Welcome to our care guide, designed to help you enjoy your flowers to the fullest. Follow these steps to ensure your bouquet stays healthy and fresh:
1. Preparing the Bouquet
When you receive your bouquet, remove the packaging and trim the stems by 2-3cm at an angle. This step is crucial because flowers absorb water through their stems. Avoid cutting the bindwire beneath the colored cellophane, as it holds the arrangement together. If your bouquet arrives in our covered box, cut the raffia binding at the bottom of the stems to allow the bouquet to open up. Do not cut the bindwire.
2. Preparing the Vase
Place your flowers in a clean vase filled with cold water. Ensure that the vase is at least 50% the width of the bouquet to prevent dehydration. More space and water allow the flowers to drink better. Make sure the water reaches the shorter stems. Remove any leaves that would be submerged in water to keep it clean and extend the vase life.
3. Preparing the Display
Display your flowers in a cool, well-lit area away from drafts, direct heat, and sunlight.
4. Maximise Enjoyment
To maintain the freshness of your flowers, recut the stems every 3 days by 2-3cm and replace the water in the vase with fresh water mixed with flower food. Just like us, flowers thrive on clean water.
Additional Flower Care Tips
Managing Different Flower Types
Some flowers may wilt faster than others. Removing these wilted stems not only enhances the bouquet's appearance but also prevents the spread of bacteria to other flowers. Consider removing wilted stems, recutting them, and placing them in a small vase or vial to extend their longevity.
How to Care for Roses
To maximize the longevity of your roses, keep them away from fruit and vegetables, especially apples. Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which accelerates flower aging. If a rose wilts, it can sometimes be revived by trimming 2.5cm/1inch from the stem. Plunge the stem into water that has just been boiled for about 5 seconds, then into cold water. This process can encourage the sap to flow back up the stem and halt wilting.
Removing Rose Guard Petals
These brownish outer petals were left on to protect the delicate inner petals when travelling to you. If you do not like them you can remove the guard petals by gently pinch them away from the base.
How to Care for Lilies
Lilies are notorious pollen producers. To prevent damage to the delicate petal fibers and ensure freshness, carefully pluck the pollen from each stamen, being cautious not to let it touch the petals or your clothes.
Choosing the Right Vase
Certain vase shapes are more conducive to keeping flowers fresh. Avoid cramming flowers tightly in a narrow vase, as it restricts air circulation and impedes water absorption. Leave some space between the flowers and the vase to promote air circulation. Without adequate space, gases and bacteria can accumulate, reducing the flowers' longevity.
Seasonal Lifespan Variation
Flowers typically last at least 1 week (in some cases up to 2 weeks) in Autumn and Winter however in Spring and Summer this is less, Warmer temperatures play a significant role in shortening the flowers lifespan. Consistent care is crucial, especially in warmer months, to maintain freshness.
Allergy Advice for Pets
Common Pet Allergies
Cats and dogs can have allergic reactions to certain types of flowers. Symptoms may include sneezing, coughing, itching, watery eyes, skin irritation, or gastrointestinal upset if the flowers are ingested.
Safe Flower Choices
Opt for flowers that are generally considered safe for pets if you have concerns about allergies. Examples include roses, orchids, sunflowers, snapdragons, and zinnias. These flowers are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in cats and dogs.
Avoiding Toxic Flowers
Some flowers are known to be toxic to pets if ingested. Examples include lilies, tulips, daffodils, azaleas, and chrysanthemums. Keep these flowers out of reach of pets or avoid them altogether if you have cats or dogs in your home.
Monitoring Pet Interaction
Keep a vigilant watch on your pets when flowers are present in your home. Prevent them from nibbling on or playing with the flowers to avoid potential allergic reactions or ingestion of toxic flower material.
By being aware of potential pet allergies and making informed choices about the flowers you bring into your home, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for both you and your furry companions.
Consulting a Veterinarian
If you suspect that your pet has come into contact with a flower and is displaying symptoms of an allergic reaction or toxicity, seek veterinary advice immediately. Prompt treatment can help alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.