How to Prepare Flowers for Longevity

A beautiful arrangement deserves to last - and in this essential guide, Victoria Whitelaw shares her insider secrets for keeping blooms fresher, longer.

Surprisingly, her advice begins with what not to do: skip the flower food preservatives. Instead, use clean, fresh water and refresh it regularly. Remove any leaves below the waterline, as they can introduce bacteria and shorten vase life.

For woody stems, strip away bark and slice the base of the stem to help water travel upward more easily. When working with imported roses, remove the outer guard petals and reflex the remaining ones to create a lush, garden-style bloom.

Victoria also emphasises the importance of environment - flowers thrive best in cool locations, away from heating or cooling vents. And when it comes to tulips, she embraces their natural bend, letting them cascade gracefully for a romantic, organic effect.

“Caring for flowers is an act of love - give them freshness, space, and gentle attention.”

With these expert techniques, every arrangement becomes not just a moment of beauty, but a lasting expression of craftsmanship and care.