At Flowers by Post UK, we believe that caring for your flowers correctly helps you enjoy their beauty for longer. Our florists have prepared this UK flower care guide to help you keep your bouquets fresh and vibrant—whether they arrive at your home, workplace or event venue. Each tip below is designed to extend vase life and make sure your arrangement looks its best from day one.
We draw on years of experience supplying flowers to homes and businesses across the country, and every bouquet we send includes practical care recommendations that are easy to follow.
When your flowers arrive, open the box carefully and remove any wrapping materials. Gently loosen the stems, trim one inch off each stem at a 45-degree angle, and place them in a clean vase filled with lukewarm water. This allows maximum water absorption. Use the flower food provided, as it contains the right nutrients to support hydration and colour retention.
Always use a clean vase—residue or bacteria from previous arrangements can shorten vase life significantly.
Change the water every two days to keep it fresh and clear. Each time you do, rinse the vase and re-cut the stems. Remove any leaves below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth. If you have mixed bouquets, separate delicate stems like tulips or freesias if they start to droop, and refresh them with cool water before returning them to the arrangement.
Our customers find that a few minutes of daily care keeps flowers radiant for a week or more.
Keep your flowers in a cool area away from direct sunlight, heaters or draughts. Avoid placing them near ripening fruit, as ethylene gas from fruit can cause premature wilting. In offices, choose areas with consistent light and moderate temperature—such as reception desks, boardrooms or communal spaces.
If you’re displaying flowers at an event, store them in a shaded, well-ventilated area until setup to ensure they look their freshest when presented.
A few traditional tricks can help prolong freshness: adding a small coin to the vase can deter bacteria, while a drop of lemon juice helps balance pH levels in the water. For roses, remove outer guard petals gently to reveal perfect inner blooms. If petals begin to curl, mist lightly with cool water.
Different seasons bring different challenges. During summer, keep flowers cool and away from bright windows. In winter, avoid direct heat sources like radiators. Using seasonal flowers—something we prioritise at Flowers by Post UK—also ensures naturally longer vase life and a lower environmental footprint.
Our team of professional florists provides these UK flower care tips to help customers enjoy sustainable beauty in every bouquet. With just a little maintenance, your flowers will stay as vibrant as the day they arrived—bringing colour, freshness and joy to your space.