Fresh flowers, cared for the way we do it in the shop
Fresh flowers are still alive when they reach you, and a few minutes of care on the first day and every couple of days after can add days to how long they last.
Find your arrangement style first, then the guide for the flowers in it. Most arrangements are a mix, and every flower in them is happiest with the same basics: clean water, fresh cuts and a cool spot.
The three habits
These help every arrangement, whatever is in it.
- Change the water every two days. Replace it, don’t just top it up.
- Re-cut the stems at an angle every few days. About half an inch, with sharp scissors or a knife.
- Keep flowers out of direct sun and away from ripening fruit. Fruit gives off a gas that makes flowers fade faster.
Fresh flowers by arrangement
Start with the way your flowers were designed: in water, in foam, wrapped, or for a service.
Vase Arrangements
Fresh flowers in water
Fresh water every other day, a fresh cut on the stems, and a cool spot out of the sun.
Read the guide →Foam Arrangements & Flower Baskets
Fresh flowers in floral foam
The green foam is the flowers’ water supply. Keep it wet every single day.
Read the guide →Wrapped & Hand-Tied Bouquets
Fresh flowers to put in your own vase
Get it into water within the hour: trim the stems, pick a clean vase, keep it cool.
Read the guide →Sympathy & Funeral Flowers
Standing sprays, casket sprays, wreaths and baskets
After the service: how to take the flowers home, keep them fresh, and save a few to remember.
Read the guide →Silk & Faux Flowers
Artificial flowers that last for years
No water, ever. A little dusting, shade from strong sun, and they last for years.
Read the guide →Fresh flowers by type
Some flowers have their own habits. Here is how to get the most out of each one.
Roses
Rosa
Fresh cuts, clean water every two days, and a cool room keep roses open for a week or more.
Read the guide →Lilies
Lilium (Stargazer, Oriental and Asiatic lilies)
Every bud will open in turn. Pull the pollen, change the water, and keep them away from cats.
Read the guide →Sunflowers
Helianthus annuus
Big, thirsty flowers. Keep the vase full and the water clean.
Read the guide →Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera jamesonii
Shallow, very clean water and a fresh cut keep the stems straight.
Read the guide →Carnations
Dianthus caryophyllus
One of the longest-lasting cut flowers. Cut between the joints and keep the water fresh.
Read the guide →Cut Hydrangeas
Hydrangea macrophylla
The thirstiest flower in the vase. Deep water, and a soak if a head wilts.
Read the guide →Peonies
Paeonia
Tight buds open into huge blooms. Warm water to open them, a cool room to slow them down.
Read the guide →Tulips
Tulipa
They keep growing and turning toward the light. Cool water, a tall vase and a daily turn.
Read the guide →Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria
One of the longest-lasting flowers we use. Pull the yellowing leaves and let the buds keep opening.
Read the guide →Mums & Daisies
Chrysanthemum and daisy-type flowers
Tough, cheerful and long-lasting. Strip the leaves, keep the water clean.
Read the guide →Looking for plant care? See every care guide →
About pets and plants: The pet notes in this guide are general plant knowledge from our florists, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet chews or swallows any part of a plant, contact a licensed veterinarian right away, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. If a person swallows any part of a plant, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Something not looking right?
Call or text the shop. We would always rather hear from you.
Call or text (984) 250-7771 Clayton Florist · 11440 Clayton Blvd, Clayton, NC 27520claytonncflorist.com