Flower Care
General Flower Care
Most flowers require the same general care however there are a few that need special attention. If your flowers require specialized steps it will be listed below. If you do not see your flower type listed below, please continue on with these General Flower Care tips.
Flowers are shipped in semi-closed bud form. This means they need about 1-2 days to fully bloom. Flowers may arrive looking “thirsty” and this is normal, please follow your arranging instructions to begin hydrating your flowers properly (See our Arranging Instructions page or refer to the guide included in your order). We always recommend that you care for your flowers immediately upon arrival. You are receiving them just as a florist would!
1. If you purchased our DIY Wedding Kit, flower food is included. The flower food packets can be placed directly into your buckets of water upon arrival. They help keep the bacteria count in the water low.
2. Place bunches in room temperature water in your buckets without removing the outer packaging for the first 3-4 hours. The flowers can then be removed from all packaging to allow for room to open fully. If you do not plan on arranging your flowers within 24 hours of arrival, please replace the water they are stored in each day. Additional flower food is not necessary. If you prefer to have flowers bloom faster, you can increase the water temperature slightly to 75-80°F. Cooling the water temperature will have the alternative affect and slow down the blooming process.
3. Always store flowers in a cool room away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Just like water temperature, the warmer the environment, the faster blooms open and vice versa. Your flowers do not require refrigeration. If you do choose to place them in a refrigerator, please make certain it is free from all other foods. Ethylene released from foods can cause flowers to wilt.
Proper Flower Care Ensures Beautiful Arrangements
Certain Flower Varieties:
Roses
Make sure you completely open the cardboard packaging after 3-4 hours of initial hydration. Roses come packaged with 25 stems per bunch and are "shelved." This means some stems can go unnoticed upon arrival as they are hiding in their packaging. Most roses include 3-5 discolored guard petals to protect their inner petals (It is not uncommon to remove on average 5-10 petals per rose). These should be removed during the arranging process. Our roses arrive in semi-bud form, should open within 12-24 hours, and bloom to between 2.6" and 3.8" in diameter.
Garden Roses
Garden roses come in units of 12 in one bunch with cardboard wrapped around them. Remove any foliage from below so there isn't any in the water. You do not need to remove the cardboard sleeve or the rubber bands for the first 3-4 hours while the roses hydrate and then remove once well hydrated. Upon removal of the protective packaging, carefully pluck off any brown or discolored guard petals. It is not uncommon to remove an average of 5-10 petals per rose.
Hydrangea
Hydrangea stems are shipped with hydration packs at the bottom of the stems. It is absolutely critical that all stems are fully submerged in water upon arrival. Hydrangeas are extra thirsty and will wilt if not placed in water immediately. If this happens, however, you can soak the entire head of the flower into water to revive them.
Ranunculus
A separate hydrating vessel or smaller bucket should be used to hold ranunculus while they hydrate since they are typically shorter than other flowers. Ranunculus stems naturally curl and bend. There is typically one main bloom per stem and often offshoot buds that do not bloom (they look lovely though!). If you have floral food, it's great to add into the water, but not absolutely necessary. Most important will be re-cutting and changing the water regularly. You'll also want to make sure you're using a bucket that is tall enough to support the stems (or cut the stems down to fit your bucket). Since ranunculus have hollow stems they'll need the support so they don't bend over.
Dusty Miller
Follow the same steps as other greenery except keep in mind these stems are much shorter and typically need a shorter bucket or vase to hydrate in. Try not to get the leaves of dusty miller wet as they tend to soak in water. Keep hydrating upright in original packaging for up to 12 hours then remove packaging. Always make sure the bottom of the stems are in water when not in use.
Succulents
Succulents require little care with minimal watering. Set aside until ready to use. Succulents are shipped with sticks so you are able to use them in your arrangements. Gently twist the sharp edge of the stick into the bottom of the succulent and use floral tape for extra support.
Greenery Garlands
If you ordered a pre-assembled greenery garland, it would just need to be placed in a cool room away from direct sunlight. Garlands can use a spritz of water every few days.