There is something so satisfying about bringing fresh flowers into the home. Whether they are a carefully chosen bouquet from a florist, a gift or a handful of garden blooms placed in a favourite vase, their beauty and fragrance bring instant joy. However, sometimes that joy can be all too fleeting when your beautiful blooms start to wilt much faster than you would expect.

Of course, flowers are natural and perishable, but florists have long used clever techniques to extend the life of their flowers. Here are some tried-and-tested methods that work, as well as a few common myths that probably won’t…

What Really Works

I can vouch for each of these techniques.

Fresh, Clean Water Changed Regularly

Water is the single most important factor in keeping flowers fresh. Bacteria builds up quickly in standing water, clogging the stems and preventing proper hydration. Always start with a clean vase filled with fresh, room-temperature water and change it every two days to keep bacteria at bay. If using cut flower food, top up with a fresh solution rather than plain water to maintain its effectiveness

A Clean Glass Vessel

Grimy vases harbour bacteria that can shorten a bouquet’s life. Before arranging your flowers, wash the vase thoroughly with warm soapy water, rinse well and dry to remove any lingering residue. If in doubt, a mild bleach solution can be used.

Cut Stems at an Angle

One of the simplest yet most effective tricks is to cut each stem at a 45-degree angle before placing it in water. This increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stem from sitting flat against the bottom of the vase, which could block its ability to take in moisture. For best results, recut stems every couple of days when changing the water.

Cut Flower Food

Those little sachets of flower food provided by florists and supermarkets are not just an extra touch – they genuinely make a difference. Their special formula slows the growth of bacteria and helps flowers absorb water and nutrients more effectively. If you don’t have a sachet, you could try creating a simple homemade version by mixing half a teaspoon of sugar, a few drops of lemon juice and a tiny amount of bleach into the water, though I have never found it works quite as well.

Aspirin

Aspirin is not just for headaches! Scientific research suggests that the acid in aspirin can stimulate a plant’s natural defence mechanisms, helping flowers stay fresh for longer. A small amount dissolved in the water may provide an added boost to your blooms.

Leaf Shine

For those who appreciate glossy, rich foliage, leaf shine sprays can work wonders. Used sparingly on dark green leaves like Monstera, they not only improve the plant’s appearance but also help retain moisture. However, caution is needed – too much spray can create an unnatural, greasy surface and certain leaves, such as Aspidistra, may develop marks. If in doubt, opt for leaf shine wipes for a more controlled application.

Lemonade

It was Camilla, our Queen Consort, who said many years ago that a small amount of lemonade or spritz helped flowers last. I was a disbeliever, thinking of the sugar content and its adverse effects. That was until I tried it and found that it worked to help flowers last longer. It must be the fizz!

What to Avoid?

Not all common flower care advice is effective – some popular tips can do more harm than good.

Keep Flowers Away from Ripening Fruit

A simple yet often overlooked tip! Ripening fruit, such as bananas and apples, release ethylene gas, which significantly shortens the lifespan of flowers. Keep your blooms at a safe distance to prevent premature wilting.

Sugar

It is often said that adding sugar to the water will feed the flowers. While there is some truth to this, sugar is also a food source for bacteria, which will multiply rapidly and cause stems to clog. As a result, flowers will wilt far sooner than they should.

Smashing or Hammering Stems

Some believe that crushing the ends of stems helps flowers absorb water more effectively. In reality, this damages the plant tissue and creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Instead, always use sharp, clean scissors or secateurs to cut stems at an angle, ensuring a fresh, open surface for water absorption.

An Interesting Tip That Might Work…

There is an old belief that placing a copper coin in a flower vase can help keep bacteria at bay, thanks to copper’s natural fungicidal properties. While this trick is not scientifically proven, it is certainly an interesting idea to experiment with!