A few thoughtful habits help a beautiful bouquet hold its color, shape and freshness for more days.
Flowers bring an instant sense of occasion to a room. The warm roses, delicate tulips and lively mixed bouquets pictured here each have their being cut: a steady supply of clean water.
That begins before the flowers go into the vase. Wash the vessel thoroughly, fill it with fresh water and remove any leaves that would sit beneath the surface. Submerged foliage breaks down quickly and can cloud the water.
Use clean, sharp shears to take about one or two centimeters off the base of each stem, then place it in water promptly. A fresh cut helps the flower drink. If a packet of flower food came with the bouquet, follow its directions.
A small pinch of sugar is sometimes added to nourish blooms, but sugar alone can also encourage bacteria. Flower food, which balances sugar with other ingredients, is the better choice. Whatever you use, keep the vase and water clean.
The small rituals that make flowers last
WATER FIRST
Check the water level daily, topping it up when needed.
Every day or two, replace it completely and rinse the vase. If the stem ends look discolored, trim them again before returning the flowers to clean water.
A COOLER CORNER
Display cut flowers away from direct sunlight, radiators and strong drafts. A relatively cool room slows wilting.
Keep the vase away from ripening fruit as well: fruit releases ethylene, which can speed the aging of some
flowers.
THE FINISHING TOUCH
Remove fading flowers and leaves as they appear.
Handle delicate petals gently, and avoid leaving them wet. The remaining blooms will look better, and the vase water will stay cleaner.
MORE BEAUTY, FOR LONGER
Fresh water, clean stems and a comfortable place to rest: the loveliest
flower care is often the simplest. Return to the bouquet for a moment each day, and enjoy the way it changes as it opens.
