Whether it’s a delicate bunch of tulips, a vibrant mixed bouquet or classic red roses, Mother’s Day flowers deserve more than just a pretty vase. With the right care, your blooms can stay fresh and beautiful for up to a week—or even longer. While all cut flowers eventually fade, a few small changes to your routine can make all the difference in keeping them looking lovely on the mantelpiece or dining table.
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Start with a clean vase and fresh cut
Before arranging the bouquet, always begin with a thoroughly cleaned vase. Any lingering bacteria can shorten the life of your flowers. Use hot, soapy water and rinse well to remove any residue.
Once you’re ready to arrange the bouquet, trim the stems at a sharp angle—preferably with a clean pair of floral scissors or secateurs. Cutting at an angle increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stem from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase, which can restrict water uptake. Re-cutting the stems every couple of days helps extend the life of the arrangement.
Remove leaves below the waterline
Foliage submerged in water will rot quickly, leading to a build-up of bacteria that shortens the life of your flowers. Before placing the stems in water, strip off any leaves below the waterline. This keeps the vase water clearer for longer and allows the flowers to focus their energy on blooming rather than battling decay.
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Keep them cool and out of direct sunlight
One of the most common mistakes people make with fresh flowers is putting them on a sunny windowsill. While light is good for houseplants, direct sunlight and excess heat cause cut flowers to wilt faster. Instead, place the vase in a cool, shaded spot—away from radiators, fruit bowls (which release ethylene gas), and draughts. A steady, mild environment will help maintain the integrity of the blooms.
At night, consider moving the bouquet to a cooler room. The drop in temperature can slow the aging process and help flowers retain their structure and colour for longer.
Refresh the water and feed regularly
Vase water should be changed every two to three days. When you do, clean the vase thoroughly, re-trim the stems, and remove any petals or foliage that have begun to decay.
Most florists include a sachet of flower food with bouquets, and it’s worth using it. These feeds usually contain sugar (to nourish the flowers), acidifiers (to lower the ph and improve water uptake), and a biocide to fight bacterial growth. If you don’t have any, a homemade alternative is a teaspoon of sugar with a drop of bleach or white vinegar in the water—though shop-bought formulas tend to be more effective.
Some flowers need special treatment
Certain types of flowers benefit from extra care. Tulips, for instance, keep growing in the vase and will bend towards light, so rotate them daily to keep the shape balanced. Daffodils secrete a sap that can shorten the lifespan of other blooms—if your bouquet includes them, it’s best to let them sit in water alone for a few hours before mixing with different flowers.
Roses can be particularly thirsty, so ensure they are always kept in deep water and trimmed frequently. If you notice any drooping heads, wrap the stems in damp paper and leave them to soak in a cool bath for a few hours.
Long-lasting love, one vase at a time
Your Mother’s Day flowers don’t have to be fleeting. You can prolong their beauty well beyond the day with a little effort and attention. Clean tools, fresh water, and a calm environment can go a long way towards keeping your bouquet fresh and vibrant, just as your mum deserves.
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