Flowers by Post and Making Them Last

GIFTS · UNITED KINGDOM

Flowers by Post and Making Them Last

How letterbox flowers work, conditioning them, vase life and alternatives

Flowers sent by post arrive in bud and look nothing like the photograph for the first day, which is the design rather than a fault.

How they work

Stems are cut, cooled and packed flat in a box that fits through a letterbox, so nobody needs to be in. They travel dry and in bud, which is what allows them to survive the journey and then last longer.

Expect two to three days before they open fully.

Conditioning on arrival

Unpack immediately, recut each stem at an angle by two or three centimetres with a sharp knife or scissors, and put them straight into clean water with the sachet of flower food.

Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline, since those rot and cloud the water.

Vase life

Change the water every two days, recut the stems each time, and keep the vase out of direct sun, away from radiators and away from a fruit bowl, since ripening fruit releases ethylene and ages flowers quickly.

Remove any stem that has gone over, since it affects the rest.

Sending them

Check the delivery date can be chosen, whether a signature is needed, and what happens if they arrive damaged — good suppliers replace without argument.

Ask about allergies and pets before sending. Lilies are lethal to cats, including the pollen.

Alternatives

A plant lasts years rather than days. Dried and preserved flowers last months and suit someone who travels.

Choosing what to send

Ask about allergies and pets first. Scented flowers overwhelm a small room and a hospital ward may not allow them at all, so check before sending to one.

For sympathy, check what the family has asked for, since some prefer donations.

Seasonality

Seasonal British flowers cost less, travel less and last better than out-of-season imports. Ask what is good that week rather than specifying a variety.

Plants instead

A houseplant costs about the same as a bouquet and lasts years. Check the light in the room it is going to and choose something forgiving, and remember that several common houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs.

Include care instructions, since the commonest cause of death is overwatering.

Arranging them

Cut stems to different lengths so the arrangement has depth, and use a vase roughly half to two thirds the height of the flowers. A narrow neck holds stems upright without a frog or tape.

Strip lower leaves, and turn the vase as you build rather than looking at one face.

Buying locally

A florist will build something around what is good that week for the same money, and local growers supply seasonally.

Afterwards

Cut flowers compost, and the wrapping is frequently recyclable.

WHERE TO BUY

Ready to shop Bunches? Use the link below to visit the official store.

→ Shop Bunches — official site

Visit this site