5 Tips for Keeping Your Cut Peonies Looking Fresh for as Long as Possible

Peonies are prized for their romantic blooms and sweet fragrance, making them a favorite for floral arrangements. However, once cut, peonies can be delicate and quick to fade without the right care. If you want to enjoy your cut peonies for as long as possible, it’s important to take a few simple steps to keep them looking vibrant and beautiful. At House Flowers, our local flower shop will be stocked with lush peonies during peak season. Here are five tips to help extend the life of your cut peonies.

Cut Peonies at the Right Stage
The stage at which you cut peonies plays a big role in how long they will last indoors. The best time to cut them is when the buds are soft and marshmallow-like but not yet fully open. Buds that are still too tight may never open properly, while fully opened blooms will fade more quickly. Cutting peonies at the right time ensures they continue to open naturally and gives you the longest possible enjoyment.

Use Clean, Sharp Tools
When harvesting peonies, always use a clean, sharp pair of garden shears or scissors. A clean cut allows the stems to absorb water efficiently and reduces the risk of bacterial infection, which can cause flowers to wilt prematurely. Dirty or dull tools can crush the stem, making it harder for the peonies to stay hydrated. Cleaning your tools before and after cutting also helps keep your arrangements healthier.

Place Them in Cool, Fresh Water Immediately
Once you cut your peonies, place them in cool, fresh water as quickly as possible. If you are not able to arrange them right away, even setting them in a temporary container of water can help. Peonies are sensitive to dehydration, and even a short time without water can shorten their lifespan. Refreshing the water daily and keeping it clean will also help your blooms stay fresh longer.

Trim the Stems Every Few Days
Just like with other fresh flowers, trimming the stems of your cut peonies every two to three days can make a big difference. Cut about half an inch to an inch off the bottom of each stem at a sharp angle. This helps the flowers absorb water more easily and keeps the stems from sealing off. Always use clean tools when trimming to prevent introducing bacteria into the stems.

Keep Them Cool and Out of Direct Sunlight
Peonies prefer cool conditions and can wilt quickly if they get too warm. Place your vase in a cool spot away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or appliances that produce heat. Warm temperatures can cause the blooms to open too fast and fade sooner. By keeping your peonies cool and shaded, you can extend the beauty of your arrangement for several more days.

Locally-Grown Flower Arrangements in Shelton, WA

For fresh flowers in Shelton, WA and the surrounding area, visit House Flowers at 211 W. Cota St. Our nearby florist shop is stocked with locally-grown flowers. We also specialize in wedding and event florist services in Shelton and Olympia, WA. To make an inquiry, give us a call at (360) 358-2461 or fill out our online contact form!

How to Keep Your Cut Tulips Looking Beautiful

Tulips are a timeless favorite, loved for their elegant shape and vibrant colors. When cut and placed in a vase, tulips can bring the beauty of spring right into your home. However, they are known for their sensitivity and can fade quickly without the proper care. Fortunately, with a few easy steps, you can help keep your cut tulips looking beautiful. At House Flowers, our local florists are happy to answer any of your questions about how to help your bouquets maintain their freshness for as long as possible. Here are five tips for getting the most from your tulip arrangements.

Choose Fresh Tulips
When selecting tulips for your vase, choose ones that are still closed or only slightly open. Tulips continue to grow and bloom even after being cut, so starting with younger flowers ensures you will enjoy the full life cycle indoors. Look for stems that feel firm and petals that show rich, vibrant color without any signs of wilting.

Support Their Growth with a Tall Vase
Tulips are unique among cut flowers because they continue to grow even after they have been placed in a vase. A tall vase provides extra support as the stems lengthen, preventing them from drooping too much. Make sure the vase is tall enough to hold the tulips upright while still allowing the blooms to open naturally. The right vase can help maintain the graceful look of your arrangement. If things are getting too wild, just pull the stems out and trim them back down!

Trim the Stems Properly
Before placing tulips in a vase, always give the stems a fresh trim. Cut about half an inch to an inch off the bottom at a slight angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stems from sitting flat on the bottom of the vase, which can block water uptake. It’s best to use a sharp, clean knife or pair of scissors to avoid crushing the stems.

Use Cold Water and Change It Regularly
Tulips thrive best in cold water. Fill the vase with fresh, cold water before arranging your tulips. To keep them looking their best, change the water every day or at least every other day. Each time you change the water, rinse the stems and give them another slight trim. Clean, cold water helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps the tulips standing tall and fresh.

Keep Them Away from Heat and Fruit
Tulips are sensitive to heat, so keep your vase in a cool spot away from direct sunlight, heaters, or appliances that generate warmth. Also, avoid placing tulips near ripening fruit, as fruit releases ethylene gas that can cause flowers to age more quickly. A cool, shaded location will help preserve the tulips' freshness and allow you to enjoy their beauty for several extra days.

Locally-Grown Flower Arrangements in Shelton, WA

For fresh flowers in Shelton, WA and the surrounding area, visit House Flowers at 211 W. Cota St. Our nearby florist shop is stocked with locally-grown flowers. We also specialize in wedding and event florist services in Shelton and Olympia, WA. To make an inquiry, give us a call at (360) 358-2461 or fill out our online contact form!