How to Care for Flowers from Elephant and Castle Florists
Flower Care from Experienced Elephant and Castle Florists
Beautiful fresh flowers bring a special brightness to homes, weddings, and businesses throughout Elephant and Castle. To make your floral arrangements last and look their very best, proper care is essential. Our team of expert florists from Elephant and Castle have served the local community for years; read on for their top tips on caring for your flowers. Whether you received a hand-tied bouquet, a bespoke arrangement, or a seasonal display, our florist-approved advice will help you enjoy your blooms for as long as possible.
Unwrapping and Preparing Your Flowers
The first step to caring for any bouquet is unwrapping it correctly. Remove any packaging with care, especially cellophane and ribbons that may hold the flowers tightly together. If your bouquet comes with a water-soaked pad or eco-wrap, keep the stems moist until you are ready to arrange them. Using sharp scissors or floral shears, trim 2-3cm off the stems at a 45-degree angle—this increases the surface area and helps the stems absorb water better. Avoid using blunt tools, as they can crush stems and hinder water uptake.
Choosing the Right Vase: Florist Recommendations
One of the frequent questions our Elephant and Castle florists get: Which vase is best? The right vase protects stems and allows flowers to spread naturally. Clean your vase thoroughly before use, as residue may promote bacterial growth. Pick a size that gives support but doesn’t overcrowd the stems. For tall blooms (like lilies or gladiolus), a taller, heavier vase works best. Shorter, wider vases are ideal for denser, contemporary arrangements.
The Perfect Water and Flower Food Mix
Your flowers need hydration and nourishment to stay fresh. Fill the vase with fresh, room-temperature water and add the sachet of flower food included with most bouquets from Elephant and Castle florists. This food helps nourish blooms and reduces the growth of bacteria, extending vase life. If you don’t have flower food, dissolve a quarter teaspoon of sugar and a few drops of lemon juice in the water as a short-term substitute.
Placing Flowers for Maximum Longevity
Where you display your arrangement matters! Elephant and Castle flowers last longest when kept away from direct sunlight, radiators, draughts, and ripening fruit (which gives off ethylene gas that speeds up wilting). Aim for a spot with indirect natural light and moderate temperature. If freshening up offices or events, keep arrangements out of high-traffic areas to prevent knock-overs or damage.
Vase Life Hacks from Elephant and Castle Florists
To keep your flowers vibrant and healthy for days—and sometimes weeks—try these professional florist hacks:
- Daily Water Top-Up: Fresh flowers drink a lot! Check water levels daily and top up as needed to keep stems submerged.
- Water Change Routine: Every 2-3 days, empty your vase, rinse it thoroughly, and refill with fresh water and new flower food. This tackles bacteria build-up and keeps stems nourished.
- Remove Wilting Stems Promptly: Take out any drooping or decaying flowers as soon as you spot them. This prevents rot from spreading to healthy blooms.
- Trim Stems Regularly: Every time you change the water, re-cut the stems at an angle. This improves water uptake and helps the bouquet look lively for longer.
- Mist with Water: Lightly misting delicate petals (especially hydrangeas and roses) with clean water can boost freshness, particularly in centrally heated rooms.
Florist’s Seasonal Flower Care Tips
Seasonality plays a big role in choosing and caring for your blooms. Here’s our experienced Elephant and Castle flower team’s advice for each season:
Spring: Spring brings tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, which are sensitive to warmth. Use extra-cool water and keep arrangements out of direct heat to extend their life. Tulips keep growing after cutting—re-trim and change their water regularly.
Summer: Hydration and coolness are key! With higher temperatures and more sunlight, arrangements dehydrate faster. Place vases away from open windows and change water frequently. Tropical blooms like lilies and sunflowers love deep, cool water and benefit from daily spraying.
Autumn: Richly coloured chrysanthemums, dahlias, and berries make striking seasonal displays. Watch for fungal issues as the air grows cooler and more humid. Keep vases squeaky clean and avoid overcrowding stems.
Winter: Delicate stems may suffer from temperature extremes. Display arrangements away from radiators or heaters, and avoid cold draughts from doors or windows. Evergreen foliage can be sprayed to retain moisture and shine.
Special Care for Elephant and Castle Wedding and Business Flowers
Our florists regularly supply flowers for weddings and business clients around Elephant and Castle. If you’re caring for event displays, here are a few special considerations:
- Bouquet Spritz: Bridal and bridesmaid bouquets stay freshest if spritzed lightly and stored in a cool room before use.
- Reception Arrangements: For large vases in lobbies or meeting rooms, position arrangements away from air conditioning vents and check them daily.
- Transporting Flowers: If you need to move your arrangements between venues, protect them from direct wind and secure vases to prevent spills.
Common Flower Types: Florist Care Insights
Many arrangements supplied by our Elephant and Castle florists feature popular flowers. Here’s how to care for a few favourites:
Roses: Strip away any leaves below the waterline to avoid bacteria. Remove outer guard petals for a tidier look. Change water every other day for best results.
Lilies: Keep pollen away by removing stamens carefully—this not only prevents staining but helps the bloom last longer.
Orchids: Wipe leaves with a moist cloth and use filtered room-temperature water. Keep away from cold draughts.
Gerberas: These pretty flowers can be prone to droopy stems. Keep water shallow and always re-cut stems at an angle.
Advice from Local Elephant and Castle Florists
Our flower care tips reflect the expertise and dedication of our Elephant and Castle florists, who have years of experience serving the local community. Whether you’re brightening your home, preparing for a special occasion, or making your workspace more welcoming, following these simple yet effective steps will make every arrangement something to remember.
Enjoy your flowers and feel free to visit us for seasonal inspiration and tailored advice—our team is always here to help keep Elephant and Castle flowers looking fabulous!
