Receiving a beautiful bouquet of flowers is one of the greatest gifts anyone can get, so, naturally, we want to do anything we can to make our fabulous blooms last as long as possible. Following flower care advice you heard while growing up, or information you found on the internet could do more harm than good to your fresh blooms. The flower experts here at Durocher Florist are setting the record straight for you. To keep your flowers fresh for as long as possible, we’re debunking some of the more common flower care myths we’ve come across. Keep reading to discover what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to caring for your precious blooms.

Common Flower Care Myths to Avoid

Myth #1Putting a Penny in the Bottom of the Vase Keeps Flowers from Wilting

Your grandmother may sware by this myth, and she certainly has a right to. Pennies made from copper have the ability to extend the vase life of your flowers due to the fact that copper is a natural fungicide. However, there are two problems with this flower-care hack. Number one is that pennies made after 1982 are not comprised of copper, rather, they are made from zinc. Number two, all pennies, especially older coins that pre-date 1982 are certainly crawling with germs and bacteria that will be extremely harmful to your blooms.

Myth #2Allergy Sufferers Can’t Enjoy Flowers

There are many flowers, like sunflowers, daisies, lilies, and asters that often make allergy sufferers experience runny noses, itchy eyes, and sneezing. However, this does not mean they are allergic to flowers in general. It does mean that they are allergic to loose pollen. Flowers that are insect-pollinated, for instance, pansies, orchids, hydrangea, roses, carnations, and peonies, will seldom flare-up allergy symptoms even in individuals who have severe allergies.

Myth #3Sugar or Lemonade Can Be Used as Flower Flood for Your Cut Stems

It is easy to believe the old wives’ tale that sugar water will extend the beauty and life of your favorite fresh-cut blooms. However, what we lack to consider is that sugar water will certainly promote the growth of germs, sticky gunk, and bacteria in a vase of flowers. In reality, sugar has little to no effect on flowers. But the fresh bacteria will surely kill these blooms quickly.

Myth #4Removing a Rose’s Guard Petals Will Make it Die Quicker

Found around the outside of a bloom, guard petals protect the flower from bruising, tears, and other physical damage. Oftentimes, guard petals are not as pristine as the others and can carefully be removed without any repercussions or damage to the beautiful rose. When prepping the flowers for an arrangement, florists will often remove the guard petals to ensure the finished product is simply perfect.

Myth #5Fresh-Cut Flowers Prefer a Sunny Location

Fresh-cut flowers require different care than flowers from a garden or a growing bloom in a pot with soil. Placing a vase of fresh-cut florals in direct sunlight is a great disservice as the warm sun will encourage their blooms to open fully and shorten their vase life. Instead, try displaying your floral arrangements and bouquets in cool, temperature-controlled rooms and out of direct sunlight.

Bonus MythBananas Kill Flowers

Surprisingly, bananas and other ripening fruit can kill flowers, making this myth not a myth at all but a fact! During the ripening process, fruits emit ethylene gas, which is extremely harmful and toxic to flowers. If your vase of blooms shares the same counter as your fruit bowl, make sure they are spaced in order to keep your arrangement healthy and thriving.

Forget all the old wives’ tales and internet myths about caring for flowers. The task is really quite simple. To keep your fresh-cut flowers healthy and vibrant for as long as possible, follow these simple steps:

1. Remove any leaves and petals which fall below the waterline.
2. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle with each change of water.
3. Change the water daily for the best results.
4. Only use the packet of flower food from the florist.
5. Keep flowers out of direct sunlight.

For more detailed information on how to care for flowers, visit our Flower Care Page.

Cut flowers that are cared for properly can last up to 10-12 days, so go ahead and brighten your home and your spirits with a beautiful arrangement of fresh blooms today.