Contents
Introduction
Flowers have long been seen as a symbol of love, friendship, and celebration. When arranged with care and expertise, blooms can even convey more complex messages, allowing people to express emotions in ways that can’t be articulated with words.
If you have ever received a bouquet of flowers, you know how quickly those blossoms fade. The team at Raphael’s Gifts has put together this short guide about flower giving and tips to keep flowers fresh longer so that you can admire the beauty of flowers for as long as possible.
Why Do People Give Flowers?
The flower given depends on the giver’s intent, which is why certain blooms are more prevalent during specific occasions. With that said, why do people give flowers other than just because? Here are three common reasons.
To Express Love and Affection
Flowers, particularly red roses, have come to represent Valentine’s Day alongside chocolates and teddy bears. Single stems and bouquets of roses are prevalent during this holiday, with many people expressing their love to a significant other or family member through the gift of flowers.
Love doesn’t stop once it’s February 15th, as evident in how flower arrangements also serve as gifts during anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions.
To Celebrate
If you have ever attended a graduation ceremony, you have likely seen graduates hugging bouquets of pink roses or sunflowers as they take pictures with family and friends and congratulate their peers. Delicate they may be, blooms make excellent congratulatory presents due to their bright shades and the customizability of arrangements.
In many cultures, flowers are also an essential part of wedding ceremonies, with brides holding a bouquet of white roses as they walk down the aisle. Birthday parties can also be adorned by various floral arrangements, beautifying venues and adding an atmosphere of merriment and joy.
To Show Sympathy
Flowers don’t always symbolize merry occasions. Sometimes, they are offered as a gesture of sympathy and condolences.
You have seen the white lilies, for example, often associated with funerals due to their connotations of purity and serenity. In addition to white flowers, other arrangements like pastel carnations or pink roses are also given at funerals to show that the giver is offering consolation in a time of grief.
Remorse and apologies can also be communicated with the help of flowers, with white roses being popular choices to signify regret.
Tips on How To Keep Flowers Fresh
It is heartbreaking to see fresh flowers slowly droop and wilt. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to stop their decline entirely. However, you can keep them fresh longer, preserving their beauty and meaning.
Here are six tips to keep your flowers fresh.
Pick the Right Container
Often, fresh flowers are cut before carefully arranged, meaning they have been separated from their source of nutrition. While florists are meticulous in their preparation of blooms, the flowers won’t last long if you aren’t quick to prepare a container for them.
The most popular option is a vase, but these come in various dimensions, and the one you need depends on the flowers you receive. If you have light flowers, such as roses or wildflowers, then a tall vase is ideal. On the other hand, if you receive denser blooms like sunflowers, you need a low model since it will give them room to spread.
Once you have collected the container, ensure that it is empty and clean of residue. Using warm water, rinse the vase with mild detergent, then dry it with a cloth before filling it.
Cut the Stems
Cutting the stems can help flowers get the nutrients they need from the water. The recommended length to remove is two inches, cut at a 45-degree angle. The best tools to use for this step are garden shears, but if they aren’t readily available, you can substitute them with sharp scissors.
It’s worth noting that not all flowers adapt well to getting their stems cut. The rose, for example, can get air stuck in its stems, hindering its ability to take in water. In cases like these, it’s best to perform the procedure while the rose stems are submerged in water.
Prune the Leaves
Pruning is a step often forgotten by guides on how to keep flowers fresh, which shouldn’t be the case since it’s essential to their health. When submerged in water, leaves produce bacteria that can shorten a flower’s lifespan. You can prevent this by taking those off the stems and discarding them.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Contrary to popular belief, direct sunlight can harm flowers. It can destabilize their temperature and cause them to wilt more quickly. Therefore, it’s best to keep your arrangement away from windows or any other source of direct light.
A recommended spot is the kitchen counter since it’s out of direct sunlight but still has a reasonable amount of daylight.
Refresh Water Regularly
The water in your vase can get cloudy over time due to the bacteria buildup, so it’s recommended to change it daily. Keep in mind that room-temperature water is the best option for almost all flowers.
In addition, a slightly acidic characteristic, with a pH level between 3.5 and 5.0, can extend a bloom’s life expectancy.
Use Flower Food
Flower food is a combination of essential nutrients and vitamins that can prolong the shelf-life of your blooms. Most florists include flower food in their arrangements, but if you didn’t receive any with your bouquet, you could purchase it at a local store or online.
When correctly used, flower food provides the necessary elements for a bloom to stay healthy and vibrant.
Shop for Beautiful Flower Arrangements at Raphael’s Gifts
Knowing how to keep flowers fresh is necessary if you want to preserve their beauty and meaning for extended periods. Should the time come when you can no longer keep them fresh, you can also dry them to use for design purposes.
That said, if you’re looking for beautifully arranged blooms, check out the Raphael’s Gifts catalog. We offer arrangements for various occasions, including birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries. Our shop also carries other gift options, like chocolates and wine.
Do you have any more questions about how to keep your flowers fresh? Feel free to contact our friendly customer service team for assistance. We can’t wait to help you create a fantastic flower arrangement that will stand the test of time.
Conclusion
Keeping flowers fresh is a relatively simple task if you have the appropriate tools and knowledge. Do note, though, that each bloom is unique, and some might require special care. Consulting with a professional florist ensures you receive the advice you need for your arrangement.
To make sure you get the best blooms available, check out our online catalog. Raphael’s Gifts offers a wide array of high-quality arrangements and other gifts to choose from! We also provide tips on how to keep flowers fresh in a vase. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings. Happy flower gifting!