How Do I... Make Cut Flowers Last Longer?
There's nothing more annoying than watching your beautiful blooms wilt and die prematurely. Here's how to prevent it
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning design and decorating questions. Here, Sydney florist Jodie McGregor of Jodie McGregor Flowers reveals the secrets to extending the life of your fresh blooms.
Do some blooms last longer than others?
Absolutely. There are a gazillion varieties of flowers and some will last only two or three days, while others will still look great after weeks. Five to ten days is the average lifespan for most. Gorgeous fragrant flowers such as gardenias, lily of the valley, David Austin roses, lilacs and daphnes are some of my favourites, but they only last a short time.
Absolutely. There are a gazillion varieties of flowers and some will last only two or three days, while others will still look great after weeks. Five to ten days is the average lifespan for most. Gorgeous fragrant flowers such as gardenias, lily of the valley, David Austin roses, lilacs and daphnes are some of my favourites, but they only last a short time.
Gnarly, interesting natives (banksias, eucalyptus foliage, leucadendrons), succulents, bromeliads, cut moth orchids and boat orchids are all long-lasting. Some others that last well include lisianthus, chrysanthemums and lilies.
Image: Jodie McGregor Flowers
Image: Jodie McGregor Flowers
What’s the most common reason flowers die prematurely?
Buying or receiving flowers that weren’t fresh at the start. It’s best to buy from reputable people who care about their business and their customers. This can be from a florist, a greengrocer or growers’ markets. Ask where the flowers you plan to buy came from, and how long they’re expected to last.
Buying or receiving flowers that weren’t fresh at the start. It’s best to buy from reputable people who care about their business and their customers. This can be from a florist, a greengrocer or growers’ markets. Ask where the flowers you plan to buy came from, and how long they’re expected to last.
What are your top tips for keeping flowers alive longer?
- Buy fresh from someone you trust. If they aren’t fresh to start with, there isn’t much you can do.
- Get flowers home quickly, ideally in a bucket of water or with the stems wet-wrapped (this is not essential if you’ll be getting them home within an hour). Do not leave them in a hot car all day.
- Cut the stems before placing in water (although there are some flowers, such as hyacinth, that shouldn’t have their stems cut). Cut them at an angle with a sharp pair of scissors; the more stem that is exposed to water the better.
- Some flowers, such as hydrangeas, poppies and kangaroo paw, benefit from scalding the stems in boiling water before going into cool water – this improves water take-up and prevents drooping.
- Make sure the stems are beneath the water line in your vase, but that the foliage isn’t. And remember, some flowers will drink the water – you may need to top it up.
- Changing the water every two to three days is ideal, but flowers are there to be enjoyed, not to be a chore (at home, even I don’t hit this goal all the time). Saying that, you wouldn’t want to leave flowers such as cock’s comb and sunflowers in unchanged water for a week or more – emptying and cleaning the vase at this point would not be pleasant!
- Add floral preserver, which should come free with your flowers, to the water. This keeps the water clean and bacteria-free.
- Keep flowers in a cool spot, out of direct sunlight and drafts.
Is it important not to overstuff the vase?
Yes, but mainly for aesthetic reasons. But nor do you want it to look mean. Ideally, you want to create a full, abundant floral arrangement. Saying that, a single flower can look just as gorgeous in the right vessel.
Yes, but mainly for aesthetic reasons. But nor do you want it to look mean. Ideally, you want to create a full, abundant floral arrangement. Saying that, a single flower can look just as gorgeous in the right vessel.
Is there anything else you can add to water to prolong the life of flowers?
Yes, and testing in our little laboratory (I mean flower shop) resulted in a dash of bleach being the winner. But be careful, as bleach isn’t good for all flowers. I wouldn’t recommend it for poppies, hyacinth or tulips.
Some people suggest adding sugar or soft drink to the water or combining it with bleach, but we’ve found straight bleach more effective (and easier). Others swear by adding a tablet of aspirin to the vase, but I’d prefer to keep it for a headache!
Image: Jodie McGregor Flowers
Yes, and testing in our little laboratory (I mean flower shop) resulted in a dash of bleach being the winner. But be careful, as bleach isn’t good for all flowers. I wouldn’t recommend it for poppies, hyacinth or tulips.
Some people suggest adding sugar or soft drink to the water or combining it with bleach, but we’ve found straight bleach more effective (and easier). Others swear by adding a tablet of aspirin to the vase, but I’d prefer to keep it for a headache!
Image: Jodie McGregor Flowers
Tell us
What tricks do you use to keep your cut flowers alive? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like, bookmark or share this story. Join the conversation.
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What tricks do you use to keep your cut flowers alive? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like, bookmark or share this story. Join the conversation.
More
Read more ‘How Do I… ?’ stories
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It is different for different flowers, however, as a rule you are looking for bright, strong-looking foliage. Leaves, petals and blooms should not be drooping, discoloured or fraying.
For flowers that open up, such as tulips, buying them when they are tight in bud will mean you can enjoy them for longer. It’s also worth seeking out a trustworthy florist, greengrocer or market to buy from.
Image: Jodie McGregor Flowers