Essential Care Tips for St Luke’s Flowers

Welcome: Local Expertise for St Luke’s Flower Care

When you receive beautiful Flowers at St Luke’s, either as a gift, for a special celebration, or simply to brighten your home or business, you want those blooms to last as long as possible. Our St Luke’s florists, with years of experience serving local homes, offices, and wedding venues, have compiled their expert advice to help you get the most from every petal. Whether you have a freshly arranged bouquet or a magnificent floral centrepiece, these care tips will ensure your flowers stay fresher and more vibrant for much longer.

Getting Started: Unpack and Prepare Your St Luke’s Flowers

The journey to long-lasting flowers begins the moment you receive your delivery. Here’s what our experienced St Luke’s florists recommend:

• Open Immediately: As soon as your flowers arrive, open the packaging to allow them to breathe.
• Check for Condition: If any petals or leaves are wilting from transit, remove them gently to prevent mould and bacteria.
• Fresh Cut Stems: Using sharp, clean scissors or secateurs, trim 2-3cm from each stem at an angle. This increases water absorption and prevents stems from sitting flat at the base of the vase.

Hydration: The Key to Lush St Luke’s Flowers

Proper hydration is crucial for keeping St Luke’s Flowers in top condition. Our local florists recommend the following for best results:

• Fill Your Vase: Use room temperature water; cold can shock the flowers, while hot water can accelerate wilting.
• Flower Food: If provided, always add the floral food sachet to the water and mix well. It nourishes the blooms and inhibits bacteria.
• No Food? A teaspoon of sugar and a splash of lemonade can help if no food is available, but flower food is always best.
• Change Water Regularly: Every two days, refresh the water and clean the vase thoroughly to prevent slime and bacteria build-up.

Vase Life Hacks from St Luke’s Florists

Maximising vase life is about more than water. Here are insider tips from seasoned St Luke’s florists:

• Prune Below the Waterline: Remove any leaves or foliage that would sit below the water’s surface. This reduces bacteria growth hugely.
• Keep Away from Fruit: Display flowers away from ripening fruit – the ethylene gas it releases will make your flowers fade faster.
• Ideal Placement: Keep arrangements out of direct sunlight, away from heaters and draughts. A cool, stable spot is ideal.
• Mist Lightly: Some flowers, like roses and hydrangeas, benefit from a gentle daily misting to keep petals hydrated.

Seasonal Flower Care: St Luke’s Florists’ Specifics

The changing seasons in St Luke’s bring a stunning variety of flower choices and care needs. Here’s how our team tailors care for every time of year:

• Spring Blooms: Daffodils and tulips are sensitive to heat and ethylene. Re-cut stems every other day and keep them in cooler conditions if possible.
• Summer Varieties: Lilies, sunflowers, and delphiniums love light but not direct sun. Change water daily in hot weather to prevent quick spoilage.
• Autumn Arrangements: Chrysanthemums and asters are hardy but keep them away from draughts and continue regular stem re-trimming.
• Winter Wonders: Amaryllis and hellebores prefer slightly warmer water and can suffer in cold spots. Keep arrangements away from windowsills where cold can nip petals.

Wedding and Event Flower Tips from St Luke’s Florists

If you’re planning a wedding or business event in St Luke’s, longer-lasting flowers are a must. Our florists recommend:

• Transport Carefully: Keep floral arrangements cool and hydrated during transportation.
• Set Up Timing: Set up flowers as close to the event as possible for maximum freshness; avoid early exposure to bright lights or air conditioning.
• Mist Large Arrangements: Spray larger displays lightly every few hours, particularly for outdoor events.

Expert Florist Advice: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Despite your best efforts, some flowers are more delicate than others. Here are solutions for common issues our St Luke’s florists see daily:

• Wilting Petals: Re-cut stems under water to remove air pockets, and place flowers in fresh water for an hour to revive them.
• Droopy Heads: Wrap stems tightly in paper and leave them upright in deep water for several hours.
• Stubbornly Closed Buds: Gently remove outer guard petals and display in a slightly warmer room to encourage opening.
• Mildew Prone Flowers: Remove any mushy foliage and ensure the vase is pristine before refilling.

Eco-Friendly Flower Care Tips from St Luke’s Florists

Looking after your flowers doesn't have to harm the planet. Our eco-conscious tips include:

• Composting Spent Flowers: Once your arrangement fades, add petals and stems to your green waste or compost bin.
• Reuse Water: Use flower water for houseplants after changing it out, so nothing goes to waste.
• Repurpose Blooms: Dry sturdy flowers like roses or lavender for crafts or fragrant sachets.

St Luke’s Flowers: Caring for Flower Types

Not all blooms are equal when it comes to aftercare. Here are flower-specific tricks from our St Luke’s team:

• Roses: Remove all lower leaves and re-cut daily. For droopy heads, submerge the entire stem and bloom in lukewarm water for 30 minutes.
• Lilies: Remove pollen from stamens to avoid stains and encourage bloom longevity.
• Gerberas: Add only a little water (2-3cm) to the vase and change it frequently to avoid drooping stems.
• Tulips: Use cold water and keep stems upright; avoid placing near direct heat.

Closing Thoughts: Local Knowledge For Lasting Blooms

Flower care is both an art and a science. By following these expert tips from our St Luke’s florists, you will enjoy your stunning arrangements for longer, whether for your home, special event, or as a bright accent in the workplace. Refer back to these tips whenever you receive a fresh delivery, and remember – if you have any questions or unique flower care needs, our local team is always delighted to share their knowledge and help your flowers thrive.