Flower care in a vase and a flowerbox – the most durable varieties of flowers for a vase
Flowers placed in the vase are a beautiful decoration, they bring energy to the interior. They improve well-being, enliven and add charm, so it is worth making every effort to ensure that this state lasts as long as possible. It is important to know about the possibility of extending the life of flowers when we receive such a bouquet, as well as the fact that some varieties are more durable than others. This promotes long-lasting freshness and favors the willingness to buy them again.
It is important to purchase flowers from a trusted florist and to follow proper care practices diligently. Here are some tips.
Trim the tips of the shoots
This should be done as soon as you bring the flowers home and before placing them in the vase. Trim the shoots at a 45-degree angle about 1 cm with a sharp tool that will not tear the stem and the cut surface will be smooth.
Remove leaves from the bottom of the shoot
The leaves will start to rot when submerged in water and will cause the formation of compounds harmful to the flowers, which will shorten the life of the bouquet. To avoid this, remove the leaves below the water level.
Provide adequate water
The water in which the flowers are located matters. If you want to extend the life of your bouquet, it should be lukewarm and changed daily to limit the growth of bacteria and fungi. It will be perfect when cooked, in the case of roses – cold. The flowers should be submerged to a depth of about ½ of the shoot. Only gerberas require a low water level of about 5 cm.
A proper, clean vase
Just as clean water is important, a clean vessel is essential. Each time we change the water, we should wash the flower stalks and the vase. The stalks must not be dirty and sticky, as they will rot more easily. The vase should be decontaminated with washing-up liquid, its walls should be free from plant residues or sediment.
A properly selected vase will make our bouquet display beautifully, and the flowers will be stable. We can adopt the rule that the height of the flower vase should be in proportion:
5 parts of flowers to 3 parts of a vase
Tall and slender vases are ideal for single flowers with long stems and single leaves. Low to short. If the bundle is wide, the bottle may be bulky to maintain its natural balance.
Another aspect is the material of the vase. The most versatile and practical are glass vases. They enhance almost every bouquet, apart from what is very important, they largely facilitate the control of the amount and purity of water and thus help to consolidate the habit of having to change the water every day.
A cylinder vase, depending on the model, will emphasize the beauty of a bunch of flowers and a slightly larger bouquet.
The ball vase fits round or oval bouquets, the size is important. The flowers in such a vessel should spread out nicely on its edge, creating a harmonious whole.
Ceramic and metallic vases will emphasize the unique nature of exotic and field flowers (modest version of the vessels), wooden or ceramic vases will be perfect for dry plants, while modern, geometric shapes will be suitable for unusual bouquets.
Apply the conditioner
The bouquet’s strength can also be improved by a special cut flower conditioner, available from most florists. It will provide the plants with the necessary substances and will also cleanse the water of bacteria. Remember to use it according to the instructions.
Find the right job
The choice of place should be carefully considered. Most cut flowers do not like a warm and sunny place, as well as drafts. Find one that’s shaded and cool. This will keep the bouquet fresh for longer. There should be no fruit in the area, as they produce ethylene, a compound that contributes to faster wilting.
Choose flowers in buds
We know very well that flowers with developed, fragrant buds look the best. However, remember that those with closed inflorescences will stay in the vase much longer, giving you the opportunity to admire the process of their development.
Revive when they wither
To the rescue comes the infusion of the tips of the stems. Flowers with woody stems, e.g. roses, will last longer if, after trimming, they are immersed in hot water for a while (after securing the plant in paper). Thanks to this treatment, the flowers will take up more water and it will refresh the appearance of the plants.
Another way to restore freshness of cut flowers is to arrange them whole in a bowl filled with water for 2-3 hours. Flowers should float freely, preferably in a cool and dark room. Roses react particularly favorably to this fall, as long as they are not very much wilted.
Flowerbox care
Caring for flowerbox compositions is much easier. Flowers in this type of composition are placed in a floristic sponge soaked in water. We don’t take the flowers out of the sponge, so we don’t have to trim them. All you need to do is water the sponge. Fresh and cool water. For a medium-sized flowerbox, pour half a glass of water every day. Important note, the more flowers, the more water we pour on the sponge. It is best to pour water on the center of the composition between the flowers. The rest of the placement indications are the same as for the flowers in the vase.
The most durable cut flowers
Anthurium – apart from its exotic appearance and original structure, has a very big advantage. It can stay in a vase for up to 5-6 weeks!
Small bags – very durable and elegant. They come in a wide range of colors. They do not need much water, so they are perfect for decorations based on various types of structures, in which flowers are placed in vials with water.
Alstromera – with flowers gathered in the corymbose, they resemble lilies a bit. They come in a very wide range of colors with warm and cold shades. It is worth remembering that the flowers of alstromeria are much more durable than the leaves, therefore they are often reduced.
Cloves – they are very durable, popular in white, pink and red colors, more and more often appear in new varieties and colors. They can stay in a vase for up to 3 weeks. They also stand without water for a long time.
Margaretki – these are undoubtedly one of the most durable and inexpensive cut flowers. There are tons of variations. There are also full varieties, resembling dahlias, the so-called. pompom. There is also a whole group of “santini” varieties as well as daisies with needle-shaped petals. Also in terms of color, these flowers surprise with a huge richness of colors – from various shades of yellow, through green and pink, to deep burgundy. They are perfect for bouquets, both alone and in the company of other flowers.
Eustomy – although they seem delicate, they can be extremely durable. For this reason, florists so often use them to create wedding bouquets and buttonholes. They often come in cool colors: from light green, through white and pink, to very dark purple.
Lilies – available in a variety of sizes and colors. They can be purchased all year round and in many cases last longer than seven days. Remember to choose non-fragrant varieties – that is, from the group of Asian lilies, because lilies are flowers that are famous for their very intense fragrance. Removing anthers will additionally extend the durability and prevent staining.
Sunflowers – From summer to late fall, they are available at affordable prices. With a graceful and idyllic appearance associated with rustic decorations. Sunflowers need a lot of water.
Strelitzia – known as “birds of paradise”, ideal for creating tropical flower arrangements, well-groomed will stay fresh for about 14 days.
Limoniums – are often used as fillers in flower arrangements. They look just as beautiful with no other flowers around. With fresh water and regular pruning, they can last up to 14 days in a vase.
Amaryllis – are characterized by a thick, straight and hollow stem. Their flowers are beautiful, trumpet-shaped, stately and elegant. They are on sale in winter – more and more often associated with Christmas. The most common are intense red, white and salmon varieties.
