There’s nothing quite like a fresh bouquet to brighten your home. A little everyday care can help your flowers stay beautiful for longer, whether they’re a thoughtful gift, a celebration centrepiece, or a just-because treat.
At Eckhardts Floral Design / Country Creations, we want you to enjoy every bloom. Here are a few simple habits to give your cut flowers the best start.
1. Start with a clean vase
Wash your vase with warm, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly before arranging your flowers. A clean vase helps limit bacteria that can shorten the life of your bouquet.
2. Add fresh water and flower food
Fill your vase with fresh water and add the flower food provided with your bouquet, following the packet’s directions. Using the correct amount of water matters, so avoid guessing or dividing a packet by eye. If your flowers come with specific care instructions, follow those first.
3. Give the stems a fresh cut
Using clean, sharp snips or scissors, trim about 1–2 cm from the bottom of each stem at a slight angle. Place the flowers in water promptly after cutting. Re-trim the stems when you refresh the vase, especially if the ends look discoloured.
4. Keep leaves out of the water
Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline. Submerged foliage breaks down and encourages bacteria. Leave healthy leaves above the waterline in place.
5. Choose a cool spot
Display your bouquet away from direct sunlight, heating vents, fireplaces, and hot appliances. Avoid strong drafts and keep flowers away from ripening fruit, which releases ethylene gas that can speed up ageing in some blooms.
6. Check the water every day
Fresh flowers can drink more than you expect! Check the water level daily and top it up as needed. Every two days, or sooner if the water becomes cloudy, wash the vase and replace the water. Add fresh flower food according to the packet’s directions.
7. Remove fading flowers
Different flowers naturally last for different lengths of time. Remove wilted blooms and any fallen leaves as your arrangement changes. You can move the remaining flowers into a smaller vase to keep enjoying them.
A few special care tips
- Roses: Keep an eye on water levels and remove outer petals that become bruised or tired.
- Tulips: These flowers continue to grow and bend toward the light after cutting. Give them a little room and enjoy their changing shape.
- Arrangements in floral foam: Check the container daily and carefully add water to keep the foam moist. Protect the surface underneath from spills.
- Lilies and pets: Lilies are extremely toxic to cats, including their pollen and vase water. Keep them out of homes with cats. If exposure is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Skip the homemade shortcuts
We recommend the flower food supplied with your bouquet rather than adding household ingredients such as sugar, aspirin, or coins. Clean water, a clean vase, and a cool display spot are the foundations of good flower care.
Have a question about a particular bloom or arrangement? Contact Eckhardts Floral Design / Country Creations. We’re happy to help you care for your flowers and enjoy them at their best.