
From ice cubes in the vase to dunking whole bouquets in the bath, we’ve seen some interesting flower care tips floating around social media lately.
But if you really want to know how to make your flowers last, especially when you're heading off on holiday, ask an experienced florist!
This time of year, we’re often asked how to give flowers the best chance of still blooming beautifully on your return. And while we love a good hack as much as anyone, there are a few persistent myths we think it’s time to clear up.
Here are some of the most common - and what to do instead.
MYTH 1: “Pop a penny in the vase”
An old classic, but sadly not one we’d recommend. The idea is that the copper in coins helps prevent bacteria growth in the water, but it’s unreliable and nowhere near as effective as proper flower food.
What to do instead: Use the flower food we provide. It contains everything your flowers need to stay nourished and hydrated while you're away. Just dissolve it fully in fresh, clean water and you’re off to a great start.
MYTH 2: “Cutting the stems once is enough”
This one’s understandable, but not quite right. Over time, the cut ends of flower stems can seal over, making it harder for them to absorb water.
What to do instead: Trim the stems at an angle every couple of days to keep water uptake flowing. This one small step can make a noticeable difference in how long your flowers last.
MYTH 3: “They’ll be fine in any spot”
In summer especially, where your flowers live matters. A warm, sunny windowsill might seem like the ideal place, but it will shorten their lifespan.
What to do instead: Place them in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight and fruit bowls (ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which speeds up wilting). Before you leave, move them to the coolest room in your home to give them the very best chance to continue looking their best.
MYTH 4: “Store them in the fridge while you’re away”
Technically, flowers like it cool - but the average fridge isn’t designed for floral storage. Between the temperature fluctuations, moisture, and food odours, it’s more likely to cause harm than help.
What to do instead: Simply refresh the water before you go, trim the stems, add flower food, and keep them somewhere cool and out of direct sun light. That’s all they need.
My final tip: Start with a clean vase
Before arranging your flowers, always clean the vase thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Bacteria left behind from previous bouquets is one of the quickest ways to shorten vase life - and one of the easiest to avoid.
And one more thing...
If you're serious about flower longevity, where you buy them matters. A bouquet from a reputable florist will always start off fresher, better conditioned, and handled with care – meaning you get more days of beauty at home.
Supermarket bunches might be convenient, but they’re rarely the best value in the long run. Buy well, and your flowers will thank you for it.
With just a few simple steps, your flowers will have the best possible chance of still blooming beautifully when you return… no need for fridge space or old coins.
If you ever need tailored care tips for a specific flower, feel free to stop by our flower shop in Didsbury. We could talk flowers all day long! We also update our Flower Care page seasonally, so go take a look!