Article: How to Care for Your Luxury Bouquets: Make Your Flowers Last Longer
How to Care for Your Luxury Bouquets: Make Your Flowers Last Longer
A luxury bouquet is more than a gift – it’s an experience. 
Every stem is chosen for its beauty, freshness, and longevity. But once it arrives at your door, its lasting power depends on something else: how you care for it.
At Petals at Bibendum, we design our arrangements to be long-lasting, but a little attention goes a long way. Here’s how to get the most out of your flowers and enjoy their beauty for as long as possible.
1. Start with a Clean Vase
Before anything else, wash your vase thoroughly with hot water and gentle soap.
Why it matters:
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Bacteria from a dirty vase shortens vase life
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Clean containers = clean stems = longer freshness
Tip: Rinse again with cold water to remove any soapy residue before filling.
2. Use Fresh, Cold Water and Change It Daily
Fill the vase with cold, fresh water before placing your bouquet. Avoid warm or cloudy water.
Then:
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Change the water every day (or every other day at most)
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Rinse the stems briefly during each water change
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Refill just below the lowest leaf or binding point
3. Re-Cut the Stems on Arrival
Every bouquet we send is freshly cut, but cutting again at home boosts hydration.
How to do it:
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Use sharp scissors or a floral knife
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Cut stems at a 45-degree angle
Do this on day 1, and again every 2–3 days for best results.
4. Keep Away from Heat, Fruit & Direct Sunlight
Flowers are delicate, even if they’re premium-grade.
To avoid early wilting:
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Keep the bouquet out of direct sunlight
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Avoid placing near radiators, heaters, or open windows
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Don’t store near ripening fruit (it releases ethylene gas which ages blooms)
For event displays or gifts, keep the bouquet cool until presentation.
5. Remove Wilting Stems Promptly
As the bouquet ages:
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Some stems will wilt faster than others
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Remove any soft or drooping blooms
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Trim foliage that falls below the water line
This prevents bacterial build-up and keeps the bouquet visually fresh.
6. Use Flower Food (or Try This DIY Alternative)
DIY tip: Mix 1 tsp sugar + 1 tsp lemon juice + 2 drops bleach into cold water for a homemade alternative.
7. Specific Tips for Avalanche Roses
Our signature Avalanche Roses can last up to 10–14 days with proper care.
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Give them plenty of water – they’re thirsty!
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Remove the outer “guard petals” if they brown
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Re-cut stems often – they seal quickly and stop drinking if neglected
8. What to Do When the Bouquet Fades
Even the most luxurious blooms don’t last forever. But their life doesn’t have to end when the vase empties.
Ideas:
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Dry selected stems (roses, rice flower, eucalyptus) upside down
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Press blooms in parchment or between books
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Keep the ribbon and wrapping as a keepsake
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should luxury flowers last?
With proper care, our luxury bouquets last 7–14 days, depending on the stem type and home environment.
Can I refrigerate my bouquet overnight?
If you want to prolong freshness, especially in hot weather – yes! Place the vase in the fridge (if it fits), or in a cool hallway or cellar overnight.
What if my flowers arrive slightly soft?
Some blooms like hydrangea or lisianthus may need an hour in cool water before they fully perk up. This is normal and they’ll bounce back beautifully.
Love Them Longer
Luxury flowers deserve luxury care. By following these simple steps, you’ll extend the life of your bouquet and make the most of every petal.
