There’s something magical about getting a freshly cut bloom delivery — be it someone saying “I love you,” “Thank you,” or just a “I’m thinking of you” to yourself. If you are ever befallen by a gloomy day, flowers have a special way of bringing your colours back to life, brightening up a room with fragrance and warmth. But to really enjoy your bouquet as long as possible, proper maintenance is key.

OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY At Ilam Florist Christchurch we know how important it is that your flowers arrive in immaculate condition. Our expert florists select each bloom by hand so that your arrangement will certainly leave you stunned when we deliver it. But what comes next once your flowers arrive? That’s where the right care can make all the difference.

If you’d like to prolong the life of your blooms and have your flower arrangement looking as bright as the day you received it, read on for expert tips from florists.

Start with a Clean Vase

The first and most important step to do before sticking your fresh flowers into water is making sure your vase is clean. Bacteria collection in dirty vases is one of the quickest ways your blooms will have a short life span.

Florist Tip: Clean your vase with warm, soapy water, and rinse well. If you want to be extra-precise, adding a bit of white vinegar or bleach to the water cuts bacteria.

Trim the Stems the Right Way

One of the biggest mistakes people make, though, is not cutting the stems before placing their flowers in water. If a bouquet has run out of water, the ends of the stems will dry and seal up, which makes it more difficult for the flower to drink.

With sharp scissors or floral shears, cut 1–2 cm from the bottoms of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area available for water uptake.

Florist Tip: Re-trim the stems every two days to make sure water flows freely and there aren’t any blockages.

Remove Any Submerged Leaves

Leaves that fall under the waterline in your vase can start to decay quickly, creating a bacteria bloom that will shorten the life of your flower arrangement.

Strip any leaves that will make contact with water to keep it fresh & clean.

Florist Tip: This is especially key for roses and lilies, which have lots of foliage that can make the water cloudy.

Use Fresh, Cool Water And Change It Regularly

Humans and flowers have one thing in common, they both need clean, fresh water! As soon as your flower delivery arrives, get a vase and fill it with room-temperature water plus the flower food sachet that comes with your bouquet.

Replace the water every other day to inhibit bacteria growth.

Florist Tip: If you run out of flower food, make your own by adding a teaspoon of sugar and a few drops of lemon juice to the water. This mimics the nutrients that are in professional flower food.

Put Your Flowers in the Right Place

A little bit of help from the environment can go a long way in extending the life of your flower arrangement.

Do not display flowers in direct sunlight, near heating vents or beneath air conditioning units. Excessive heat can quickly dry out blossoms, while cold drafts can shock fragile petals.

Opt instead for a cool, shaded area in which your bouquet can be admired without being subjected to extremes in temperature.

Florist Tip: If you can move your flowers to an air-conditioned room overnight, this will help with their longevity.

Do Not Store Flowers Near Fruit

You might not expect this, but keeping your flowers by a bowl of fruit can make them die sooner. They also give off ethylene gas — and fruits, like bananas and apples, do this, too — and that hastens wilting.

Fresh flowers last longer out of the hot sun and away from ripening fruit.

How to Revive Wilting Flowers

Some flowers may begin to droop even with the best care. If this does occur, try this florist-approved trick:

Trim the stems again.

Put them for an hour in warm (not hot) water.

Give them a chance to rehydrate before placing them back in their vase with fresh, cool water.

This works wonders, bringing roses and tulips back to life.

Make Your Fresh Flowers Last Longer!

With these care tips from Ilam Florist Christchurch, you can keep your flower delivery fresh as well as beautiful for 7–10 days—and sometimes longer!

Want another bouquet? Order online today and we can even deliver gorgeous blooms across Christchurch, which we can even do with same delivery!

Check out our new flower arrangements now!

FAQ: Q&A for Your Christchurch Flower Delivery

How do I send flowers to someone in NZ?

With Ilam Florist Christchurch, Sending flowers New Zealand is an effortless task. Just go to our site, pick a bouquet, pick your delivery date. If you order flowers from us in Christchurch, we are able to deliver them on the same day, ensuring freshness!

For flowers to another part of New Zealand, we offer nationwide delivery using our network of trusted florists.

Florists’ tip: Never send a bouquet without a handwritten message: It completes the gift!

What are best flowers in new zealand?

Some of New Zealand's more beautiful native flowers make an unusual, but unforgettable gift. Here are some of our favorites:

Kōwhai – The bright yellow flowers of the kōwhai are among New Zealand’s most famous.

Pōhutukawa — Sometimes called the “New Zealand Christmas tree,” known for its bright red flowers that blossom over the summer.

Harakeke (Flax Flower) A unique New Zealand native plant, has long, elegant flower spikes, a bird’s best friend!

Mānuka — The pink or white flower is the well-known provider of New Zealand’s famous Mānuka honey.

We offer custom arrangements with New Zealand flowers at Ilam Florist — simply let us know what you need!

Expertly Delivered Christchurch Fresh Flowers

A lovely bouquet is one way to brighten someone’s day, but it can also be a thoughtful gift. Whether it is a birthday, an anniversary, or you just want to make someone feel special, you can find the right flower arrangement for the right occasion online from Ilam Florist Christchurch.

Same-day delivery only

Fresh flowers arrangement delivery to your door all over Christchurch

We can make custom bouquets—just ask our florists!

You schedule orders to be sent to you at Ilam Florist Christchurch.