comes to keeping cut flowers looking their best.

This isn’t a comprehensive guide – just a set of reliable basics that have stood the test of time. Flowers don’t follow strict rules, but with a little attention, they’ll stay fresher for longer.

• Start with a clean vase and a pair of scissors or secateurs. 

Always begin with a clean vase filled with fresh water. Add flower food if you like, but it’s not essential.

• Remove any leaves that will be under the waterline.

Strip off any leaves or buds that will sit below the water level - this helps reduce bacterial growth and keeps the water clean. 

• Trim stems at an angle.

Cut each stem at a 45˚ angle to help them absorb water more effectively. For woody stems, a small vertical split at the base can also help.

• Place flowers in water immediately. 

Once cut, stems begin to seal quickly. Get them into water straight away to keep them drinking.

• Fill the vase generously.

Start with plenty of water to prevent the stems from drying out. A full vase means less topping up later.

• Change the water every couple of days.

Fresh water is the simplest way to extend vase life. Rinse the vase too, if needed.

• Reviving tired stems. 

If flowers begin to wilt, re-trim the stems and change the water. Fresh water is often the simplest way to revive tired stems. In some cases, a quick dip of stems in hot water – about 10 seconds – before returning them to cool can help. However, it’s always worth checking what suits the specific flower best before trying this method.