Without a doubt, the question we get asked the most by recipients of our delivered bouquets of flowers is ‘How can I keep my bouquet of flowers fresh and lengthen the life of them?’. So here are our expert tips for extending the life of your flowers and getting the most from your beautiful gift bouquet.

Expert tips to keep a bouquet of flowers fresh and lengthen the life of fresh flowers.

How long do fresh flowers last?

The lifespan of fresh flowers can vary greatly depending on the type of flowers, the conditions they're kept in, and the care they receive from grower, to wholesaler, to florist and lastly the customer/receiver. From our expert florist opinion, we say that on average, most cut flowers can last anywhere from 5 to 14 days.

There are two key factors to remember about cut flower longevity. Firstly, where you receive them from. Flower bouquets from an independent, local florist like The Flower Mill will always arrive in tip top condition having been cared for and conditioned prior to them being arranged by a seasoned florist. Secondly, flowers from a florist will arrive in bud whilst other flowers might be showing lots of gorgeous colours. It’s worth noting that even though the recipient might perceive that they flowers are all open, your local florist will have been really picky when choosing combinations to include and will have used their knowledge to make sure that the flower bouquet is lasting.

Here are some general guidelines for common types of flowers and how long they last:

Roses: Typically last about 7-10 days.

Lisianthus: 5-7 days longevity.

Lilies: Can last anywhere from 10-14 days.

Carnations: Known for their longevity, they can last up to 14 days or more.

Gerberas: Generally last about 5-7 days.

What to add to water to keep flowers fresh?

You only need clean water!! I will preach it until I’m blue in the face. Regularly changing the water and keeping the vase clean will have the biggest impact on the longevity of your flowers. Clean water is absolutely key to keeping your flowers lasting as long as possible. We recommend changing the water in your vase every 2 or 3 days with fresh tap water to limit any bacteria developing. As well as keeping your flowers fresher for longer this should also help with any water staining on your vase or container.

Most florists send out sashays of flowers food however we believe that the flowers last just as long when you regularly change the water in the vase of your handtied bouquet.

What Should I Do with the Flower Bouquet I've Just Received?

Remove gift wrapping from a flower bouquet:

Although we always send out our flowers beautifully gift-wrapped, we recommend removing any gift packaging such as paper and cellophane for a longer-lasting display. You can always keep the ribbons to tie around the vase neck or repurpose them for more gift wrapping.

Choosing the right vase for a handtied of flowers:

The vase should be tall enough to support the stems but not so tall that the flowers are hidden. Ideally, the height of the vase should be about half to two-thirds the height of the flowers.

The opening of the vase should be wide enough to allow the stems to spread out slightly but not so wide that the bouquet isn’t supported by the vase rim. We recommend a waisted vase with a wider opening as it helps keep the flowers arranged neatly. If you are struggling to find the right vase for your flowers or you think the receiver wont have one to hand, you can add a vase to your order on our online flower shop.

Lengthen the life of fresh flowers:

This next step might seem unnecessary, but it helps keep bacteria away, ensuring your water stays fresher for longer. Rinse out your vase or container with hot soapy water or even some diluted bleach to ensure any nasties are cleaned away.

Fill the vase with fresh room temperature water and using a sharp pair of scissors or floral shears, trim about an inch off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle before placing the flower bouquet into your vase. Cutting the flower stem at an angle increases the surface area for water absorption and helps the flowers stay hydrated. Don’t forget to remove any leaves that will be below the waterline in the vase. This prevents the leaves from rotting in the water, which can promote bacterial growth.

If you receive an arrangement in floral foam (oasis) we encourage you to top up the water every 2 to 3 days to ensure the foam doesn’t dry out leaving the flowers thirsty.

Choose Your Location Wisely:

Fresh flowers prefer to be away from direct sunlight and kept as cool as possible. Be sure to keep them away from any heat sources such as radiators or fires. Additionally, fresh cut flowers do not fare well near fruit. Fruit gives off a gas called ethylene, which can cause flowers to wilt quicker than usual. It’s also worth noting that any floral design will need a chance to acclimatise to their new surroundings, they’ve been moved from a cool florist shop to a moving van and into your home so it will have experienced some temperature fluctuations.

Keeping your bouquet of fresh flowers vibrant and beautiful for as long as possible is easy with the right care and attention. By removing gift packaging, choosing the right vase, and placing your flowers in an optimal location, you can enjoy their beauty for days to come. At The Flower Mill, we understand that although flowers have a short lifespan in the grand scheme of things, it’s important to us that our recipients have the opportunity to experience and enjoy beautiful fresh cut flower bouquets in all their fullness. We take pride in delivering high-quality, long-lasting bouquets, and we're always here to help. If you have any questions or need extra tips to extend the life of your fresh flower bouquet, don't hesitate to get in touch with Kirsty and the team. We're dedicated to ensuring you get the most out of your beautiful floral arrangements.