How to care for Cut Flowers

A FLORIST'S GUIDE

FLOWERBX Seasonal FlowersFLOWERBX Seasonal Flowers

At FLOWERBX, every stem is a statement. From spring tulips to classic roses, our flowers are hand-selected, luxury-grade, and always in season.
Whether you're creating a sculptural centrepiece or simply elevating your everyday, our expert flower care tips will ensure your arrangements remain extraordinary from the moment they arrive.

How to care for your flowersHow to care for your flowers

Preparing Your Flowers After Delivery

FLOWERBX flowers arrive in pristine condition – protected, hydrated, and ready to make an impact. Some varieties, such as roses, may feature guard petals: outer petals that protect the bloom during transport. Gently remove these, along with any unwanted leaves or lower foliage, before arranging.

Step 1: Trim for Hydration

Using FLOWERBX floral scissors, trim each stem at a 45-degree angle, around 1 inch from the base. This angled cut maximises water absorption and keeps stems from sitting flat at the base of your vase.

Step 2: Straight Into Water

Hydration is everything. Place freshly trimmed stems into a clean vase filled with cool, fresh water and FLOWERBX Flower Food. Make sure no leaves fall below the waterline, as these can create bacteria and reduce vase life. Always position your flowers away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or draughts.

Step 3: Arrange Your Bouquet

To build a balanced bouquet, layer stems in a spiral motion – an expert technique that gives the arrangement structure and movement. Showcase a single, sculptural stem in a bud vase for modern styling, or create volume with a dozen for a showstopper moment.

Step 4: Maintain and Refresh

To keep your flowers fresh, re-cut stems every two days, refresh the water, and top up flower food. Blooms like hydrangeas may need misting, while roses and tulips prefer just the basics – clean water, cool surroundings, and a little attention.

Luxury Pink Italian Ranunculus FlowersLuxury Pink Italian Ranunculus Flowers

Daily Flower Care Tips

Elevate the everyday with our must-have flower care rituals. 

  • Change the water every 1–2 days to minimise bacteria
  • Re-cut stems under running water to improve hydration
  • Remove any foliage that falls below the waterline
  • Keep arrangements away from direct sunlight, radiators, or draughts
  • Always use FLOWERBX Flower Food to nourish your stems

By following these simple practices, your stems will stay photo-ready and long-lasting.

 

Luxury Pink Anemone FlowersLuxury Pink Anemone Flowers

Reviving Wilted Flowers

Even the most beautiful blooms need a refresh. If your flowers begin to wilt, follow these steps.

  • Re-cut stems at a 45-degree angle under running water
  • Place them immediately into clean, cool water with flower food
  • Let them rest in a cool, shaded place for a few hours
  • Remove any petals or leaves that look tired

With the right care, your flowers will look their best for several more days.

Styling Tips for Your Flower Display

At FLOWERBX, we believe in the power of styling. A well-chosen vase and curated floral choices help create a floral moment to remember.

- Style in towering vases for impact
- Style one variety or a tonal palette for a modern take 
- Use bud vases to create shape and rhythm across a tablescape
- Play with height, texture, and colour 

THE ROYAL WINDSOR VASE

Perfect for mid-length bouquets of roses, peonies, and tulips

THE MAYFAIR VASE

Perfect for fuller displays – think roses, tulips, peonies, delphiniums, and hydrangeas 

THE APOTHECARY VASE

Ideal for tall, dramatic arrangements of hydrangeas and roses.

FLOWER CARE FAQ'S

Can I mix flower types in one vase?
Yes, but be mindful of vase life and water needs. Group blooms with similar care requirements together – or look to our edit of modern mixed bouquets for a luxury curation. 

How do I care for flowers during hot weather?
To care for flowers during hot weather, be sure to keep arrangements out of direct sunlight. Use a cool room and change water more frequently.

How do I care for flowers during cold weather?
To care for flowers during cold weather, avoid placing arrangements near windows or draughts. Let flowers acclimate slowly after delivery.

How do I care for flowers in air-conditioned homes?
Air conditioning can dehydrate blooms. In spaces where it's in use, direct airflow appropriately and monitor water levels closely.

Do FLOWERBX flowers come with care instructions?
Yes – every order includes a care card tailored to your flowers. You can also explore our expert guides here – tailored to specific flower type or sharing general tips. 

Which flowers last the longest in a vase?
Roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, and calla lilies are some of the longest-lasting stems when properly cared for. You can shop our edit of flowers with the longest vase life here.

How do I make fresh flowers last longer?
Trim stems every two days, refresh the water, and use flower food. Keep away from heat, sunlight, and fruit.

Should I use flower food?
Always. FLOWERBX Flower Food nourishes your blooms and minimises the risk of bacteria. 

How often should I change flower water?
Change your flower water every 1–2 days. Fresh water = fresh florals.

What kind of water should I use for cut flowers?
Cool, clean tap water is the perfect choice for cut flowers. Avoid using warm or hot water unless otherwise specified.

Why are my flowers drooping after a day?
If your flowers are wilting after just one day – the most likely cause is dehydration or blocked stems. Re-cut stems, change the water, and ensure your vase is clean.

How can I revive wilted flowers?
The best way to revive wilted flowers is to hydrate and rest in a cool space. Some blooms – like hydrangeas – may need full submersion in water for a full reset.

Discover our flower care guides

How to care for RosesHow to care for Roses

The Rose Care Guide

Discover our secrets to longer-lasting roses – from removing guard petals to styling the perfect vase display. 

How to care for TulipsHow to care for Tulips

The Tulip Care Guide

An unpredictable spring icon. Learn how to embrace the natural movement of tulips with simple, high-impact rituals.

How to care for HydrangeaHow to care for Hydrangea

The Hydrangea Care Guide

Bold, beautiful and blousy, hydrangeas are all about hydration. Read our tips, from full submersion to daily misting. 

How to care for PeoniesHow to care for Peonies

The Peony Care Guide

Everyone's fleeting early-summer favourite. Master the art of peony care – from blossoming bud to full bloom.