Flowers bring joy, colour, and vibrancy to any East Sheen home, business, or event. Whether you've selected a hand-tied bouquet for the kitchen table or received elegant arrangements for a wedding or corporate setting, caring for your blooms properly ensures they stay beautiful as long as possible. Our experienced East Sheen florists, known for serving the local community with passion and expertise, are sharing their favourite flower care tips to help you get the very best from your East Sheen flowers.
Whether you receive your bouquet fresh from our East Sheen shop or as a delivery, the initial steps are crucial. Remove all packaging as soon as possible, including cellophane and any water-soaked wrapping. This allows your flowers to breathe and stops stems from becoming waterlogged or crushed.
Use sharp, clean scissors or secateurs to trim 2–3 cm off the bottom of each stem at an angle. Angled cuts create a larger surface area for water absorption, keeping flowers hydrated. Never bash stems or cut them with blunt blades, as this can hinder water uptake and shorten vase life.
A sparkling clean vase is a florist’s best-kept secret! Even the tiniest residue can harbour bacteria that clog flower stems and cause premature wilting. Wash your vase thoroughly with soapy water and rinse well before use.
Fill the vase with fresh, room temperature water. Too hot or too cold water can shock delicate stems. Add the flower food sachet provided by your East Sheen florist—it's precisely balanced with nutrients and antibacterial agents for optimal bloom longevity. Mix thoroughly to ensure every stem benefits.
When placing flowers in a vase, remove any foliage that would sit below the waterline. Submerged leaves rot quickly and promote bacterial growth, which shortens vase life. Arrange stems freely, allowing good airflow around each one. If your bouquet includes fragile, thin stems (like ranunculus or tulips), support them with sturdier stems and change their water frequently.
Where you display your blooms matters just as much as how you prepare them. Our East Sheen florists recommend keeping flowers away from direct sunlight, radiators, open fires, and draughts. Extreme heat or rapid temperature fluctuations cause stress, leading to wilting and faded petals.
Fruit bowls look beautiful next to flower arrangements, but beware: ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which sends flowers into early decline. For optimal vase life, keep your arrangement separate from fruit and vegetables.
Spring: Many spring favorites like tulips and daffodils exude a natural sap. Our East Sheen florists suggest conditioning these separately for a few hours before arranging with other stems. Change the water daily; spring blooms love it crisp and clear.
Summer: Warm temperatures call for extra vigilance. Top up water levels daily, as blooms are thirstier in the heat. Consider moving arrangements to a cooler spot overnight to extend their freshness.
Autumn: As the air grows dryer, stems may require deeper water. Trim ends every couple of days and gently remove spent foliage to maintain a tidy display. Autumnal favourites like chrysanthemums and alstroemeria thrive with regular vase maintenance.
Winter: Avoid placing arrangements near heat sources. If your home tends to be dry from central heating, lightly mist petals (but not pollen-heavy blooms like lilies) to mimic natural humidity.
Home Arrangements: Families in East Sheen often enjoy seasonal bouquets on the kitchen table or mantelpiece. For everyday enjoyment, follow our tips above and refresh your water and flower food regularly.
Weddings: Our florists recommend keeping bouquets and buttonholes in a cool, shaded room before the event, lightly misting delicate petals (unless otherwise advised). For centrepieces, always check water levels between ceremony and reception, as flowers can become thirsty under event lighting.
Business Displays: Offices and shops in East Sheen benefit from striking displays in receptions and communal areas. Assign someone to monitor water daily and remove any deteriorating stems promptly. For best impressions, refresh displays every 5–7 days or sooner if the workspace is warm or busy.
Q: How often should I change the water?
Our florists always suggest changing the water every two days, adding new flower food if possible.
Q: Can I use tap water straight from the tap?
Room temperature water is best. If you notice a strong smell of chlorine, let the water stand for an hour before using.
Q: How long should fresh flowers last?
Most flowers last between 5 to 14 days depending on type and care. Our East Sheen florists select the freshest, longest-lasting varieties seasonally to maximise longevity for your bouquet. Treat them well and enjoy their beauty!
Entrusting your arrangements to experienced East Sheen florists means every bouquet is crafted with the highest attention to freshness and detail. These care tips are drawn from years of serving local homes, event spaces, and businesses. When you follow professional advice, your flowers remain vibrant for longer—delighting everyone who sees them. Happy flower arranging!
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