How to keep your bouquets looking their best for longer

A bouquet of flowers often marks Mother’s Day, yet poor handling can erase that elegance quickly. Putting them in a vase might feel basic – just add water – but small details matter more than most realize. Each step, often ignored, shapes whether petals stay soft or wilt within days. For a great selection, see Bloom & Wild – Mother’s Day flowers.

Bloom & Wild’s floral lead Lucy Hook has shared tips on how best to care for flowers so they last as long as possible after Valentines day.

Guard Petals

The petals on the outside of roses that can look bruised and old at first glance are actually left on purpose. “Guard petals” are there to protect the flowers’ vibrant and more aesthetically pleasing petals from getting damaged whilst in transit. These can be plucked off to reveal the petals beneath by gently pinching them away from the base.

Trim your stems on arrival

Even though people mean well, one key thing often slips away – cutting back stem tips. Fresh blooms often show up with brittle, lifeless stems, soaking up water poorly. Chop those stems by about 3 to 5 centimetres, and uptake improves right away. This small change helps flowers stay fresher over time.

Pruning Leaves

Down below, after leaf pieces sink into a basin of flowing water, they start breaking down – turning the liquid into something harmful for rose roots. Cutting those fragments just above where they touch the surface helps keep the flow clean, giving blooming stems their brightest show.

Plenty of water

Fresh water helps flowers live well. Fill vases three fourths full, mixing in flower care mix too, so petals keep their bright look. Soon the clear liquid runs low. Change it often, just before decay sets in, letting stems get what they require without gaps. When water lacks clarity, something else might be off. Not seeing through the liquid suggests the environment isn’t strong enough for plants to grow well. That’s one sign things could shift under the surface.

Ensuring that you pick the right place

A spot where flowers sit often decides how long they stay fresh. Windowsills, near heating vents, dry them out faster than shelves by the door. Rooms with strong warmth might shorten life more than expected. Places like coffee tables or fireplaces tend to keep petals stronger. Heat comes not just from lamps but also from ripe peaches leaving invisible trails of decay.

Keep on top of trimming

Trimming your flowers’ stems regularly is as important as it is when they first arrive. Keeping them trimmed by around 1cm will ensure that they are able to remain hydrated and last as long as possible.

For more tips on floral care, please visit https://www.bloomandwild.com/the-blog/tagged/flower-guides