QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: When ordering wedding flowers, how far in advance should I contact the florist?

A: Wedding flowers are one of the most important aspects of your special day. They set the mood and tone for the event and will be remembered long after. Many florists can accept only a set number of weddings on a given day, so it is important to contact your florist well in advance to begin preliminary planning. A good rule of thumb is to contact your florist at least three months in advance for most weddings. However, if it is an elaborate event, during peak wedding season, or falls on a holiday, then six months to a year is not too soon. This will allow the florist to begin looking for any props or specialty items you might need. Wedding flowers can be highly specific and colors often have to be very precise, so florists need advance notice to place flower orders and perhaps import flowers for you.

Q: What are some tips to consider when purchasing loose flowers for my own arrangements?

A: Look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age.

When using woody stems and branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place in warm water containing fresh flower food to promote flower opening.

Q: What is wrong with the water in a vase when it turns yellow and cloudy?

A: This is a natural sign that bacteria is growing in the water. However, bacteria can clog stems and shorten the vase life of the flowers, so keep the water clear at all times to ensure longevity of your blooms. If your water starts to turn cloudy, immediately empty the vase and add fresh water, preferably mixed with floral food provided by your florist. If possible, re-cut the stems and replace them in the vase of fresh water

Q: Since flowers like sunshine, should I put my arrangement in the sun when I get it?

A: No. Growing flowers like sunshine because they require it for maturation. But cut flowers will fade much faster if exposed to heat and direct sunlight. To keep flowers fresh longer, keep them in a location away from sun and drafts.

Q: Can I revive a wilted rose?

A: Sometimes. If a rose wilts prematurely, remove it from the arrangement and try this easy tip to perk it up: Fill a sink with warm water. Lay the rose horizontally in the water bath and cut the stem (about 1") under the warm water. Leave the rose in the bath for about two hours and let the water cool. This can work wonders in many instances but if the rose is already past its vase life it will not revive.

 

Rose Facts / Trivia

  • The rose is the official National Floral emblem of the United States. This legislation was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on October 7, 1986. The rose is also the state flower selected by Georgia, Iowa, New York, North Dakota and the District of Columbia.
     
  • About 60% of the roses grown in the U.S. are produced in California.
     
  • While the rose may bear no fruit, the rose hips (the part left on the plant after a rose is done blooming) contain more Vitamin C than almost any other fruit or vegetable.

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