Flower care tips :

Have you recently received flowers from us ?  Extend their vase life by following the simple instructions below.

General tips :

1  Always keep flowers well watered. 

Flowers will drink a surprising amount of water.  For best results top up the water on a daily basis from the very first day.  Always use the flower food provided following the instructions on the packet.  If possible, completely change the water after 3 days.  (N.B. this won’t be possible with any designs supplied in florist foam/oasis)

2. Emergency care.

If you forget to water flowers and they have been out of water even for a short space of time, cut a minimum of 1 inch off the stem and cut at a diagonal.  This will allow the flower to drink again as the stem may have sealed over and will otherwise never take up water again.

3 Keep flowers cool. 

 Heat will speed up the deterioration process.  Never place fresh flowers near a heat source such as a fire or radiator.  For best vase life, keep in a cool room.  Or, if placed in a heated room try to move to somewhere cool when you are out during the day or overnight.  N.B. Do not allow flowers to freeze.  A cold draught or air-conditioning can also reduce vase life.

4. Keep out of direct sunlight. 

Sunlight streaming through a window can wilt a flower in a surprisingly short amount of time.  Never set fresh flowers in front of a window.

5  Remember to dead head  your flowers. 

Mixed bouquets and arrangements are normally supplied containing flowers with varying vase lives.  For best results, snip out any wilting heads as they fade.  This is particularly important for lilies.

 

If your flowers were supplied :

As a hand-tie :

Remove packaging, if desired but do not untie your hand-tie.

- in water-box

Flowers can be left in the box, if desired.  Be careful not to set on a highly polished surface or on valuable furniture in case of spillage/leakage.  Top up with clean water every day.  Or if preferred, remove from packaging and place in your own vase.  If leaving in box, for best results, remove after 3 days and place in vase of fresh water.  Follow general advice above. 

- in vase

Follow general rules for water and temperature controls.

- in aqua pack (or water bubble)

This is a temporary measure only.  On receipt, snip the water bag over a sink to release the water.  Place in a vase of clean water, using flower food provided and follow general advice above.

- out of water

Snip the ends of the stems (cut off approx 1 inch).  Remove packaging, if desired.  Place in vase of clean water and use flower food provided.  Follow general advice above.  If your design was supplied wrapped in fabric wrap as well as cellophane, the fabric wrap can be separated and used to wrap the stems in the vase, adding to the visual impact of the design.

As a bouquet (also known as flat packed bouquet) :

This has been specially chosen for you by the sender for you to enjoy arranging the flowers yourself.  Unwrap the flowers, snip approx 1 inch from stem and arrange in vase/vases as desired.  Follow general advice above.

As an arrangement or in a basket (in floral foam/oasis) :

Remove packaging, if desired.  Top up the container with water and add flower food provided.  It is advised to top up at a sink in case of spillages.  Remember to top up water daily.  Feel round the rim of the container to find the space left for you to fill up the container.  If the container is lined with cellophane, be sure to pour water in on the foam side to prevent leakage.

How to care for your :

Lilies

To avoid staining, remove stamen as flower heads open.  If you do get a stain on clothes or upholstery, use sellotape and tap the area to remove the stain.  Never rub the area as this will push the pollen further into the material and the stain will be more difficult to remove.

Heliconia, Strelitzia (also known as Birds of Paradise)

These are tropical flowers that grow naturally in very humid environments.  They therefore absorb water through their skin as well as their stems.  In addition to the general advice, spray heads daily with lukewarm water.

Strelitzia (or Birds of Paradise)

There are normally a few flowers contained in the “beak” of the Strelitzia.  As the first flower fades, run your finger along the top of the “beak” where you will find an opening.  The next flower can be released by gently prising it from the “beak”.

If you would like any further information regarding caring for your flowers, do not hesitate to ring us on 028 9334 4144 or email us.