July 28, 2026
Fresh flowers reward a little routine care with days of extra beauty. Our florists answer the questions we hear most about keeping a bouquet looking its best from the moment it arrives.

When you first receive your Burton Floral Group bouquet, it's important to start by carefully unwrapping the flowers. Gently remove any protective packaging while ensuring you don't damage the delicate petals. Trim about an inch from the stems at a 45-degree angle using sharp scissors or garden shears, which allows better water absorption. Place the bouquet in a clean vase filled with fresh, lukewarm water and add the floral preservative packet provided with your arrangement.
Regularly changing the water is crucial to prolong the life of your bouquet. We recommend changing the water every two to three days. Each time you do, clean the vase with mild soap and rinse well to remove any residue that could harbor bacteria. Recut the stems at a 45-degree angle each time you change the water to ensure optimal hydration.
To keep your bouquet looking fresh and vibrant, position it away from direct sunlight, heaters, and drafts, as these can cause the blooms to dry out or wilt prematurely. Avoid placing your bouquet near ripening fruits, such as apples or bananas, which emit ethylene gas that can speed up the aging process of flowers.
If your flowers begin to wilt, try giving them a fresh start by trimming the stems again and placing them in fresh water with a new dose of floral preservative. For particularly droopy flowers, you can submerge the entire flower head briefly underwater for a quick pick-me-up. Keep in mind that some flowers naturally have a shorter lifespan than others.
Shedding petals can often be minimized by maintaining a steady hydration routine and avoiding rough handling. Always rearrange your flowers with care, and if you notice any blooms starting to fade, remove them immediately to help other blooms stay fresh longer.
Yes, it's a good practice to remove any leaves or foliage that will be submerged in the water, as they can rot and introduce bacteria into the vase water. Keep the stems clean and ensure only flower stems are submerged.
Absolutely! Mixing in additional flowers can personalize your arrangement. Just ensure the new flowers are clean, healthy, and prepared in the same way by trimming their stems and adding them to the arrangement promptly. This prevents introducing contaminants that might shorten the overall bouquet's lifespan.
While our florists design each arrangement to last, some blooms, like roses, benefit from specific care. For instance, roses may require their guard petals removed to allow unfurling and may need a more frequent water change. Refer to "Explore The Flower Journal" on our site for specific flower care tips. If you have any more questions or need further advice, feel free to "Talk With a Floral Designer" today for personalized care instructions.
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