Birthday
HydrangeasA fresh bouquet lasts 7–10 days in a vase; a stale one can wilt in a day or two. The good news is that you don’t need to be a florist to tell the difference. Here are seven signs you can check in a minute, in the shop or when a delivery arrives.
Illustration 5. A few simple checks and you will know for sure that the bouquet is fresh.
1. A firm bud
Gently squeeze a rose bud at its base. A fresh one is springy and firm, like a tight little fist. A soft bud that gives under your fingers is a sign that the flower was cut long ago.
Illustration 1. A springy, firm bud is the main sign of a fresh rose.
2. Outer petals
The outer (guard) petals of roses may be slightly darker or a little damaged; that is normal, as they protect the flower in transit. Be wary of dry brown edges on the inner petals and limp, rag-like petals.
3. Buds not fully open
Ideally the flowers are half open, so they will keep opening at home for several more days. Fully open flowers with a visible centre won’t last as long.
4. Green, firm leaves
Leaves should be bright, firm and not drooping. Yellow, limp or dried leaves show that the flower stood too long without water or in the warm.
Illustration 4. Yellow, limp leaves are a warning sign.
5. Fresh stem cuts
The cut should be pale and clean. Darkened, slimy or bad-smelling stem ends show that the flowers have been in water a long time and have started to rot.
Illustration 2. Pale, clean cuts are a sign of fresh flowers.
6. Straight stems and heads
Flowers should hold their heads upright. If a bud bends right at its base, the flower’s water supply is already disrupted and wilting is not far off.
Illustration 3. A drooping head means the flower will soon wilt.
7. Smell and water
A fresh bouquet smells of flowers or greenery, not of a swamp. The water in the florist’s bucket should be clear. Cloudy water and an unpleasant smell are a bad sign.
What to do if a delivered bouquet isn’t fresh
- Photograph the bouquet straight away.
- Contact the shop’s customer service; reputable shops replace such bouquets.
- Next time, choose a shop with a freshness guarantee and a photo of the bouquet before delivery.
To make fresh flowers last as long as possible, follow simple care rules. To find out why price is also linked to freshness, read the article how much a bouquet costs.
In short. A firm bud, green leaves, pale cuts, upright heads and clear water: five seconds of attention and you’ll give a bouquet that lasts a week.
If the bouquet arrived in freezing weather, check it using the tips in winter flower delivery.
