How to Care for Your Fresh Flowers
A fresh bouquet is one of life's simplest pleasures. Whether you've treated yourself or received flowers from someone special, a little care will help them stay looking beautiful for as long as possible. Every bouquet from Belles Fleurs is handcrafted to order using fresh, quality flowers, and following these simple steps will help you enjoy your arrangement for even longer.
1. Unwrap Your Bouquet
Remove all wrapping and packaging as soon as your flowers arrive. During transport the stems have been carefully protected, but they'll appreciate being allowed to breathe once they reach their new home. If your bouquet has travelled a little further, don't worry if it looks slightly thirsty. Fresh flowers usually perk up quickly once placed in water.
2. Let the Stems Rehydrate
Before arranging your bouquet, place the stems into a jug or bucket of clean, cool water for around 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the flowers a chance to fully rehydrate after delivery and helps them settle before arranging them in their vase.
3. Trim the Stems
Using clean scissors, floral snips or secateurs, trim approximately 1 to 2cm from each stem at a 45-degree angle. Freshly cut stems absorb water much more efficiently, helping your flowers remain vibrant and extending the life of your bouquet.
4. Remove Leaves Below the Waterline
Any leaves sitting beneath the water should be removed before placing the bouquet into a vase. Leaves left underwater quickly break down, encouraging bacteria that can shorten the lifespan of your flowers and cause the water to become cloudy.
5. Use a Clean Vase and Fresh Water
Always start with a thoroughly cleaned vase. Wash it with warm, soapy water before filling it with fresh, cool water. Add the flower food supplied with your bouquet, as it contains nutrients to feed the flowers while helping to keep the water clean. If flower food isn't available, changing the water regularly is the next best option.
6. Arrange Your Flowers Naturally
Place your flowers into the vase without forcing or overcrowding the stems. Allowing each flower a little space improves airflow, helps every stem drink properly, and creates a naturally balanced arrangement that shows off the bouquet at its best.
7. Find the Perfect Spot
Fresh flowers last longest when displayed in a cool room away from direct sunlight, radiators, fireplaces and draughts. It's also best to keep bouquets away from bowls of ripening fruit, as fruit releases ethylene gas which causes flowers to age more quickly.
8. Refresh the Water Every Few Days
Replacing the water every two to three days is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your bouquet. Give the vase a quick rinse, refill it with fresh water and trim a small amount from the stems each time. This keeps the stems clear and allows them to continue absorbing water efficiently.
9. Remove Any Fading Flowers
Every variety of flower has its own natural lifespan. As individual blooms begin to fade, simply remove them from the arrangement. This keeps your bouquet looking fresh while allowing the remaining flowers to continue flourishing.
10. Enjoy Your Flowers
Fresh flowers have a wonderful way of brightening a home, marking a special occasion or simply making an ordinary day feel that little bit more special. With just a few minutes of care every couple of days, your Belles Fleurs bouquet will continue to bring colour, fragrance and enjoyment long after it arrives.
Need Advice?
If you have any questions about caring for your flowers, our florists are always happy to help. Call us on 01 822 2260, visit our shop in Blanchardstown, or browse our latest bouquets online. We're always here to help you enjoy your flowers for as long as possible.