10 Pro Tips for Buying Flowers and Keeping Them Fresh Longer

Local florists share all the dirt on choosing and caring for long-lasting local flowers.

By Alyssa Hirose / February 14, 2025

We all remember the earth-shattering moment we were told that the pretty yellow dandelions dotting the soccer field were actually weeds and most likely covered in dog pee—the fact is, not all flowers are created equal. And with bouquet-giving occasions growing closer, now is the time to school yourself on sustainable, stunning floral arrangements. Here’s what Vancouver experts have to say.

1. In-Season Is Supreme

Kamila Alikhani of Bloomier, Genevieve Blondin of Garden Party and Rosemin Jutha of Queen Bee Flower Shop all agree that choosing seasonal flowers from local greenhouses is the best way to create a bouquet that lasts (check right for their February reccos).

2. Stick to a Narrow Colour Palette

When DIY-ing your arrangement, Alikhani recommends choosing just a few hues for a classy, elegant look. “Go monochromatic,” she suggests. “Add dimensions by going a shade darker and lighter with some blooms.”

3. Don’t Leave out the Greenery

“Greenery not only adds volume to bouquets, it also helps stabilize and separate the stems when designing,” says Blondin. Jutha adds that using greens can also be a budget-friendly hack for boosting a bouquet’s wow-factor.

4. Clear the Water

Alikhani stresses the importance of clean and clear water in a flower shop—always check the water when building your own bouquet. Once home, says Blondin, change the water every two to three days.

5. Get the Florist’s Gossip

Blondin also recommends asking your florist when their flower shipments arrive. “Order flowers for that day or the following day—this will ensure you’re getting the flowers at their freshest,” she says.

6. Expect a Life Expectancy

Seasonal or not, some species just last longer than others. Jutha’s list of flowers that age with grace includes lilies, orchids, chrysanthemums and alstroemeria.

7. Cut Stems at an Angle

All three of our experts agree that this is not a myth. “By cutting the stems at an angle, you extend the drinking surface and allow the flowers to drink up as much water as possible,” Alikhani explains.

8. Think All About That Vase

The pros say a vase’s material doesn’t matter much, but Blondin suggests choosing a vessel with a narrower neck (“It can support the stems and help keep the arrangement upright and tidy”) and Jutha recommends glass for beginners (“because it allows you to see if the water is dirty”).

9. Stay Away from Fruit

“Don’t place your bouquet near the fruit bowl,” advises Alikhani. “It may look great for a still life painting, but actually, the ethylene gas that’s naturally released as fruit ripens speeds up wilting.”

10. Match Flowers to Friends

If you’re not sure what kind of flowers to gift, take hints from your giftee’s personal style. “If they love minimalism, opt for simple, elegant flowers,” says Blondin. “If they have a bold, colourful wardrobe, bright bold blooms might be for them.”