The idea of decorating with fresh flowers sounds lovely – until you bring home a bunch of tulips only to find them bending awkwardly over the edge of the vase within a day. In summer, drooping stems are even more common as the warm weather makes flowers dry out rapidly.
'When temperatures climb, cut flowers lose moisture far faster, so even a freshly bought bouquet can start to wilt within a couple of days if it’s not looked after properly,' says Sandra Varley, flower expert at online florist Flying Flowers.
The good news? There's a clever hack that will prop up floppy flower heads in no time – and all you need is a vase and cold water.
'If your flowers do start to look a little droopy, don’t give up on them just yet,' Sandra says. 'A simple revival trick is to remove the stems from the vase and submerge the flower heads in cold water for 30 minutes. Afterwards, recut the stems at an angle before placing them back in fresh water.'
Next to giving flowers a refreshing ice bath, there's a few simple steps you can take to keep fresh flowers looking their best, even through the hottest months of the year.
Pick the right vase
The perfect indoor bouquet requires two things: a bunch of flowers and a beautiful vase. And as it turns out, the vessel you pick also has a significant impact on how long your floral display will last.
Sandra recommends choosing a slightly larger type with a wider neck, which allows for better air circulation around the stems, subsequently helping your bouquet stay fresh for longer.
Also make sure the vessel is clean before you place the flowers inside. Bacteria builds up far faster when it's warm and can prevent stems from absorbing water.
Trim stems regularly
Cutting stems allows flowers to absorb water better – particularly important when it's warm. Sandra recommends trimming about 1-2 cm off each stem and making the cut at an angle, which creates a fresh surface for water uptake that can dramatically improve hydration.
Keep water topped up
When it's hot, plants lose water much faster, so it's important to keep fresh flowers hydrated. If the water starts to look cloudy, pour it out and give the vase a clean to reduce bacteria – one of the biggest causes of premature wilting – before filling it back up with fresh, cool water.
'For an extra boost during particularly hot days, lightly mist the petals with a spray bottle to help them stay hydrated,' Sandra adds.
Feed your flowers
According to Sandra, flower food is particularly important during warmer months as it provides vital nutrients while slowing the growth of bacteria in the water. Use the pre-made sachet that often comes with bouquets and add fresh fertiliser each time you change the water.
Run out of flower food? Sandra shares a handy tip: 'You can make your own by combining a litre of water with one tablespoon of vinegar and one teaspoon of sugar as a quick backup.'
Don't place bouquets in direct sunlight
You might think you're doing your flowers a favour by letting them soak up the sun, but in fact, the opposite is true. 'Even on a normal summer’s day, direct sunlight can speed up wilting,' explains Sandra.
'During a heatwave, you’ll want to display your cut flowers somewhere cool and shaded, away from sunny windows and appliances that generate heat.'
Also avoid placing cut flowers near a fan as this will dry them out, too. 'If your home gets particularly warm, moving your bouquet to the coolest room overnight can also help extend its lifespan,' says the flower expert.
