The secret to a long-lasting bouquet is immediate attention right after you receive it. Follow these three steps and your roses will last at least a week.
Step 1. Cut the stems correctly. Trim the stems at a 45° angle with sharp scissors under running water. This stops air from entering the stem channels and improves water uptake. Remove any leaves that would sit below the water line.
Step 2. Hydration and feeding. Use lukewarm water (not cold, not hot) in a clean vase. Dissolve the flower food from the sachet we include with every bouquet — it suppresses bacteria and nourishes the blooms.
Step 3. The right spot. Keep roses in a cool place away from direct sunlight, draughts and ripening fruit. Bananas and apples release ethylene, a gas that speeds up wilting.
Change the water every two days, trimming a few millimetres off the stems each time. At night, move the bouquet to the coolest spot in your home.