Beyond the Snip: 5 Expert Tricks to Double Your Bouquet's Lifespan

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you first walk through the doors of our Robson Street haven or unwrap a delivery at home. It’s that first breath of fresh eucalyptus, the vibrancy of the petals, and the immediate lift in the room’s energy.

At Bouquet Café, we source the freshest blooms from the Fraser Valley to ensure that feeling lasts. But once the bouquet leaves our hands and enters yours, a little bit of care goes a long way. Think of it like your morning coffee ritual—a few precise steps yield the perfect result.

Here are five florist-approved secrets to keep your arrangement looking fresh, vibrant, and beautiful for days to come.

1. The "Refresh" Cut

Your stems have likely been out of water during their journey to you. Before they meet the vase, give them a fresh start. Using sharp shears (or kitchen scissors), trim about one inch off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This angle increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stem from sitting flat against the bottom of the vase.

2. Foliage is for the Air, Not the Water

Take a close look at your stems. Any leaves that sit below the waterline will rot quickly, creating bacteria that shortens the life of your blooms. Strip away those lower leaves to keep the water crystal clear and your flowers happy.

3. Location, Location, Location

Flowers are a lot like us—they prefer a comfortable environment. While a sunny windowsill looks lovely, direct heat and sunlight will cause blooms to dehydrate and fade faster. Avoid placing your arrangement near heating vents, drafty entryways, or—surprisingly—bowls of ripening fruit (which release ethylene gas that ages flowers prematurely). A cool, indirect spot is best.

4. Fresh Water is Key

You wouldn’t drink water that’s been sitting out for three days, and your flowers shouldn’t have to either. Change the vase water every two days. If the water looks cloudy, it’s time to refresh it. If you have a packet of flower food, add a little each time you change the water.

5. The "Bad Apple" Rule

As the days pass, some blooms will naturally fade faster than others. Remove any wilted stems immediately to prevent them from affecting the rest of the bouquet. This keeps the arrangement looking tidy and allows the longer-lasting blooms (like our textural sea holly or chrysanthemums) to shine.

Ready to practice your care skills? [Shop our Seasonal Collection] and bring a touch of beauty home today.