Fresh flowers transform any setting—whether at home, for a wedding, or at your place of business. Here at Flowers Paddington, years of local experience have shown that proper care can make all the difference in the life and beauty of your floral arrangements. Our team of passionate and professional Paddington florists has compiled a complete set of flower care tips just for you, ensuring your blooms remain stunning for as long as possible.
Every bouquet and arrangement from Flowers Paddington is hand-crafted with care and expertise. But the journey doesn’t end when the flowers leave our hands. Flowers are delicate, living things, and how you treat them at home will greatly affect their vibrancy and vase life. For every Paddington household, business, or wedding, following expert florist advice helps preserve the beauty and enjoyment of your blooms.
When your fresh arrangement arrives, untie it gently. Remove all packaging material, but keep any ribbons or decorations you’d like to reuse. Before placing the flowers in a vase, fill your sink with cool, clean water and set the stems in for a quick drink while you prepare the vase. This step allows your Paddington flowers to rehydrate and regain vitality immediately after their journey.
The vase should be clean and free from any residue or bacteria—a quick wash with warm soapy water and a thorough rinse works well. Fill your vase with fresh, lukewarm water: this is less shocking for most flowers than cold water. Top up the water so it covers at least two-thirds of the stems, giving your arrangement plenty to drink. If your bouquet comes with a sachet of flower food, dissolve it thoroughly in the water now for added nourishment.
One of our most essential Paddington flower care tips: Always trim 2-3cm from the stems at a sharp angle before arranging your blooms. Cutting at an angle increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stem ends from resting flat against the vase bottom, which can block their intake. Use sharp, clean scissors or flower snips, and remove any leaves that would otherwise sit below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth.
Your choice of location is crucial for prolonging vase life. Keep your Paddington flowers out of direct sunlight, away from heating vents, and clear of draughts. Kitchens might seem convenient, but avoid placing flowers near fruit bowls—ripening fruits release ethylene gas that speeds up petal drop and wilting. A cool, shaded spot where you’ll enjoy the view is ideal.
Change the vase water every two days. Each time, re-trim the stems and rinse the vase to keep it fresh and bacteria-free. Remove any wilted stems or leaves quickly to prevent them affecting the rest of the arrangement. Some flowers, such as lilies, benefit from gently removing pollen stamens as soon as the blooms open, to extend life and avoid stains on surfaces.
Our Paddington florists use several tried-and-tested secrets to keep arrangements healthy:
Roses: Remove lower leaves and thorns, re-cut stems underwater, and change the water frequently as they drink more than most flowers.
Tulips and Daffodils: Keep separate for the first day as daffodils release sap that’s harmful to other blooms; afterwards, rinse the stems and combine.
Gerberas: Use a shallow vase and support stems with florist wire if needed—they’re prone to bending.
Lilies: Remove pollen and faded blooms as they appear.
Spring: Many spring flowers are delicate and thrive on a gentle misting in addition to the regular water change. Watch for rapid growth—re-trimming more often can help.
Summer: Paddington summers can be warm. In hot weather, change water daily and reduce room temperature if possible. Mist petals gently for extra humidity.
Autumn: As the air gets drier indoors, make sure your arrangement isn’t near radiators or open fires.
Winter: Move arrangements away from cold draughts and frosty windows to prevent shocking your blooms. Even in winter, keep water fresh and avoid overfilling the vase, as flowers may drink less in cooler air.
Our Paddington florists frequently design arrangements for weddings and business events. For event flowers, keep stems hydrated in water right up until display time. Transport in cool, covered containers, and mist petals lightly if needed. For business settings, schedule a regular check-in to swap out tired stems and refill water, ensuring a professional look all week long.
When your flowers inevitably fade, compost the stems and petals if possible. Rinse and recycle glass vases or donate them to local Paddington community groups for reuse. Sustainable flower care is always in style, helping keep our beautiful neighbourhood green and blooming.
Our team isn’t just passionate about creating beautiful arrangements—we’re dedicated to helping you make the most of your flowers every day. These tips are drawn from years of serving Paddington’s homes, weddings, and businesses, and reflect the pride we take in our craft and the relationships we build with our customers. With Flowers Paddington, you can trust your arrangement will look its best—with expert support every step of the way.
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