How to Extend the Life of Your Cut Flowers

There are a few easy things you can do to prolong the life and look of your flowers. Follow these tips to make sure that your gorgeous arrangement has maximum staying power.

Excerpted from Fresh Flower Arranging
Filed under: Maintenance, Flowers

Split Stems

The fleshy stems of flowers such as amaryllis, hyacinths and calla lilies can look unsightly in a clear glass vase or container of water if they split. To prevent this from happening, wrap a length of clear tape two or three times around the base of each stem after you have conditioned the flowers. Then place the flower stems in the arrangement as usual.

Insider Tips

- Keep arrangements out of direct sunlight and away from radiators to prolong their life.

- If the moss discolors, put it in a sink and pour a kettle of boiling water over it to revive it.

- Scrub your vases and containers with a bottle brush, hot water and dishwashing liquid every time you finish using them. A bottle brush can be angled easily into awkward corners to lift out flower-killing bacteria and dirt.