14.7 C
Manchester
Saturday, August 2, 2025
FamilyBouquet basics for Dad: Flower expert shares how to make those Father’s...

Bouquet basics for Dad: Flower expert shares how to make those Father’s Day blooms last

A flower expert has revealed his top tips for dads to look after their blooms if they receive them for Father’s Day.

Colourful bouquets and plants are becoming more and more popular presents for men – with Sunday, June 15, set to see a surge of pretty petals gifted to the nation’s dads.

Whether it’s his office, workshop, garage, or kitchen, flowers add positivity that can lift his mood and make his day feel special.

They can be chosen to match his favourite colours, scents or symbolic meanings, including orchids for sophistication and sunflowers for strength.

Liam Lapping, COO at Flowercard.co.uk, said: “Traditionally, flowers are seen as gifts for women, but giving them to dads challenges outdated gender norms. Flowers express gratitude, love and admiration without needing many words. 

“Flowers pair well with chocolates, a favourite snack or tickets to a sporting event or concert. Giving flowers on Father’s Day shows you thought outside the box. It’s unexpected but can feel more personal and intentional than a generic tie or gadget.”

Here are the top tips from the experts at Flowercard.co.uk to give beautiful bouquets some staying power:

  • Remove residue from vases

No matter what size of the vase you choose, ensure it’s thoroughly clean – remove any trace of dust or grime from previous arrangements.

A clean vase helps keep the water fresh and clear, which also minimises the risk of bacterial growth.

  • Trim stems at the correct angle

When arranging cut flowers, always trim the stems at a 45-degree angle to improve water absorption and help flowers stay vibrant. This will also prevent them from resting flat at the bottom of the vase. 

For flowers with woody stems like roses, laurel, eucalyptus, and pussy willow, make an extra 5cm vertical cut at the base to improve hydration.

Re-cutting the stems every few days can further extend their freshness by making it easier for them to take in water.

  • Feed your flowers

If your blooms arrive without flower food, try adding a teaspoon of Vodka (or any clear  spirit) to the water, as it acts as an antimicrobial agent. This will slow the growth of bacteria in the water that can clog flower stems and shorten their life. 

It can also slow down ethylene production – the gas that causes flowers to age.

  • Change the water frequently

Daily care helps your bouquet last longer. Change the water every few days to prevent bacteria that cause wilting. 

Once bacteria grows in the water, it can cause the plant to die and prevent healthy blooms from forming. The best way to prevent any growth is to ensure any foliage that sits under the water is gently trimmed, and any fallen leaves removed from the vase.

In chillier months, use lukewarm water instead of cold to avoid shocking the stems and to encourage better absorption and blooming.

  • Put your flowers in the right place

To help your beautiful bouquet stay vibrant for as long as possible, it’s important to carefully consider where you display it. 

Choose a cool spot in your home that’s away from direct sunlight, heating sources like radiators or fireplaces, and, perhaps surprisingly, your fruit bowl.

While sunlight and warmth can cause flowers to wilt prematurely by speeding up the aging process, many types of fruit, especially bananas and apples, and tomatoes, release a natural gas called ethylene. 

When flowers are exposed to ethylene, it triggers a natural process that causes them to droop and lose their petals more quickly than they otherwise would.

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
Latest

LET Mining Unveils Mobile App, Adds XRP, SOL and More to Cloud Mining with Daily Returns

As cryptocurrency becomes increasingly mainstream, its role in everyday life is growing more apparent. Today, digital assets can be used to purchase property or...

43% of Gen Z Unaware of the Financial Pitfalls of BNPL Schemes

New findings from Money Wellness reveal that almost half (43%) of Gen Z users consider Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services to be a...

Rose & Walker Sees 106% Revenue Surge Thanks to Yorkshire Craftsmanship and Sustainable Values

Luxury furniture maker Rose & Walker, headquartered in Keighley, has more than doubled its revenue over the past year, recording a 106% increase from...

Council Tax Debt Crisis Deepens: The 10 Local Authorities Worst Affected

Thousands of families across the UK are grappling with mounting council tax debt, as fresh data from Money Wellness reveals the ten local authorities...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

LET Mining Unveils Mobile App, Adds XRP, SOL and More to Cloud Mining with Daily Returns

As cryptocurrency becomes increasingly mainstream, its role in everyday life is growing more apparent. Today, digital assets can be used to purchase property or...

More News

Hancocks Jewellers Celebrates 165 Years at the Heart of Manchester’s Jewellery Scene

Marking 165 years in business, Hancocks Jewellers proudly stands as Manchester’s oldest and most enduring name in fine jewellery. Since 1860, the boutique has...

How offering coffee can reduce employee turnover

Staff come and go. It’s simply a fact of life. Or is it? In many cases, staff leave for a better opportunity or because...

Final call: Don’t miss the last days of Arighi Bianchi’s Spring Sale extravaganza

If you’re upgrading your interiors or finally planning to treat yourself to that new sofa, now’s the moment. The clock is ticking on Arighi Bianchi’s...