Christmas flowers are a thoughtful gift that can really brighten up the home at this time of year.
However, as winter temperatures plummet and central heating cranks up, keeping cut flowers fresh can be a challenge for many households.
M&S floral product developer Samantha Walker has shared her expert guidance on maintaining festive bouquets during the demanding winter season, including why you should not place your flowers near fruit.
She said: “Whether you’re buying a bouquet for your own Christmas centrepiece, or buying a floral gift to show your love, you want the flowers to look amazing for as long as possible.
“With central heating and lots of cooking taking place, the conditions in our homes at Christmastime can be unfavourable for cut flowers. Following these clever tips will help to prolong vase life and ensure maximum joy this Christmas.”
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Don’t place near fruit
The expert advised: “Some fruits give off gases which can speed up the ageing process of flowers.
“Therefore, if you want to maximise the longevity of your arrangement, it’s a bad idea to position your flowers directly next to the fruit bowl. The most notorious culprits are tomatoes, apples, bananas and pears.”
Avoid freezing cold water
Samatha continued: “Tap water can be freezing in winter. This can shock the stems and lead to wilting. Instead, fill your vase with lukewarm water to help the flowers absorb water and open up.”
Choose cool spots
She added: “Every room has heat spots. These are important to consider when choosing where to display your bouquet. Of course, avoid spots near radiators or fireplaces.
“While windowsills are often the coolest area of the room, be careful which sill you choose. Even in winter, the concentrated sun in south-facing windows can be too strong for cut flowers.
“Remember also the temperature in the kitchen can amp up when you’re doing lots of cooking. So, the kitchen may not be the best place to display your bouquet either.”
Trim stems at an angle
“When you first receive your bouquet, it’s vital you trim the stems to increase hydration,” the expert added.
“Aim for a 45-degree angle to maximise surface area and encourage the stems to take in water. Cutting stems horizontally can also encourage them to sit flat on the bottom of the vase, which hinders water absorption.”
Cut woody stems twice
“Some plants that are commonly found in Christmas bouquets, such as roses, laurel, eucalyptus and pussy willow, have woody stems. This different composition means they benefit from specialist preparation.
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“When you first receive them and trim their stems, create an additional vertical cut of around 5cm through the base of the stem.”
Feed your flowers
“Most quality bouquets will come with a little sachet of flower food. Don’t forget to use this – it will help your blooms thrive for as long as possible,” Samantha added.
“If you do misplace the flower food, it’s easy to make your own using household ingredients. Simply stir two tablespoons of lemon juice and a tablespoon of sugar into a large vase of water.”