Flowers in winter: choosing and protecting a bouquet

In winter a bouquet is more at risk than at any other time of year: a few minutes in frost or a sudden temperature change, and the petals darken and the heads droop. Here is which flowers cope best with the cold, how to wrap and transport a bouquet and what to do so it lasts as long as possible at home.

Long-lasting winter bouquets are in our chrysanthemums and flowers in a box sections.

View full-size photo

Which flowers to choose in winter

The hardiest are chrysanthemums, carnations and alstroemerias. Roses also hold up well, especially varieties with tight buds. Delicate flowers — tulips, lisianthus, hydrangeas — can be given in winter too, but careful wrapping and a short journey matter even more for them.

View full-size photo

How to choose a fresh bouquet

• Petals are firm, without dark edges or spots.
• Leaves are green and firm, not limp.
• Stems are strong, the cut is light and not slimy.
• A fresh rose bud feels slightly springy when pressed at its base.

View full-size photo

How to wrap and transport

• Double wrapping. In frost florists wrap bouquets in several layers of paper and film; ask for this when buying.
• A short journey. Carry the flowers inside a warm car and never leave them in a cold one.
• Delivery. A courier brings the bouquet wrapped and hands it over straight away — a convenient option in hard frost.

View full-size photo

What to do at home

• Let them adjust. Leave the bouquet wrapped for 15–30 minutes at room temperature to avoid a sudden change.
• Recut the stems by 1–2 cm with a sharp knife.
• Water should be clean and at room temperature, not hot.
• Placement — away from radiators, heaters and draughts; indoor air is especially dry in winter.
• Change the water every 1–2 days.

View full-size photo

Winter and New Year bouquets

In winter bouquets often include fir, cones, ilex branches, cotton bolls and dried flowers: they cope well with the cold and create a festive mood. Such arrangements are a good choice for gifts in December and January.

View full-size photo

FAQ

Can I give flowers in freezing weather?

Yes, as long as the bouquet is well wrapped and spends little time in the cold.

What should I do if the flowers got frozen?

Recut the stems and put them in cool water away from radiators. If petals have already darkened, remove them carefully.

Which flowers last longest in winter?

Chrysanthemums, carnations and alstroemerias.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

About the author →