Flower Care for Delivered Bouquets in Melbourne
Our flowers are designed to open beautifully in your home, but they do need a few small steps to settle in after delivery.
Every bouquet delivered across Melbourne is carefully prepared for travel. The first 24 hours in your home are what determine how long your flowers will truly last.
We have delivered thousands of bouquets throughout Melbourne, and we see the same thing again and again — fresh water and a clean vase make more difference than anything else.
If you are short on time, follow the six steps below. They are simple, calm, and effective.
Your Six Step Care Routine
1. Keep the green cord tied around the stems
Your bouquet has been balanced for shape and proportion in our Southbank studio. Leaving the cord in place helps the flowers sit as intended and prevents stems from splaying as they drink.
If you would like to restyle the bouquet in your own vase, you can, but we recommend keeping the stems supported so the overall structure remains intact.
2. Trim 2 to 3 cm from the base of each stem
Use clean scissors or secateurs and cut on a slight angle. This removes any sealed stem tissue from transit and improves water uptake.
If you would like to extend vase life further, re-trim every two days.
3. Remove foliage below the waterline
Any leaves sitting in water will cloud it quickly. Clean stems keep water clear, and clear water keeps flowers drinking properly.
4. Place flowers in fresh, cool water
Use a clean vase and fill it with cool tap water. Place the bouquet in water as soon as possible after unwrapping.
If flower food is included, add it as directed.
5. Change the water daily and keep the vase topped up
Flowers drink more than most people expect, especially in warmer Melbourne weather. Keep the vase topped up and replace the water daily where possible.
In our studio, the bouquets that last longest are always the ones with consistently fresh water.
6. Keep flowers away from heat and direct sunlight
Avoid heaters, fireplaces, air conditioning vents, and strong afternoon sun. A cooler, steady spot helps flowers open slowly and last longer.
Melbourne weather can change quickly. If the room feels warm to you, your flowers will feel it too.
A Note on Roses and Guard Petals
If your bouquet includes roses, you may notice the outermost petals appear slightly darker, firmer, or slightly marked. These are called guard petals.
We intentionally leave guard petals in place during delivery across Melbourne to protect the delicate inner bloom while your flowers travel.
Once your roses are settled in fresh water, you may gently remove these outer petals if you prefer a softer, fully open look.
How to Remove Rose Guard Petals – Kate Hill Flowers
It takes less than a minute and can instantly refine the look of your bouquet.
A Gentle Note on Seasonal Variation
We design with seasonal flowers because they are naturally at their best right now. That means you may notice flowers opening at different speeds across the bouquet.
This is completely normal, and it is part of what makes seasonal arrangements feel alive and considered.
If you are ever unsure, please contact us. We are always happy to guide you.
If Something Looks Unexpected
If water looks cloudy
Empty the vase, wash it thoroughly, re-cut the stems, and refill with fresh water.
If flowers feel droopy on arrival
They are usually thirsty from travel. Re-trim the stems, place them in fresh cool water, and leave them undisturbed for a few hours. Most blooms recover quickly once properly hydrated.
If a single stem fades
Remove it so the rest of the bouquet stays strong.
For a deeper, step-by-step beginner guide explaining the reasoning behind each technique, see Flower Care 101: The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Long-Lasting Blooms
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my delivered bouquet last?
Most seasonal bouquets last between five and ten days, depending on flower variety and your home environment.
Should I re-cut stems after a few days?
Yes. Re-trimming every two days improves water uptake and extends vase life.
Can I transfer my bouquet into a different vase?
Yes, but keep the stems supported so the shape and balance remain intact.
We Are Here to Help
If you have any questions about your delivered bouquet, please contact our Southbank studio. We will always do our best to help you enjoy your flowers fully. Contact our studio