Garden roses
Soft outer petals can be part of a rose’s natural character. Give the stems fresh water and a cooler setting, and remove petals that have genuinely faded.
A little care goes a long way
Keep the lovely
a little longer.
Your flowers do not need a complicated routine. A few small habits help each stem feel at home — and give you more time to enjoy the arrangement.
The five little habits
From the first vase to the last stem
Five little
flower habits.
Different flowers have different rhythms. These are general starting points for a mixed cut-flower bouquet.
- 01
Begin with a clean vase
Wash the vase before arranging your flowers. Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline; clean water stays happier without foliage in it.
- 02
Give the stems a fresh cut
Use clean floral shears to trim around 1–2cm from the stems at an angle. This gives the cut ends a fresh surface before they go back into water.
- 03
Add fresh water
Fill the vase with fresh water. If you have flower food, follow the packet instructions. Keep an eye on the level: a thirsty bouquet can use more water than you expect.
- 04
Find a cool, gentle spot
Keep the arrangement away from direct sunlight, radiators, and ripening fruit. A cooler room helps flowers last longer than a warm windowsill.
- 05
Refresh, tidy, and enjoy
Change the water every day or two, and trim the stems again when needed. Remove fading flowers as they tire, and give the remaining stems a little room to shine.
A quick reminder
Little checks.
Lovely results.
When they arriveClean vase, trimmed stems, fresh water.
Each dayCheck the water level and remove tired petals or stems.
Every day or twoChange the water and refresh the cut ends.
Whenever you move themChoose a cool spot, away from heat, direct sun, and fruit.
Every stem has its own character
A note on a few favourites.
Tulips
Tulips can carry on growing in the vase and lean towards the light. Choose a vase that supports them and enjoy a little of that graceful movement.
Mixed garden bunches
Some stems will last longer than others. As the softer flowers fade, you can regroup the remaining blooms into a smaller vase for a fresh little arrangement.
The little questions
A few things
you might wonder.
How long should cut flowers last?
Vase life depends on the flowers, their freshness, and the room. Different stems in a mixed bouquet fade at different times. Remove tired stems and refresh the water to enjoy the rest of the arrangement.
Should I use flower food?
If you have flower food, use it according to the packet directions. Avoid guessing at household mixtures. Clean water, a clean vase, and a cool position are the best starting point.
Why are my tulips bending or getting taller?
Tulips can continue to grow and bend towards the light after they are cut. A supportive vase and a cooler position help; a little movement is part of their character.
Where is the best place for my bouquet?
Choose a cool place away from direct sun, radiators, and ripening fruit. Keep the water topped up, and move flowers away from strong heat or draughts.
Let’s make something lovely
A little beauty for your everyday.
Explore our flower palettes, find the mood you love, and put together a thoughtful brief for your next gesture.
Create your flower brief