Caring For Your Flowers

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

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

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

• Remove any leaves or buds that will fall be under the waterline.

This helps reduce bacterial growth and keeps the water clean for longer. 

• Trim each stem at an 45˚angle.

This helps 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.

• Reviving tired stems. 

If flowers begin to wilt, re-trim the stems and refresh the water. Fresh water is often the simplest way to extend vase life. Rinse the vase too, if needed.

• Other revival options.

In some cases, a quick dip of stems in hot water – about 10 seconds – before returning them to cool water can help. However, it’s always worth checking what suits the specific flower best before trying this method.