There’s something truly magical about fresh flowers. Whether you have received a beautiful bouquet for a special occasion, are brightening up your Bermondsey home, or selecting statement centrepieces for a wedding or business reception, keeping your blooms vibrant is an art in itself. At Florist Bermondsey, our experienced local florists have assembled invaluable tips to help you care for your flowers and enjoy their beauty for as long as possible. With these professional Bermondsey Flowers tips, your arrangements will last longer and look flawless.
Our Bermondsey florists agree: successful flower care starts the moment the flowers reach your door. Here are our golden rules for maintaining your arrangement’s beauty:
1. Trim Stems on Arrival
As soon as your flowers arrive, give each stem a diagonal trim with sharp, clean scissors or a florist’s knife. Aim to cut about 2cm from the bottom – this creates a larger surface area for water absorption, immediately invigorating your arrangement.
2. Choose the Right Vase and Clean It
Always place blooms in a clean vase. Hidden bacteria can cause flowers to wilt quickly. Use a gentle rinse or a drop of bleach in water to kill any lingering germs, ensuring your Bermondsey flowers stay healthy from the start.
3. Fresh, Tepid Water is a Must
Fill your vase with lukewarm water. This helps stems drink up, especially for flowers that may have been out of water for a little while. For some varieties such as tulips, cool water is preferable.
4. Remove Foliage Below the Waterline
Any leaves that stay under water will rot and encourage bacteria growth. Strip leaves from the lower part of the stems before arranging your flowers. This Bermondsey flower care tip protects water quality and keeps your flowers fresher for longer.
Looking to get even more days from your arrangement? Here are some insider hacks our Bermondsey Flowers team swears by:
1. Change Water Every Couple of Days
Don’t wait until the water becomes cloudy. Refreshing it regularly gives your flowers clean hydration and discourages bacteria.
2. Re-cut Stems Regularly
Every 2-3 days, trim the stems. This prevents blockages and helps keep water flowing up to the blooms, a trick our florists use on all Bermondsey flower displays.
3. Use Flower Food
If your bouquet comes with a packet of flower food, use it! This specially balanced mix of nutrients gives your arrangement extra vigor. If you run out, a pinch of sugar and a splash of lemon juice can serve as a homemade substitute, though nothing matches a professional mix.
4. Keep Away from Direct Heat, Cold, or Sun
Display your arrangement in a cool room away from direct sunlight, radiators, or draughts. Extreme temperatures shorten vase life – finding a spot in your Bermondsey home away from these influences helps your flowers stay perky.
Different flowers require different care depending on the season. Our florists cater to holidays, weddings, and business needs across Bermondsey year-round, and they’ve compiled these seasonal tips:
Spring Blooms (Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths)
Spring flowers often have soft stems. Change their water daily to prevent slime, and keep tulips in straight-sided vases to support upright growth. For daffodils, let their sap drain by placing them separately before mixing with other varieties.
Summer Flowers (Roses, Sunflowers, Peonies)
Hydration is key in the warmer months. Roses benefit from deep vase water and regular stem trims. Peonies are sensitive to warm rooms, so place them in the coolest part of your space overnight for better longevity.
Autumn Blooms (Chrysanthemums, Dahlias, Hydrangea)
Many autumn varieties have woody stems. Score or gently split the stem ends to allow better water intake. Hydrangeas can be revived by dipping their whole heads in cold water if they start to wilt – a Bermondsey florist’s rescue tip!
Winter Arrangements (Amaryllis, Winter Greens)
These flowers often last longer due to cooler ambient temperatures. Be sure to remove any fallen petals from arrangements to prevent decay spreading. Amaryllis requires sturdy vases as its stems are heavy and full of water.
Our florists have looked after every type of arrangement, from intimate home bouquets to lavish business installations and beautiful Bermondsey weddings. Here are some care secrets for the most popular types of flowers:
Roses: After trimming, remove any guard petals and keep away from fruit bowls (ripening fruit gives off ethylene that shortens the flowers’ life). Remove wilted heads quickly to let fresh blooms open fully.
Lilies: Cut off the pollen-laden stamens to prevent staining and extend vase life. They thrive in cool water and open fully in indirect light.
Orchids: These exotic blooms prefer humidity. Mist lightly with water and keep out of full sun. Clean the container every time you refresh the water to prevent algae build-up.
Gerbera: Keep stems upright and in shallow water to prevent bending. Change the water very frequently, as gerbera are sensitive to bacterial growth.
Because our florists have cared for flowers across such a wide range of local settings, they recommend these extra touches for different occasions:
Home Displays: Use multiple small vases and split a large bouquet to prolong overall enjoyment. Alternating displays also lets arrangements rest in cooler spots overnight for even longer life.
Weddings: Keep bouquets in water until the last possible moment. For buttonholes and corsages, mist lightly and store in a cool, dark spot before wearing.
Business Arrangements: Ask your florist to select robust, long-lasting varieties such as alstroemeria, orchids, or chrysanthemums for weekly changeovers. Top up vase water mid-week and keep displays away from air conditioning vents to avoid drying out your Bermondsey flowers.
At Florist Bermondsey, our team is passionate about helping your flowers look spectacular every day. Whether it’s a romantic bouquet, an elegant corporate arrangement, or individual wedding stems, these care tips come directly from our years of experience serving the vibrant Bermondsey community. Following our advice, your flowers will shine – just as every Bermondsey celebration deserves.
Remember: caring for your flowers with professional know-how will fill your space with joy and colour for much longer. Trust these Bermondsey flower care tips and our local expertise for beautifully lasting blooms.
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