A beautiful bunch of flowers is one of the most popular and perennial special occasion gifts. Whether your budget runs to a bunch of daffodils, a small posy or an elaborate bouquet, there are ways to get the most from cut flowers, make them look fabulous and keep them blooming for as long as possible. Read on for how to buy the best flowers.
Here are the dos and don'ts for buying the best, and making the most of cut flowers:
For more inspiration, see the wide range of Mother's Day flowers at Marks & Spencer and Interflora, or for something different, order a unique plant gift from tree2mydoor.
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Here are the dos and don'ts for buying the best, and making the most of cut flowers:
- There is no right or wrong place to buy flowers, but choose the best you can for your budget.
- At a garage or supermarket, consider buying two or more smaller bunches to combine together yourself, rather than one slightly tired bigger one. It's easy to re-arrange then hand tie with raffia string or ribbon.
- If buying flowers in a shop, check the bottom of the bloom, have any outer petals been removed? The more that are cut off, the older the flowers.
- If buying online, beware of bouquets in small/large options as small is usually very small!
Monet bouquet, The National Gallery
- Online prices below around £20 should arouse suspicion. The bouquet will probably be tiny and full of greenery not blooms.
- When you receive the flowers or get them home, cut 2-3cm off each individual stem at an angle with a sharp knife to make a clean cut. Don't use scissors as they crush the stems.
- Remove all leaves below the water line as they will encourage bacteria to breed.
- Flowers don't like cold baths, so make sure the water is tepid before you plunge them in.
- Use the floral preservative that came with the flowers. Most florists will give you more for free, just ask.
- Change the water at least every two days, and wash the vase before you top up again.
- They may look great, but displaying flowers in a window but the temperature extremes and sunshine will kill them in just a few days.
- Keep flowers away from heat sources too, a slightly cooler place with a consistent temperature is better.
- Keep flowers well away from fruit as the ethylene gas ripening fruit emits will kill the flowers quicker.
Emma Bridgewater Mother's Day jug, Waitrose Florist
For more inspiration, see the wide range of Mother's Day flowers at Marks & Spencer and Interflora, or for something different, order a unique plant gift from tree2mydoor.
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