Flowers are widely appreciated in almost every culture. Flowers are often gifted on special occasions, used to decorate for celebrations, or simply used as a gesture of thoughtfulness. Sometimes bouquets are sent as a way to communicate emotions, such as red roses for a wedding anniversary or white lilies and chrysanthemums as a sympathy arrangement. When we give flowers, we want the recipient to enjoy them for as long as possible.

Read on for some helpful tips on ordering a bouquet that will stay fresh for days:

1. Choose long-lasting blooms
Cut flowers have varying lifetimes, depending on the type of bloom. When picking flowers, ask the florist which varieties tend to last longest in an arrangement. Some of the blooms that tend to last include zinnias, carnations, lilies, chrysanthemums, and orchids.

2. Use a floral preservative
Floral preservatives are always added to the water to prolong the lifespan of flowers. Some preservatives like biocide protect flowers from being infected by bacteria or fungi. Other preservatives such as sucrose act as nourishing carbohydrates for flowers. Adding these preservatives to the water of your arrangement can double the lifespan of flowers.

3. Remove excess foliage
One way to ensure flowers stay healthy is by stripping some of the leaves, especially from the base of the stems. If leaves are sitting in the water of your vase, they are more likely to rot, causing your bouquet to wilt more quickly.

4. Change the water often
Frequently changing the water for your bouquet helps to prevent any bacteria from growing there. It also ensures that water levels don’t get too low, drying out your flowers.  In addition, make sure to quickly remove any dead or wilting flowers so they don’t contaminate the water.

5. Consider lighting
Some cut flowers such as tulips and sunflowers bend towards the light because of a process called phototropism. To keep your flowers from leaning toward the sun and causing an unbalanced arrangement, keep your bouquet in indirect sunlight.

6. Avoid smoking near flower arrangements
Smoking near flowers can affect their growth and kill them. Smoke particles are a form of pollution that covers the leaf surface, reducing the rate of photosynthesis. For this reason, keep your bouquet away from sources of smoke.

7. Flower delivery
If you are looking to purchase flowers, it is better to choose fresh ones instead of ordering them for delivery. When you get your flowers home, cut the stems at a sharp angle and immediately place them in water.

Cut flowers are delicate, but with a little care they can last much longer than usual. By following these tips you should enjoy your arrangement for days and days!