As Valentine’s Day approaches each year, we all scramble to make last-minute plans to show someone special how much we care. But all too often, the flowers we rush out to buy on February 13th end up wilted and discarded within a few days. There’s a better way to enjoy fresh blooms not just on Valentine’s Day, but for days or even weeks afterward as well.
While rose petals may only last an afternoon, with some planning and care, many flowers can remain vibrant and lovely for much longer than you might expect. As with most things in life, when it comes to flowers, timing is everything. Those who wait until the last minute to pick up a bouquet from the corner gas station may end up disappointed. However, with a little lead time and preparation, anyone can create floral arrangements that brighten a home or office well past February 14th.
What types of flowers last the longest?
First, it helps to choose blooms from your nearby Roslindale florist known for their longevity. Roses, while quintessentially romantic, tend to wilt quickly once cut. However, certain varieties such as hydrangeas, sunflowers, and snapdragons can remain cheerful for over a week with proper care. Carnations also hold their shape and color remarkably well compared to other common valentine’s flowers. For dried arrangements seeking a more rustic vibe, options like statice, strawflowers, and lamb’s ear preserve their natural beauty when dried and remain long after Valentine’s Day is past.
While preservative technology has improved, there’s no substitute for selecting flowers suited for long lives from the start. Taking time to consider which varieties best complement your Valentine and the space they’ll inhabit helps your gift of floral cheer spread well beyond a single day.
When is the best time to order Valentine’s Day flower delivery?
The optimal time to place your Valentine’s bouquet order depends on several factors, but aim to shop at least a week in advance whenever possible. Much like Thanksgiving turkeys, floral demand rises exponentially closer to the holiday, when selection dwindles and prices balloon. Leveraging a bit of foresight means arranging for pickup or delivery well before a last-minute frenzy strikes most shops. Ordering several days or more ahead also allows florists to source the freshest, highest quality blooms certain to last their recipients for days on end.
How to properly care for flowers?
But simply acquiring pretty blooms a week in advance is only part of the equation. Proper care after the fact is equally crucial to maximizing your bouquet’s lifespan and wow factor. Cutting a few inches from each stem under water and placing flowers in a clean vase are obvious first steps. However, many overlook lesser-known techniques that can dramatically extend a floral display’s longevity:
- Change water daily – bacteria that form in stale water is a leading cause of accelerated wilting.
- Use floral preservative – available at any florist, preservative ensures stems absorb sufficient water and nutrients each day. Even a cheap store-bought floral food works wonders.
- Remove any leaves below the water line – leaves act like little sponges that wick up bacteria from the vase.
- Cut an inch from each recut stem – similar to trimming the ends of fresh greens, this allows fresh water uptake.
- Place in a cool spot away from direct sun or heating vents – both accelerate wilting.
Adorn more casual sprigs around your home as the original bouquet fades – enjoy valentine’s flowers longer by propping smaller additions in different rooms.
This Valentine’s season, avoid last-minute stress and disappointments by planning with your order from The Centerpiece Flower Shop. As your local florist, we handpick only the hardiest, most vibrant blooms that stand up best with optimal care. Whether picking up curbside, having arrangements delivered to your sweetheart’s home or office, or enjoying their services for wedding flowers, you can trust our Weston flower delivery services!
Also read How To Successfully Cultivate Winter Flowers At Home.
