Flower Care Guide
There are some simple rules to making flowers last, based on common sense. Just follow our three C's. Care, Consider, Create. Like everything, treat them well, and they will bloom for ages...
Cut Flower Care
Care
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Cut the stems at least 3cm shorter and at an angle (as this creates a larger surface area for the flower to drink from).
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Fill your vase at least 2/3 full of clean water. Remove the leaves from the stems that will be submerged in water to keep the water free from germs and clean, adding flower food will help with this too.
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After a few days refresh the water in your vase and add your 2nd sachet of flower food.
Consider
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Use a vase at least half the height of your blooms or cut to this length. The width of the vase will depend on the number of stems you have – the wider necked vases will hold more stems.
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Place your vase of blooms somewhere it can be seen and enjoyed! Away from drafts, direct sun and heat sources.
Create
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We would love to see your creations - Post your pictures with a chance to win a bouquet #janepackerflowerbox
Hydrangeas
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If your hydrangeas begin to feel soft or droop – submerge its head in a bowl of water for 1-2 hours, then gently remove and re cut the stems before returning them to your vase of fresh water.
Roses and Spray Roses
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If your roses wilt in the first 3 days, it is possible to revive them by re-cutting their stems and placing them in clean hot water (tap hot). This will encourage them to re- hydrate.
- The outside petals of roses are sometimes marbled with green tinges – these have protected the bloom from bud to flower. These can be considered unsightly to some, but are a natural part of the flower. If you don’t like this organic look, gently pull them of but holding each petal as close as possible to the bloom.
Lillies
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When your lily flowers open they reveal 5 soft spikes with brown stamen at the ends – its best to remove them as soon as they are visible by pulling them gently away from the flower. If left they turn orange and scatter pollen that can stain clothes or surfaces.
Bouquet Care
- Carefully remove all packaging.
- Keep the string tied around stems if you want to retain a strong shape on hand-tied bouquets; remove it if you want to arrange the flowers yourself.
- Using a sharp, clean blade or scissors, cut 3cm off each stem at a 45-degree angle.
- Place the bouquet in a clean vase that is large enough to allow the stems to reach at least halfway down. Fill three-quarters of the vase with lukewarm water and add flower food (this really does work; it’s not just a gimmick!). Do not use metal containers if using flower food, as metal can neutralize the food’s beneficial effects.
- Remove any fronds and leaves which lie below the water level; these will decompose and contaminate the water, killing off your flowers.
- Place the bouquet in a cool position, away from heating or cooling vents and appliances, direct sunlight or draughts.
- Keep the flowers away from fruit - the gas that is given off when ripening will kill your flowers.
- Refresh the water in your vase after 3-4 days and add flower food.
Arrangements and Rose Hatboxes
- Do not allow oasis to dry out completely or become water logged.
- Top up the water carefully with a small jug each day, to ensure the roses can drink daily
- Please be aware that we may use a rose stem to prop the lid up away from the roses. This is not a broken stem!
- To prevent water damage always place arrangements on surfaces that are non porous. Better still on a protective mat
CAUTION: Lily pollen can stain. In case of contact, dab off with cellotape. Do not use water. Berries and ornimental fruit may also stain and must not be eaten.
For further advice, call Jane Packer Delivered on 0800 06 99 22 0 or email customerservice@janepacker.com.