How to Keep Your Summer Blooms Fresh: 5 Tips to Keep Flowers From Wilting

Here are five great tips to help you make the most of your floral arrangements and keep your flowers looking lovely for as long as possible. 

1. Start with a clean vase 

It all starts with a clean vase. Any leftover grime or bacteria from previous arrangements can cause your new flowers to wilt faster. So before you even think about arranging your flowers, give your vase a good wash with warm, soapy water. For an extra clean vase, rinse it with a mixture of vinegar and water. This will get rid of any lingering bacteria and set the stage for your flowers to thrive. 

2. Trim the stems regularly 

Cut flowers need a little help to stay hydrated. When you first bring your flowers home, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle before placing them in water. This angled cut increases the surface area for water absorption, helping your flowers stay hydrated. Every few days, give the stems another trim to keep them fresh. It’s a simple step, but it makes a big difference. 

3. Change the water often 

Fresh water is key to keeping your flowers alive and well. Make it a habit to change the water every couple of days. Each time you do, rinse the vase and refill it with clean, room-temperature water. Adding a little floral preservative to the water can also help, but if you don’t have any, a teaspoon of sugar and a few drops of bleach will do the trick. This combo feeds your flowers and keeps bacteria at bay. 

4. Keep flowers cool 

As much as you might want to display your flowers in a sunny spot, it’s best to keep them cool. Direct sunlight and heat can cause flowers to wilt faster. Instead, place them in a cool, shaded area away from heat sources like stoves or radiators. If you can, move your flowers to a cooler spot overnight, like an air-conditioned room or even the fridge. A little chill goes a long way in extending their freshness. 

5. Remove wilting flowers quickly 

As flowers start to wilt, they release ethylene gas, which can speed up the ageing of the rest of your bouquet. To keep your arrangement looking its best, promptly remove any wilting flowers. It’s a small task, but it can really help the remaining flowers stay fresh for longer. 

Bonus tip: Choose long-lasting blooms 

If you’re looking for flowers that naturally last longer, consider adding hardy blooms to your arrangements. Hydrangeas, for example, love humidity and can thrive in the summer. Sunflowers are another great choice — they’re practically made for warmer weather. Zinnias are also a solid option since they’re both heat and drought-resistant. Although flowers like lilies and roses usually prefer cooler temperatures, there are some varieties that can still do well in the heat. These flowers are tougher and better suited to the summer heat, giving you more time to enjoy them. 

When choosing the perfect bouquet, it’s not just about appearance — longevity matters too, especially in the summer heat. That's why it's vital to pick summer blooms that not only look stunning but are also built to last.  

For flowers that can handle the season and keep your space looking lively, explore our selection at Eflorist. And if you want to hold onto those blooms even longer, we've got you covered. Check out our article on how to preserve flowers in resin, so you can enjoy their beauty for years to come.