Flower names can be confusing. Take a Lily for example, its common name is Lily, and its botanical name is Lilium, although it can sometime be called by its variety name (i.e. Stargazer) to describe the colour. It takes years to learn, so don’t be afraid of calling flowers by a wrong name, most florists should know what it is your asking for.

Some flowers, such as gerberas, bend or droop because their heads become too heavy for their stems to support. By carefully wiring them, they can stand up straight and you are able to enjoy them for longer!

Watch out for brown or dehydrated looking petals, floppy stems, and loose pollen. Always buy flowers from a reputable florist, and don’t be afraid to ask which days of the week flowers are brought in!

Unfortunately, yes. It’s important to be aware of other patients when choosing flowers to send to the hospital. Many people with allergies or asthma are irritated by heavily scented blooms, ie Freesia, Stock, or Lilies. Also, be sure the flowers you are sending are arranged in a vase since hospitals workers will not be able to provide one.

Different verities of flowers have different standards of vase life, but some can last for up to three weeks if they are properly looked after. By re-cutting stems and changing the vase water every day or two, you’ll get noticeable longevity from your cut flowers.