Nothing brightens a room or warms an occasion quite like a beautifully arranged bouquet. Whether you have received a surprise delivery, chosen your own arrangement, or are decorating for a special event in Thornton Heath, proper care is key to keeping your flowers looking vibrant for as long as possible. Our team of dedicated Thornton Heath florists, who serve households, weddings, and businesses locally, have put together their top flower care advice to help you get the most from your fresh blooms.
As soon as your flowers arrive, remove the packaging gently. Avoid pulling stems apart forcefully, as this can damage delicate petals and leaves. Inspect your arrangement and discard any wilted or damaged flowers right away. This simple step prevents early decay and helps prolong the freshness of your bouquet.
One of the most essential flower care tips from our Thornton Heath Flowers team is to trim the stems before placing them in water. Use sharp, clean scissors or a knife to cut about 2-3 cm off the bottoms at a 45-degree angle. Cutting at an angle increases the area available for water intake and helps stems stand taller in your vase.
Matching the right vase with your arrangement isn’t just about aesthetics. Choose a clean vase that’s tall enough to support your flowers and wide enough so the stems aren’t cramped. Our Thornton Heath florists recommend cleaning vases thoroughly with hot soapy water to remove bacteria that can shorten flower vase life.
Flowers are just like us—they need clean water to stay fresh and lively. Fill your vase two-thirds full with room temperature water, and add the provided flower food if included. If you’re out of flower food, a teaspoon of sugar and a drop of bleach in the water can help keep bacteria at bay while nourishing your flowers. Change the water every two days to give your Thornton Heath Flowers the best environment to thrive.
Our local florists often see arrangements wilt quickly due to poor placement. Keep your flowers away from direct sunlight, heating vents, radiators, and draughts. Avoid placing fruits near your bouquets—ripening fruit emits ethylene gas which can hasten wilting. Choose a cool, shaded spot where your bouquet can be admired and enjoyed at its best.
Roses: Remove leaves below the waterline. If rose petals droop, immerse the whole stem and flower in lukewarm water for half an hour to perk them up.
Lilies: Carefully remove pollen-laden stamens to avoid staining tablecloths and keep petals looking fresh.
Tulips: These continue to grow after cutting. Trim stems every couple of days and support with a tall vase.
Hydrangeas: If heads wilt, submerge completely in cool water for an hour to revive.
Spring: Enjoy daffodils and tulips, but don’t mix daffodils with other flowers in the same vase as their sap can harm more delicate blooms. Allow daffodils to stand alone in water for a few hours before combining.
Summer: Flowers may dehydrate faster. Mist delicate petals regularly and change water more often.
Autumn: Enjoy the deeper, richer hues of chrysanthemums, dahlias, and asters. Remove fallen leaves promptly to keep water fresh.
Winter: Seasonal favourites like amaryllis and holly need cool spots away from radiators. Keep away from sudden temperature changes.
Local experience has taught our Thornton Heath florists some handy hacks for extending your bouquet’s freshness. Here are our favourites:
For businesses and event coordinators ordering arrangements from Thornton Heath florists, maintaining appearance over several days is crucial. Opt for hardier varieties for displays and refresh water daily. For weddings and functions, request extra flower food sachets and mist petals between photo sessions or guest arrivals for the best presentation.
Don’t:
Our experienced florists frequently advise wedding parties and event hosts on keeping arrangements fresh throughout the day. For bridal bouquets, place them in water whenever not being held. Table centrepieces can be topped up as needed and shifted out of direct light between uses. With professional care and these expert tips, your Thornton Heath Flowers will continue to enchant on every special occasion.
Caring for flowers Thornton Heath style means combining a little science, a touch of local know-how, and a lot of heart. Trust our accomplished team of Thornton Heath florists—serving local homes, events, and businesses—to help you enjoy the beauty of fresh flowers for as long as nature allows. With these tried-and-true tips and seasonal insights, your arrangements are sure to remain a vibrant feature in your home or venue and bring joy to every admirer.
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