A Florist's Top Tips for Keeping Bouquets Beautiful

Fresh flowers don't stay fresh by accident. The way a bouquet is made and handled from the very beginning determines how long it will last.

At Blooming Amazing Flower Company, we focus on three things: which flowers we choose, how we prepare each stem and when we send them out. These steps help our bouquets stay vibrant and well-shaped for as long as possible.

Why Freshness Starts with the Right Flowers

The path to a long-lasting bouquet begins before the flowers reach your home. Professional florists select and prepare blooms specifically to maximise their vase life.

Choosing In-Season Blooms

In-season flowers naturally last longer because they are harvested at their peak. For example, Irish-grown tulips in March and April have stronger stems and hold their colour better than imported varieties. 

Seasonal filler blooms such as Viburnum Snowball also maintain their delicate structure when they are cut at the right time.

Stem Conditioning Secrets

Florists cut and clean stems to help them absorb more water quickly.

• Angled cuts - Cutting stems at a 45-degree angle creates more surface area for water absorption

• Leaf removal - Taking off leaves that would sit below the water prevents bacterial growth

• Hydration period - Placing freshly cut stems in clean water before arranging them allows flowers to drink deeply

These simple techniques add days to a bouquet's life by ensuring each stem can draw up water efficiently.

Timing the Delivery

The less time flowers spend in transit, the fresher they arrive. Blooming Amazing Flower Company’s in-house drivers collect arrangements straight from the Ranelagh flower shop and provide same-day Dublin flower delivery, minimising temperature shocks and vibration that can shorten vase life.

Setting Up Your Bouquet at Home

Once your flowers arrive, how you care for them determines how long they'll stay beautiful. These first steps make a significant difference in extending their life.

Clean Vase Matters

Bacteria are the main enemy of cut flowers. Before placing your bouquet in water, wash your vase thoroughly with hot, soapy water and rinse well.

Even clean vases can harbour bacteria that will clog stems and shorten flower life. A quick five-minute cleaning prevents this problem completely.

Fresh Water Daily

Changing the water daily dramatically extends the life of cut flowers. Here's why it works:

• Removes bacteria - Fresh water prevents bacterial growth that blocks the stem ends

• Adds oxygen - New water contains more dissolved oxygen that flowers use

• Maintains clarity - Clear water allows you to spot any issues with stems quickly

When refreshing the water, add the flower food that came with your bouquet. This provides nutrients and helps control bacteria.

Trimming Stems Regularly

Remove your flowers from the vase every two days and trim about 1 centimetre from each stem. Use sharp scissors or a knife - a blunt blade can crush the stems.

Cut at an angle to increase the surface area where water enters the stem. This simple step removes any blockages that may have formed at the stem end.

Finding the Perfect Spot

Where you place your bouquet affects how long it lasts. Avoid these locations:

• Direct sunlight, which speeds up the ageing process

• Near ripening fruit, which releases ethylene gas that causes flowers to wilt

• On top of radiators or near heating vents, which dry flowers out

• In draughty areas, which can damage delicate petals

• Away from air-conditioning vents which can quickly dry stems and petals

Instead, place arrangements in cool spots away from direct heat sources and out of strong air currents.

Addressing Common Issues with Bouquets

Even well-cared-for flowers sometimes need extra attention. Recognising early signs of wilting or petal drop helps you act quickly to preserve the look of your arrangement.

Reviving Wilting Blooms

When flowers begin to droop, they're usually not getting enough water. Try this simple revival technique:

1. Remove the wilting stems from the arrangement

2. Cut 2 centimetres off the bottom at a 45-degree angle

3. Place the stems in warm (not hot) water for 1-2 hours

4. Return them to the vase with fresh water and flower food

Warm water travels through stems more readily than cold, helping the flower rehydrate faster. 

For delicate flowers like tulips, you can wrap the stems loosely in paper while they soak to help them straighten.

Managing Dropped Petals

Some flower varieties naturally shed petals as they age. Roses, for example, drop their outer "guard petals" as they open. This is normal and doesn't mean the flower is dying.

Remove fallen petals from the water - this prevents bacterial growth and keeps your arrangement looking tidy.

For individual flowers that are fading, gently remove the entire bloom rather than leaving it in the arrangement. This redirects energy to the remaining flowers.

Artisan Tips for Special Flower Varieties

Different flowers have unique needs. Understanding these differences helps you care for specific varieties properly.

Caring for Roses

Roses often arrive with their outer petals looking slightly bruised or discoloured. These "guard petals" protect the inner flower during shipping and can be gently removed to reveal the perfect bloom underneath.

Roses drink a lot of water, so check the water level daily. They also respond well to being recut every other day, which helps them absorb water more efficiently.

If rose heads begin to droop, try the revival technique mentioned earlier, or support the heads with floral wire inserted gently up through the stem.

Protecting Peonies and Hydrangeas

These water-loving flowers require special attention:

• Peonies - These flowers arrive as tight buds and open gradually. To help them unfurl, place them in warm water and keep them in a warm room.

• Hydrangeas - These flowers drink through their petals as well as their stems. If they wilt, submerge the entire flower head in cool water for 30 minutes, then recut the stem before returning it to the vase.

Both varieties benefit from daily misting with clean water, especially in dry indoor environments.

Personal Touches That Elevate Your Arrangement

Small details can transform a standard bouquet into something special that reflects your personal style or the occasion.

Handwritten Gift Cards

A handwritten note adds warmth and personality to any bouquet. 

Blooming Amazing Flower Company offers complimentary handwritten cards; just type your message in the “card message” box at checkout page on pour website and our team will script your message by hand.

Creative Vase Styling

The container you choose affects how your flowers look and how long they last:

• Tall, straight-sided vases support long-stemmed flowers like lilies

• Low, wide bowls work well for compact arrangements

• Coloured glass can complement or contrast with flower colours

• Textured containers add visual interest to simple arrangements

Match the vase size to your bouquet. The opening should be wide enough to hold stems without crowding them, which can restrict water flow.

When to Refresh or Replace Your Bouquet

All cut flowers eventually reach the end of their vase life. Knowing when to refresh parts of your arrangement or replace it entirely helps maintain a beautiful display.

Signs It's Time for a New Arrangement

Watch for these indicators that your flowers are past their prime:

• Petals are turning brown at the edges

• Stems are becoming slimy in the water

• The water is turning cloudy within hours of changing it

• Flowers are developing a sour smell

• Blooms drooping despite fresh water and stem trimming

When you notice these signs, it's time to replace your arrangement with fresh flowers.

Arranging a Repeat Delivery

Consider a regular delivery schedule for consistent fresh flowers at home or work. Many florists offer weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly delivery services.

At Blooming Amazing Flower Company, we provide flexible Dublin flower delivery options that bring fresh, seasonal arrangements to your door on a schedule that works for you.

Regular deliveries ensure you always have fresh flowers without remembering to order them and many florists offer discounts for flower subscription services.

Experience the Blooming Amazing Difference

At Blooming Amazing Flower Company, we select beautiful in-season blooms for freshness, strength and longevity. Each stem is conditioned properly before being arranged and our in-house delivery team ensures arrangements arrive in perfect condition.

Our attention to detail extends beyond the arrangement itself to include proper packaging that protects delicate blooms during transit. When you receive flowers from us, they're ready to display and enjoy for as long as possible.

Visit our full collection of handcrafted floral arrangements and schedule your Dublin flower delivery today.