A little care makes a real difference to fresh flowers. Different varieties naturally have different vase lives, but clean water, a suitable position and a few minutes of attention can help every bouquet look its best for longer.
Start with a very clean vase
Wash the vase with warm soapy water and rinse it well. Residue and bacteria can block flower stems and shorten vase life, so do not simply refill a vase left from an older arrangement. Choose a vase that supports the bouquet without crushing the stems together.
Remove leaves below the water line
Any leaf sitting in water will begin to break down. Gently remove lower foliage while keeping the leaves that form part of the arrangement above the water. This small step helps keep the water clearer.
Trim the stems before placing them in water
Use clean, sharp scissors or secateurs and remove a small amount from each stem on an angle. A fresh cut opens the stem so it can take up water. Avoid crushing the stems with blunt tools. If the flowers have been out of water during travel, trim them as soon as possible.
Use fresh water and refresh it regularly
Fill the vase with fresh water and add flower food if it has been supplied, following the packet directions. Check the water level each day because some flowers drink quickly. Replace cloudy water, clean the vase and trim the stems again every couple of days.
Keep the bouquet cool
Display flowers away from direct sun, heaters, strong draughts and hot appliances. A cool room usually supports a longer vase life. Keep the arrangement away from ripening fruit as well, because fruit releases ethylene gas that can speed up ageing in some flowers.
Remove tired flowers gently
A mixed bouquet will not age all at once. Remove individual spent blooms and any damaged foliage while leaving the flowers that are still fresh. You may also move the remaining stems into a smaller vase as the arrangement changes.
Special notes for seasonal designs
Tulips may continue to grow and lean toward the light. Roses can benefit from reliable water depth, while woody stems may need strong clean secateurs. If you are unsure about a particular variety, photograph it and contact the team through FAQ & Contact.
Good flower care is simple: clean vase, clean water, fresh cuts and a cool position. When you are ready for a new arrangement, browse our current Auckland flower collection or arrange pickup from either Camellia & Co shop.