I recently got a call from a recipient concerning the age of some flowers in an arrangement they had received, This was interesting as the flowers in question had literally been purchased the day that the arrangement was created. As always I am very curious to find out what the problem might be . Oh She said those roses look old, they have green on the outer petals. I took a deep breath and explained that the particular rose was the kind of rose that had this particular feature and that in fact I had indeed peeled the outer shell petals .However the particular rose was a rather fine and expensive one that when it opened up resembles a tea cup. I also explained to her that it would be a long lasting one and that it had been purchased that morning.I will often point out to customers that no one not even flowers are born fully hatched .The worst problem is that the consumer sees a picture and assumes that Flowers are always like that, not realizing that they have to open and bloom.
Often the flowers when fresh appear small and it can take a day or two for them to open and stretch out.Daisies and alstroemeria , are a prime example. Most of the time they are very tight and often squishy .I often have to explain to people receiving them that they are very fresh and as a result will open, grow and last a long time if cared for properly. Lilies often take days to open up.Roses can do the same I have had buds that have not opened up at all.I have had roses that were amazingly fresh that have blown too quickly All of these are "hot water" flowers. They need to be cut at an angle in the air (no scissors please) and placed in hot water with preservative,which is a sugar- citric acid mixture powder.If necessary a pinch of sugar will also do the trick.(My friend swears seven up or sprite in small quantity works, but I have never done this). Basically all hard stem or solid stem flowers are hot water flowers.
Tulips are a cold water flower.They have hollow stems and will drink and bloat if not taken proper care of.They also droop naturally depending upon the variety.Other cold water flowers are : iris, gerbera daisies(mini and large), snap dragons, hyacinth and daffodils Beware that daffodils, should go in their own vase when originally hydrating because they give off a sap. They need cold water no more than 6 inches because they drink through the stems and outside as well. A penny at the bottom of the vase will keep them fresh and standing.
