Fresh Flower Advice
We want you to have the maximum enjoyment from your floral gift. Following these simple instructions will help it last longer and stay in better condition.
Fresh flowers always benefit from clean water, careful handling and the right position in your home. Keep them cool, topped up and away from direct heat.
If you are unsure how to care for a particular bouquet, plant or arrangement, please contact Flowers by McDowell and we will be happy to help.
Some flowers and foliage may be toxic or cause skin irritation. Take care when handling them, wash your hands carefully afterwards, and keep them away from children and pets.
Be careful not to place flowers or plants directly onto unprotected surfaces or electrical equipment, as they may contain water.
Flowers should be kept in a cool location, away from sunlight, direct heat or draughts. Use the flower food provided and keep them topped up with fresh water.
Take care when removing any packaging, especially cellophane. This often contains water, which the florist has added to keep the flowers fresh. If so, pierce the packaging and drain the water into the sink.
If the flowers are tied, be careful not to cut the tie. They have been specially arranged and are ready to go straight into a vase. Untying them may spoil the arrangement.
Cut the stems of the flowers using a sharp knife if possible, as scissors may crush the stems. Cut the stems at an angle, about 3/4 inch above the end.
Next, place the flowers in deep water for an hour before arranging them in a vase of clean water, with flower food if available. This will help the flowers last as long as possible.
If a rose head starts to flop, wrap the stem in paper to help straighten it, recut the stem and plunge it into 2 inches of boiling water for one minute. Then remove it from the hot water and place it into deep water. This should help revive it.
The pollen from lily stamens can cause serious stains on clothing and may damage wooden surfaces. You should remove any stamens carefully.
Where flowers are arranged in foam, you should top up the container daily with sufficient water to keep the foam moist.
Some arrangements may contain candles, fresh fruit or other decorative items. These are intended purely for display. Fruit should not be eaten, as it may contain harmful fixatives, and candles should not be lit, as they may fall over or be placed near flammable material.
Most plants enjoy light, but not direct sunlight. They also enjoy a consistent temperature, so keep them away from draughts, cold areas and direct heat.
Tropical and foliage plants flourish in a warm location and will need to be fed every two weeks during spring and summer. Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering, especially in winter when there is little growth.
Flowering plants need to be watered more regularly. During flowering, you should water daily to keep the soil moist and feed every fortnight.
Planted bowls should be kept at a constant temperature with good light. Keep them moist, without becoming waterlogged, and feed once a fortnight in spring and summer.
Browse fresh bouquets, seasonal flowers, funeral tributes and thoughtful floral gifts, all arranged with care by your Edinburgh florist.