Flower Care Guide - Find your flower below:
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into fresh clean water
- Use flower food to maximise vase life and flower opening
- Allow blooms to hydrate in a cool area before arranging
Vase Life
- 10–14 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Yellowing foliage from ageing stems
- Petal bruising during transport or handling
- Poor flower opening if stored too cold
- Cloudy water shortening vase life through bacteria build-up
Pro Tip
Alstroemeria leaves naturally twist and yellow over time. Removing excess foliage early improves presentation and helps direct energy into the blooms.
Conditioning
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use clean room-temperature water rather than cold water
- Remove any damaged or marked spathes before arranging
- Avoid crushing or splitting the stems, as this can reduce vase life
Vase Life
- 10–20 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Spathes marking easily during handling or transport
- Browning edges from cold damage or age
- Drooping stems if dehydrated
- Reduced vase life if stored too cold
Pro Tip
Anthuriums are tropical flowers and dislike cold storage. Keep them cool but not chilled, and avoid placing them in standard flower fridges for long periods.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate fully before arranging
- Strip lower side shoots if needed to keep the stem clean and easy to work with
Vase Life
- 7–14 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Small petals dropping as stems age
- Buds failing to open if stems are left dry
- Foliage yellowing if kept too long
- Thin stems tangling or snapping during handling
- Cloudy water reducing vase life through bacterial build-up
Pro Tip
Asters are great filler flowers but can tangle easily. Keep bunches upright, strip lower foliage early, and avoid crushing the fine side stems when packing or arranging.
Conditioning
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Handle carefully, as the spathes can mark or bruise easily
- Avoid overcrowding in buckets to prevent bruising and bent stems
Vase Life
- 7–14 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Spathes bruising or marking during handling
- Stem splitting or softening if handled roughly
- Brown edges from age, bruising, or poor storage
- Poor vase life if kept in dirty water
Pro Tip
- Calla lilies continue to grow and curve after cutting. Give them space in arrangements and avoid placing them too tightly against other flowers.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate fully before arranging
Vase Life
- 10–21 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Petal edges browning as the flower ages
- Stem breakage if handled roughly
- Bacterial build-up in dirty water reducing vase life
- Poor opening if stems are not hydrated properly
Pro Tip
Carnations are long-lasting but still need clean water. Refresh water regularly and remove any ageing blooms to keep arrangements looking fresh.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow blooms to hydrate fully before arranging
- Give large heads enough space in buckets to prevent bruising
Vase Life
- 10–21 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Large heads bruising during handling or transport
- Stem snapping if handled roughly near the flower head
- Yellowing foliage as stems age
- Cloudy water reducing vase life through bacterial build-up
Pro Tip
Chrysanthemum blooms are long-lasting but their large heads can mark easily. Keep them spaced in buckets and avoid pressing them tightly against other flowers.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate fully before arranging
Vase Life
- 10–14 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Yellowing foliage as stems age
- Small heads bruising if packed too tightly
- Cloudy water reducing vase life through bacterial build-up
- Premature wilting if stems are left out of water too long
Pro Tip
Santini is very hardy and excellent for mixed work. Strip excess foliage early and keep stems well hydrated to get the best vase life and cleanest presentation.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Strip excess foliage to keep arrangements clean and reduce bacteria
- Allow stems to hydrate fully before arranging
Vase Life
- 10–21 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Yellowing foliage as stems age
- Smaller side heads bruising if packed tightly
- Cloudy water reducing vase life through bacterial build-up
- Stem snapping if handled roughly around the branching points
Pro Tip
Spray chrysanthemums are reliable and long-lasting, but the foliage can age before the flowers. Remove tired leaves early to keep the stem looking fresh and professional.
Conditioning
- Recut stems at a 45° angle before placing into water
- Use clean cold water with flower food
- Keep water levels shallow, as deep water can soften stems
- Remove any damaged outer petals before arranging
Vase Life
- 5–7 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Bent neck caused by dehydration or weak stems
- Stem splitting from excessive water uptake
- Petal bruising during transport or handling
- Cloudy water leading to bacterial build-up and shortened vase life
Pro Tip
Gerberas are highly sensitive to dirty water. Change water regularly and keep containers clean to dramatically improve vase life and stem strength.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate fully before arranging
- Keep stems upright in buckets to prevent tangling and damage
Vase Life
- 7–14 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Small flowers shedding if stems dry out
- Tangled stems causing breakage during handling
- Cloudy water reducing vase life through bacterial build-up
- Flowers browning if stored too warm or left too long
Pro Tip
Gypsophila can dry out quickly if left out of water. Keep it hydrated, handle gently, and avoid crushing bunches together to maintain its soft, airy look.
Conditioning
- Leave the bulb/base intact where possible, as this helps vase life
- Recut only the very end of the stem if needed
- Place into clean shallow water with flower food
- Handle gently, as the flowers can bruise easily
- Keep away from strong heat, as hyacinths open quickly in warm conditions
Vase Life
- 5–7 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Flowers opening too quickly in warm rooms
- Strong fragrance may be overpowering in small spaces
- Stems becoming soft if kept in too much water
- Individual florets bruising during handling or transport
Pro Tip
Hyacinths continue to grow and curve after cutting. Use shallow water, keep them cool, and give them space in arrangements so the flower heads are not crushed.
Conditioning
- Remove most foliage, especially any leaves below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Hydrate deeply before arranging, ideally in a cool area
- If heads begin to wilt, submerge the flower head in water for a short period to help revive
Vase Life
- 5–10 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Wilting heads caused by dehydration
- Large leaves drawing water away from the flower head
- Petal browning from age, heat, or poor hydration
- Cloudy water reducing vase life through bacterial build-up
Pro Tip
Hydrangeas are thirsty flowers. Remove excess leaves, keep water topped up, and hydrate well before use. For tired heads, a full head soak can often bring them back.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut woody stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate fully before arranging
- Handle berry clusters carefully to avoid bruising or shedding
Vase Life
- 7–14 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Berries dropping if stems dry out or are handled roughly
- Leaves yellowing as stems age
- Woody stems taking up water poorly if not recut
- Cloudy water reducing vase life through bacterial build-up
Pro Tip
Hypericum benefits from a clean recut and good hydration before use. Strip lower foliage early and avoid packing stems too tightly, as the berries can mark or drop with rough handling.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate in a cool area before arranging
- Handle buds and open flowers carefully, as petals can bruise easily
Vase Life
- 4–7 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Flowers opening too quickly in warm conditions
- Petals bruising during handling or transport
- Buds failing to open if stored too cold or left dry
- Stems becoming soft if kept in dirty water
Pro Tip
Iris often arrives in bud and opens quickly once warm. Keep cool until needed, hydrate well, and avoid placing open blooms too tightly in arrangements.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate fully before arranging
- Remove pollen from open flowers carefully to prevent staining
Vase Life
- 7–14 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Pollen staining petals, clothing, or surfaces
- Petals bruising during handling or transport
- Buds failing to open if stored too cold or left dry
- Leaves yellowing as stems age
- Cloudy water reducing vase life through bacterial build-up
Pro Tip
Remove lily pollen as soon as flowers open. Do not wipe pollen with water, as this can spread staining. Lift it off gently with tissue or tape.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate fully before arranging
- Handle open blooms carefully, as petals can mark easily
Vase Life
- 7–14 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Petals bruising during handling or transport
- Buds failing to open if stems are left dry
- Soft stems if kept in dirty water
- Leaves yellowing as stems age
- Open blooms marking if packed too tightly
Pro Tip
Lisianthus can look delicate but lasts well when hydrated properly. Give stems a clean recut, avoid overcrowding, and remove tired blooms to keep arrangements looking fresh.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate before arranging
- Handle gently, as the small papery flowers can shed if knocked
Vase Life
- 7–14 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Small flowers shedding as stems age
- Stems tangling or snapping during handling
- Foliage yellowing if left on too long
- Flowers drying out if left out of water
- Cloudy water reducing vase life through bacterial build-up
Pro Tip
Limonium is hardy and also dries well. Keep stems hydrated for fresh work, but if using dried, hang bunches upside down in a dry, airy space to preserve shape and texture.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate before arranging
- Handle blooms carefully, as petals can bruise or mark easily
Vase Life
- 7–21 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Petals bruising during handling or transport
- Buds failing to open if stems are left dry
- Blooms dropping if stored poorly or exposed to stress
- Reduced vase life if kept in dirty water
- Cold damage if stored too low for too long
Pro Tip
Orchids prefer clean water and gentle handling. Keep them away from extreme cold, avoid overcrowding, and use them where the blooms have space to sit naturally without being crushed.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate in a cool area before arranging
- Handle heads carefully, as petals can bruise easily
Vase Life
- 5–10 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Heads opening too quickly in warm conditions
- Petals bruising during handling or transport
- Buds failing to open if stored too cold
- Drooping heads if stems are dehydrated
- Shorter vase life once fully open
Pro Tip
Peonies open quickly once warm. Keep them cool if you need to hold them back, and move them into a warmer room if you need them to open faster.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate fully before arranging
- Handle carefully, as stems can be delicate and bend easily
Vase Life
- 5–10 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Hollow or delicate stems bending if handled roughly
- Heads drooping if stems become dehydrated
- Petals bruising during handling or transport
- Flowers opening too quickly in warm conditions
- Cloudy water reducing vase life through bacterial build-up
Pro Tip
Ranunculus are delicate but can last well with good hydration. Keep them cool, avoid overcrowding, and support weaker stems in arrangements where needed.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage below the waterline
- Recut stems at a 45° angle before placing into water
- Place into clean lukewarm water with flower food immediately after delivery
- Allow roses to hydrate in a cool area before arranging
Ideal Storage
- Store in a cool environment away from direct sunlight and heat
- Keep away from ripening fruit, as ethylene can reduce vase life
Vase Life
- 5–10 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Bent neck caused by dehydration or bacteria build-up
- Ecuadorian and Columbian roses need to drink before cardboard is removed.
- Guard petals can bruise during transport
- Early wilting from dirty water or blocked stems
Pro Tip
If roses arrive slightly dehydrated, recut stems and place into deep warm water for 1–2 hours before arranging. Removing damaged guard petals can also dramatically improve presentation.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate fully before arranging
- Strip lower side shoots if needed to keep stems tidy and easy to work with
Vase Life
- 7–14 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Small flowers shedding as stems age
- Foliage yellowing if kept too long
- Thin side stems tangling or snapping during handling
- Cloudy water reducing vase life through bacterial build-up
- Flowers drying out if left out of water too long
Pro Tip
Solidago is a useful filler but can become messy if lower growth is left on. Strip stems cleanly, keep bunches upright, and use fresh water to help maintain its bright, airy look.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate fully before arranging
- Handle carefully, as smaller heads and buds can bruise easily
Vase Life
- 5–10 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Smaller heads wilting if stems become dehydrated
- Petals bruising during handling or transport
- Buds failing to open if stems are left dry
- Foliage yellowing as stems age
- Cloudy water reducing vase life through bacterial build-up
Pro Tip
Spray roses benefit from good hydration before use. Remove tired outer petals, avoid overcrowding in buckets, and give the smaller heads space so they do not bruise or mark.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate before arranging
- Handle gently, as the papery flower clusters can shed if knocked
Vase Life
- 7–14 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Flower clusters shedding as stems age
- Stems tangling or snapping during handling
- Foliage yellowing if left on too long
- Flowers drying out if left out of water
- Cloudy water reducing vase life through bacterial build-up
Pro Tip
Statice is hardy and works well fresh or dried. Keep it hydrated for fresh arrangements, but for dried work, hang bunches upside down somewhere dry and airy.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate fully before arranging
- Keep stems upright in buckets to protect the flower spikes
Vase Life
- 5–10 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Flowers dropping from the lower part of the stem as they age
- Stems becoming soft if kept in dirty water
- Leaves yellowing if left on too long
- Petals bruising during handling or transport
- Strong fragrance may be overpowering in smaller spaces
Pro Tip
Stocks are best used when the lower flowers are open and the top buds are still firm. Keep them cool and upright, and remove any tired lower blooms to keep arrangements looking fresh.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate fully before arranging
- Support heavy heads in buckets to prevent bending or damage
Vase Life
- 7–12 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Heavy heads drooping if stems are dehydrated
- Petals bruising during handling or transport
- Leaves yellowing as stems age
- Stems becoming soft if kept in dirty water
- Cloudy water reducing vase life through bacterial build-up
Pro Tip
Sunflowers are thirsty and have heavy heads. Keep water topped up, recut stems well, and avoid overcrowding so the heads stay upright and clean.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate before arranging
- Handle carefully, as the spiky heads and bracts can catch on other stems
Vase Life
- 10–14 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Stems tangling with other flowers during handling
- Bracts snapping if packed too tightly
- Heads drying out if left out of water too long
- Lower foliage yellowing as stems age
- Cloudy water reducing vase life through bacterial build-up
Pro Tip
Eryngium is hardy and also dries well. Keep stems clean and upright for fresh work, and avoid crushing the heads so they keep their sharp, architectural shape.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Keep water levels fairly low, as tulips continue to drink and grow
- Allow stems to hydrate upright before arranging
Vase Life
- 5–7 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Stems continuing to grow and bend after arranging
- Heads drooping if stems are dehydrated
- Petals opening quickly in warm conditions
- Leaves yellowing as stems age
- Cloudy water reducing vase life through bacterial build-up
Pro Tip
Tulips keep growing after cutting and naturally curve toward light. Keep them cool, support them upright while hydrating, and use them slightly tighter in arrangements if you want better control over movement.
Conditioning
- Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline
- Recut woody stems before placing into clean water
- Use fresh clean water with flower food
- Allow stems to hydrate fully before arranging
- Handle gently, as small flowers and buds can shed if knocked
Vase Life
- 7–14 days depending on variety and care
Common Issues
- Small flowers shedding as stems age
- Buds drying out if left out of water too long
- Woody stems taking up water poorly if not recut
- Foliage yellowing if kept too long
- Cloudy water reducing vase life through bacterial build-up
Pro Tip
Wax flower is hardy and long-lasting when hydrated properly. Give woody stems a clean recut, strip the lower foliage early, and avoid crushing bunches together to keep the flowers looking fresh.
