Care tips for various cut flowers

Caring for cut flowers is something that we often think we already know. We understand the importance of trimming the stems at an angle and adding fresh water along with flower food. That said, different types of flowers often require additional care. Understanding what your flowers need will ensure that they last as long as possible.

Alstroemeria require extra water. The buds usually have a tightly wound appearance at first. If you want them to open up and show off their full beauty, you will need to provide them with plenty of water. If your arrangement is set in a vase, you should check the water level daily. If you set it in foam, you should make sure that the foam remains saturated at all times.

Amaryllis needs a bit of extra care. The stems are known for being quite fragile so handle gently. You will also need to trim the stems underwater and, when moving the stem between the vase and the water bucket (where you trim them), you should use a soaked cotton ball or your finger to plug the stem. This will prevent air from entering the stem.

Anemones also need to be handled with care. They don’t tend to last as long as some other cut flowers but they can put on a colourful show. The same can be said for Bells of Ireland, although these last somewhat longer than anemones.

For tropical beauty, the Birds of Paradise flowers will never disappoint. The prefer a warmer environment and any wilting flowers should be removed from the bunch immediately. Calla lilies are also quite thirsty flowers. They have an amazing scent but take care not to handle them too roughly or they could bruise.

Keep your carnations well away from any fruits and vegetables. The natural gases released by various fresh produce can affect carnations and cause them to whither. Chrysanthemums are known for their thick foliage which is all the more reason to make sure that you take the time to trim off the leaves.

Daffodils do best in the shallowest water possible. This means that you will need to top up and change the water even more regularly than you would with another type of bouquet. Freesia tends to prefer room temperature water and the old, wilting blooms should be removed promptly.

Gerberas tend to attract a lot more bacterial growth which means that you should trim these stems even more regularly to create a fresh surface for absorption. Like most other flowers, they too are sensitive to the gases released by fresh produce so keep them away from your fresh fruit and veggies.

Hydrangeas should be placed in warm water for about an hour before you put them on display. This will help revive them and make sure that they last longer. Peonies bloom in the spring which is probably why they prefer cooler surroundings. They are somewhat fragile but they are always a pleasure to behold. Roses should also be cared for much like most other flowers. The guard petals should be removed before you display them. These petals prevent the flower from opening completely so they need to be removed correctly in order to enjoy the full beauty of this bloom.