With Mother’s Day just over a week away many of us will be heading down the supermarket to purchase bouquets for the special women in our lives.

Although a bouquet of blossoming flowers is one of the most popular Mother’s Day gifts – they sometimes don’t last very long.

But just because the flowers may wilt in a number of days without the proper care – it doesn’t mean they have to. 

Julian de Bosdari, CEO of British online plant nursery Ashridge, has shared eight tips to keep your bouquet flourishing for a week – or even longer.

Here, FEMAIL takes a look at the ways you can make your Mother’s Day flowers last for longer…

Julian de Bosdari, CEO of UK plant nursery Ashridge, shares his eight tips on making sure your Mother's Day flowers last for longer (stock image)

Julian de Bosdari, CEO of UK plant nursery Ashridge, shares his eight tips on making sure your Mother's Day flowers last for longer (stock image)

Julian de Bosdari, CEO of UK plant nursery Ashridge, shares his eight tips on making sure your Mother’s Day flowers last for longer (stock image)

1. CHOOSE A LONG-LASTING FLOWER

Perhaps one of the most simple ways to ensure a lengthy lifespan for your flowers is to bag a long-lasting variety.

According to the CEO of the online plant nursery, orchids, chrysanthemums and carnations are among the more durable types which can last for multiple weeks.

Unlike more delicate flower types such as, tulips and peonies, naturally longer lasting flowers are unlikely to wilt at the five-day mark.

Buying a long-lasting flower species will not only mean that you get better value for money but it will also ensure your loved one can enjoy their gift for longer, the CEO says.

2. MAKE SURE TO HAVE A CLEAN VASE

One key tip to increasing the longevity of your flowers this Mother’s Day is making sure the vase holding them is clean.

Vases sometimes have narrow openings, meaning they are typically tougher to clean and are susceptible to trapping bacteria inside.

This bacteria can seep into the water and increase the flower’s decomposition and ageing rate, according to Mr de Bosdari.

Therefore, he recommends purchasing a vase with a wider opening and to avoid using any plastic containers as they too hold on to bacteria.

He advises using a glass or ceramic vase, as they will not only elevate the appearance of your bouquet but they will be easier to clean. 

3. TRIM FLOWER STEMS AT AN ANGLE

Another tip to keep your Mother’s Day flowers flourishing for longer is to trim half a inch off the stem, according to the plant nursery boss.

Many cut flower bouquets already have their stems pre-cut, however they are likely to have closed up by the time you buy them.

As a result it is important to hack of at least an inch off every stem at a 45-degree angle.

You should do this by using a pair of sharp scissors or a clean knife before placing your gift in a beautiful vase, Mr de Bosdari says. 

Chopping them at a diagonal angle means there is more surface area for the flower to absorb water, meaning your plants will be more hydrated.

You should trim your flower stems every couple of days to allow your plant the best chance of absorbing water.

‘Flowers are one of the most beloved Mother’s Day gifts, and it’s disappointing that they don’t last longer than they do,’ Mr de Bosdari said.

‘However, putting in the effort to take special care of cut flowers will both allow shoppers to get the best value for money and recipients to enjoy their gift for as long as they possibly can.’

It is important to cut at least an inch off every stem at a 45-degree angle so your flowers can absorb water better (stock image)

It is important to cut at least an inch off every stem at a 45-degree angle so your flowers can absorb water better (stock image)

 It is important to cut at least an inch off every stem at a 45-degree angle so your flowers can absorb water better (stock image)

4. REMOVE FOLIAGE 

Ensuring your plants habitat remains consistently clean is important to ensuring they have a longer life.

You can’t just clean the vase before use and expect no bacteria to grow in the water.

It’s important as they begin to wilt that you remove any petals or foliage that have dropped under the waterline, according to Mr de Bosdari.

Any leaves or petals floating around in the water can cause bacterial growth, which in turn can clog up the stems.

If your flower’s stems are bunged up, this means that it can be difficult for water to travel into the plant, shortening the bouquets lifespan.  

Any foliage above the water is find to stay as it will help preserve your bouquet and make it look as full as possible, according to the CEO.

5. KEEP FLOWERS AWAY FROM FRUIT – AND SUNLIGHT

If you want to avoid your gift wilting within five days it’s important to keep them out of the sunlight, the expert says.

Direct sunshine and heat will cause buds to bloom faster and will quickly reduce the flowers’ life expectancy.

The best home for your bouquet is a cool environment – away from a radiator – that has plenty of indirect sunlight.

Your blossoming bouquet should also be kept far away from any fruit bowls as ripening bananas and apples produce a gas called ethylene.

The odourless gas cause flowers to age faster and will mean the petals will begin to fall like dominoes.

Mr de Bosari said: ‘Keeping your bouquet clean, hydrated, nourished and out of the sun will go a long way in maintaining it, and eliminating nasty bacteria from its environment can help prevent the flowers deteriorating prematurely.’

6. CHANGE WATER OFTEN

Changing the water in your vase can contribute to your bouquet living for longer.

It is important to replace the water often so you can get rid of any bacteria that is developing in the water, according to the plant nursery CEO.

He advises changing the water every two days to keep your bouquet’s home bacteria free. Cloudy and debris filled water is a clear sign that your water needs replacing.

Changing the water in your vase is also key to making your blossoming bouquet last for longer, so that you remove any potential bacteria (stock image)

Changing the water in your vase is also key to making your blossoming bouquet last for longer, so that you remove any potential bacteria (stock image)

Changing the water in your vase is also key to making your blossoming bouquet last for longer, so that you remove any potential bacteria (stock image)

7. NOURISHING FLOWER FOOD

Another way to keep your bouquet alive for longer is to feed it nourishing food, according to Mr de Bosari.

The small liquid flower food sachet you receive with your bouquet should be added to the vase’s water immediately.

But if you would like the blooming plants to last for longer then you should add this flower food every time you replace the water.  

However if you don’t have liquid flower food to hand then there is no need to fret – you can always make your own.

All you need in your homemade mixture is two tablespoons of white vinegar and sugar, alongside a litre of tepid water.

Sugar will help provide the bouquet with some energy, while the white vinegar will bring down its pH and gets rid of any bacteria in the water.

A lower pH means the bouquet can also absorb water more efficiently, the plant nursery CEO states.

8. CHECK YOUR PLANTS OFTEN 

Keeping an eye on your colourful bouquet helps to keep it living for longer as you are able to remove any dropping petals and prevent bacteria spreading.

Removing any dying leaves or petals also makes more room for buds to bloom, resulting in a flourishing bouquet that is even bigger than before.

Mr de Bosari urges people to be gentle with their bouquets – even if they have a flower that is highly durable.

Crushing or squeezing stems by man handling your flowers can cut off essential water supply.

But once your bouquets lifespan has come to an end – there is no need to fret, as they can still make your home look beautiful. 

The plant nursery CEO explains: ‘Remember, you can always press or dry your flowers once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan to preserve their beauty and hold onto the significance behind them.

‘If you are put off by the fleeting nature of cut flowers, a houseplant or garden flowers can be an equally beautiful alternative that your loved one will be able to enjoy for many years.’

This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk

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