Care Instructions

At Avondale Flowers, every bouquet we create is designed to bring a little magic to your home, by our careful conditioning of each stem, that magic can last even longer.

Whether you're admiring the classic beauty of roses, the vibrant cheer of sunflowers, or the delicate charm of peonies, each flower has its own unique needs to thrive.

Should you purchase individual stems or a bouquet of seasonal blooms the following guide will help you make the most of your flowers. We share tips tailored to the blooms we send out daily, from how to keep hydrangeas lush and hydrated to getting the fullest blooms from your lilies or tulips. You’ll even learn a few insider tricks - like why trimming stems at an angle really matters and how misting petals can work wonders.

Caring for your flowers is part of the experience, turning a beautiful bouquet into an enduring delight is what Avondale Flowers provides to its customers. Let’s make sure your blooms stay as stunning as the day they arrived. After all, every petal tells a story - and with just a little effort, yours will last even longer.

Quick care tips on how to prolong the life of your flowers here.

This section will be updated with care instructions for various flower species. More species will be added over time, so please check back for the latest information and tips.

Alstroemeria

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
Alstroemeria, also known as Peruvian Lily, is admired for its long-lasting blooms and vibrant colors. It symbolizes friendship and devotion, making it a popular choice for bouquets.
Trim the stems at an angle
Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to allow maximum water uptake. Use sharp scissors or garden shears to prevent crushing the stems.
Remove any lower foliage
Strip away leaves that will sit below the waterline to avoid bacterial growth. This helps keep the water clean and prolongs the flower's life.
Use lukewarm water with flower food
Dissolve the flower food provided with your bouquet in lukewarm water before placing your alstroemeria in the vase. Lukewarm water encourages better hydration.
Position in a cool spot
Alstroemeria prefers indirect light and cooler conditions. Avoid placing the vase in direct sunlight, near drafts, or close to heat sources.
Refresh the water every 2–3 days
Change the water and re-trim the stems every few days to keep the flowers fresh and hydrated.

Carnations

7–14 days in a vase when cared for properly.
Mildly toxic to cats and dogs; can cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested.
Carnations are timeless and versatile flowers, often symbolizing love and admiration. They are also known for their frilly petals and sweet fragrance.
Trim the stems and hydrate immediately
Cut the stems diagonally using sharp scissors and place them in water immediately to prevent air bubbles from blocking water uptake.
Remove lower leaves
Carnations have abundant foliage, so remove any leaves below the waterline to keep the vase water clean and fresh.
Keep in clean, room-temperature water
Use a clean vase filled with room-temperature water and add flower food if available. Carnations thrive in fresh, clean water.
Avoid direct sunlight and heat
Place carnations in a cool area with indirect light. Avoid spots near windows with harsh sunlight or heating vents.
Replenish water regularly
Check the water level daily and top up as needed. Replace the water completely and re-trim the stems every 2–3 days.

Freesia

5-10 days in a vase when cared for properly.
Generally considered non-toxic to pets.
Freesias are delicate, fragrant flowers that symbolize innocence and friendship. Their vibrant colors and elegant shape make them a stunning addition to any arrangement.
Cut the stems at an angle
Use sharp scissors to trim the stems at an angle. This allows the flowers to take in more water and last longer.
Remove excess foliage
Clear away any leaves that may sit below the waterline to prevent bacteria from developing in the water.
Use fresh, lukewarm water
Freesias respond well to lukewarm water mixed with flower food. Ensure the vase is clean before filling it with water.
Keep in a cool, bright area
Freesias thrive in cool environments with bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them near heat sources or in overly warm rooms.
Change water every 2–3 days
Replace the water and re-trim the stems regularly to keep freesias fresh and blooming beautifully.

Christmas Wreaths

The estimated lifespan of a fresh Christmas wreath depends on the type of greenery used, environmental conditions, and how well it is cared for.
Indoors: A fresh Christmas wreath typically lasts 2–3 weeks if displayed in a cool, dry place.
Outdoors: When hung in a cool, shaded outdoor location, a fresh wreath can last up to 4–6 weeks, as the cooler temperatures help preserve the greenery.
Pine, Fir, Spruce, or Cedar: These are commonly used in wreaths and are generally non-toxic to pets. However, ingestion of large amounts can cause mild stomach upset or irritation due to the oils they contain.
Holly: Holly berries and leaves are toxic to both cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Mistletoe: Highly toxic to pets. Even small amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, and in severe cases, heart issues or neurological symptoms.
Eucalyptus: toxic to cats and dogs, causing drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Choose the right location
Place your wreath in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight, we suggest on your door. Exposure to direct sunlight or heat will dry out the foliage more quickly.
If you’re hanging the wreath indoors, avoid placing it near heating vents, radiators, or fireplaces.
Keep away from heat sources
Avoid placing candles, lights, or other heat sources near your wreath unless the lights are LED and emit little to no heat. Overheating can dry out the foliage and pose a fire risk.

Hyacinths

5-7 days in a vase when cared for properly.
Toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
Hyacinths are beloved for their sweet fragrance and vibrant colors. They represent playfulness and joy, adding cheer to any arrangement.
Trim the stems and hydrate immediately
Cut stems at an angle and place them in water as soon as possible to prevent dehydration.
Remove foliage and handle bulbs carefully
Hyacinths often come with bulbs attached. While these can be decorative, be careful handling them as they can irritate the skin. Remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline.
Use a tall vase with fresh water
Hyacinths grow tall and need support, so a tall vase is ideal. Fill it with fresh, cool water and add flower food.
Position away from heat and sunlight
Keep hyacinths in a cool, shaded area. They don’t like direct sunlight or hot environments.
Mist petals occasionally
Hyacinths appreciate occasional misting to keep their petals hydrated and looking fresh.

Hydrangea

5-10 days in a vase when cared for properly.
Toxic to pets; ingestion can cause vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea.
Hydrangeas are lush, voluminous flowers that symbolize gratitude and heartfelt emotion. Their blooms come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, and white, often depending on soil pH when grown in the garden.
Trim the stems at an angle
Use sharp scissors to cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. This maximizes water absorption, which is crucial for hydrangeas as they are extremely thirsty flowers.
Place in water immediately
Hydrangeas need to be hydrated immediately after cutting. Fill a wide vase with fresh, cool water and immerse the stems straight away to prevent wilting.
Mist the petals daily
Hydrangeas absorb water through their petals as well as their stems. Gently mist the blooms daily to keep them hydrated and fresh.
Keep in a cool, shaded area
Avoid direct sunlight, drafts, or heat sources. Hydrangeas thrive in a cool environment and should be placed in an area with indirect light.
Replace water daily
These flowers are prone to bacterial buildup, so change the water daily and re-trim the stems every couple of days to maintain freshness.

Lilies

7–14 days in a vase when cared for properly.
Extremely toxic to cats (can cause kidney failure), mildly toxic to dogs.
Lilies are majestic flowers that symbolize purity, commitment, and renewal. Their strong fragrance and elegant shape make them a favorite for both classic and modern arrangements.
Trim stems and remove lower leaves
Cut stems diagonally and strip away any leaves that would sit below the waterline to keep the water clean and prolong bloom life.
Remove pollen carefully
To prevent staining and extend the life of the flowers, remove the pollen from the stamens. Use a tissue to gently pull off the pollen before it falls.
Choose a deep vase
Lilies are tall flowers and require a deep vase to support their long stems. Fill the vase with lukewarm water and add flower food for best results.
Keep in a cool, bright location
Lilies prefer indirect light and cooler conditions. Avoid placing them near drafts, heating vents, or direct sunlight.
Change water every 2–3 days
Replace the water regularly and re-trim the stems to prevent bacteria from building up. Lilies should bloom beautifully over the course of 1–2 weeks.

Peonies

5–7 days in a vase when cared for properly.
Mildly toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Peonies are adored for their large, fluffy blooms and subtle fragrance. They are often associated with romance, prosperity, and good fortune, making them a favorite for weddings.
Trim stems and hydrate immediately
Cut the stems at an angle to improve water uptake. Use sharp scissors to avoid crushing the stems, and place them in water immediately after cutting.
Use a clean vase with fresh, lukewarm water
Fill a clean vase with lukewarm water and add flower food. Peonies benefit from lukewarm water to encourage the blooms to open fully.
Position in a cool, shaded area
Keep peonies away from direct sunlight and drafts. They prefer cooler temperatures to extend their vase life.
Remove faded petals as needed
As peonies bloom, some outer petals may wilt or discolor. Gently remove these petals to keep the arrangement looking fresh.
Refresh water every 2–3 days
Replace the water and re-trim the stems to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Roses

7–10 days in a vase when cared for properly.
on-toxic to pets, but thorns can cause injuries.
Roses are timeless classics, symbolizing a range of emotions from love to gratitude. With proper care, their elegant blooms can last for over a week.
Cut stems at an angle and remove lower leaves
Trim the stems diagonally to maximize water intake and remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline. This prevents bacteria from developing in the vase.
Remove guard petals
The outermost petals, known as guard petals, may appear bruised or discolored. Gently remove these to reveal the fresher petals underneath.
Use a tall vase with deep water
Roses hydrate best in lukewarm water that is filled deep in the vase. Use flower food to keep them nourished.
Give stems room to breathe
Avoid overcrowding the vase. Allow enough space between each stem for air circulation, which helps prevent mold and ensures the blooms open fully.
Change water regularly
Replace the water every 2–3 days and re-trim the stems each time. This keeps roses hydrated and extends their lifespan.

Sunflowers

6–12 days in a vase when cared for properly.
Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Sunflowers are cheerful blooms that symbolize loyalty and longevity. Their bright yellow petals and sturdy stems make them a popular choice for casual and rustic arrangements.
Trim stems and hydrate immediately
Use a sharp knife or scissors to trim the stems at an angle. Immediately place them in water to prevent dehydration.
Remove any lower leaves
Strip away any foliage that will sit below the waterline to keep the water clean and free of bacteria.
Choose a sturdy vase with fresh water
Sunflowers have heavy heads and require a sturdy vase to support their weight. Fill the vase with cool water and add flower food to keep them fresh.
Place in a sunny spot
True to their name, sunflowers enjoy bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as this can cause wilting.
Refresh water every 2–3 days
Replace the water and re-trim the stems regularly to ensure they stay hydrated and vibrant.

Tulips

5–10 days in a vase when cared for properly.
Toxic to pets; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.
Tulips are simple yet elegant flowers that symbolize perfect love and rebirth. They continue to grow after being cut, adding a dynamic element to your arrangement.
Trim stems at an angle
Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the stems diagonally. Trim them under running water to prevent air from entering the stems.
Place in cool, fresh water
Fill a vase with cool water, as tulips prefer cooler temperatures. Avoid using lukewarm or hot water, as this can shorten their lifespan.
Support their upright growth
Tulips continue to grow after being placed in water. Arrange them loosely in the vase to allow for natural movement and growth.
Keep in a cool area away from direct light
Place tulips in a cool location, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. They thrive in cooler temperatures.
Change water daily
Replace the water every day to keep the flowers fresh and prevent bacterial growth. Re-trim the stems every couple of days for maximum hydration.