Bringing home an exquisite bouquet from Flowers Kennington is one of life's simple joys. Whether you're delighting a loved one, decorating your venue, or brightening your business premises, fresh flowers can transform any space. But to enjoy your freshly cut flowers at their best, knowing how to care for them is key. Our Kennington florists, trusted by local households, wedding organisers, and business owners, are pleased to share their expert flower care advice—ensuring your arrangements last as long as possible and maintain their radiant appearance.
The journey to long-lasting Kennington flowers begins the moment your arrangement arrives. Here are the proven steps recommended by our experienced local florists:
1. Unwrap Gently: Carefully remove any wrapping or ties. Allow the flowers to breathe and relax after transportation.
2. Trim Stems Correctly: Using sharp, clean scissors or floral shears, cut approximately 2-3cm from the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This increases the stem’s surface area, allowing it to absorb water efficiently.
3. Use Clean Water and Vases: Ensure your vase is thoroughly cleaned before filling it with fresh, lukewarm water. Dirty containers can harbour bacteria, shortening vase life.
4. Remove Submerged Foliage: Strip away any leaves or greenery that would sit below the waterline, as this prevents bacterial growth that leads to cloudy water and wilting.
With decades of collective experience, our Kennington florist team has developed techniques to keep any arrangement beautiful, whether it’s for home, a wedding, or an office reception. Here are their favourite hacks:
Feed Your Flowers: Most bouquets from Flowers Kennington arrive with a sachet of flower food. Dissolve this in the vase water—it supplies essential nutrients and prevents bacteria build-up. If you run out, a teaspoon of sugar and a couple of drops of bleach in a litre of water can serve as a backup.
Change Water Regularly: Replace the water every 2-3 days, especially if it becomes cloudy. Clean the vase every time before refilling, and re-trim the stems slightly to keep them fresh.
Keep Away from Direct Heat and Sunlight: Display flowers in a cool spot. Avoid locations that receive harsh sun, are near radiators, or directly above appliances, as these conditions force blooms to dry and fade more quickly.
Avoid Draughts and Ripening Fruit: Position arrangements away from open windows, air conditioning vents, and bowls of fruit. Ethylene gas released by ripening produce can dramatically reduce the longevity of fresh flowers.
Each season brings its own selection of flowers and challenges. Our Kennington florists adapt care routines to get the best from every bouquet throughout the year:
Spring and Summer: During warmer months, bacteria can multiply quickly in vase water. Increase water changes to every other day. Soft-stemmed seasonal favourites like tulips and daffodils are thirsty; ensure their vases are topped up, and keep them in the coolest room possible.
Autumn: Many autumnal flowers have heavier, woodier stems. Use sharp, robust scissors for trimming and ensure deeper cuts for optimal water intake. Chrysanthemums and asters, autumn staples in Kennington, benefit from extra plant food.
Winter: Central heating can be the enemy of fresh flowers. Display arrangements away from heaters and radiators. With cooler rooms, water changes can be slightly less frequent, but beware of drafts and rapid temperature changes when opening doors and windows.
Our Kennington flowers grace many different settings. Here are tailored care recommendations depending on where your blooms are displayed:
At Home: Maintain a daily habit of checking water levels and the general appearance of your blooms. Remove any wilted, browning, or drooping flowers promptly to stop them affecting the rest of the bouquet.
For Weddings and Events: Ask your florist to finish arrangements as close as possible to the event time. Keep displays in a cool, dark place until needed. Mist especially delicate flowers like hydrangeas lightly with water to keep them perky for photographs and celebrations.
For Businesses: Weekly cleaning and maintenance are key. Assign a team member or schedule regular professional florist visits for upkeep. Opt for long-lasting varieties like lilies, alstroemeria, or orchids for reception areas.
Our expert florists in Kennington have seen it all and swear by these simple but effective hacks to boost vase life:
Use the Right Vase Size: Stems crammed tightly can bruise and suffocate. Choose a vase that gives stems room to breathe and offers stability for top-heavy arrangements.
Scald Woody Stems: For flowers like roses or lilacs, dip the cut end of the stem in boiling water for a few seconds to clear any blockages and enhance water uptake.
Aspirin or Vodka in Water: In a pinch, a crushed aspirin or a dash of vodka in your vase water can help deter bacteria, though commercial flower food remains preferable.
Refrigerate Overnight: For truly special abundance (like after a wedding), placing floral arrangements in the fridge overnight replicates the professional cooler environment found in many Kennington flower shops, prolonging freshness.
Even the best-cared-for Kennington flowers eventually reach the end of their vase life. Enjoy your flowers to the last petal by:
Creating Mini Bouquets: Salvage the freshest blooms and smaller stems as the main arrangement fades, making charming posies for guest rooms or workspaces.
Drying Blooms: Many varieties, such as roses, hydrangeas, and eucalyptus, dry beautifully. Hang selected stems upside down in a cool, dark place to enjoy for months to come.
The care advice offered here is drawn from the daily experience of our dedicated Kennington florists, who are passionate about bringing beauty into our local community’s homes, weddings, and workplaces. If you ever have flower care questions, our team is always happy to share suggestions tailored to your specific bouquet or floral needs.
By following these professional tips—refined and proven by Kennington’s most trusted florists—you’ll ensure that every petal, from the first scent to the final fade, brings delight.
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