Amoré / 15

Caring for your Amoré / 15

Keep the vase generously filled, because the roses and hydrangea in this arrangement drink heavily and will wilt quickly if the water runs low. The hydrangea in particular takes in moisture through its petals as well as its stem, so a light mist on its head revives it when it begins to droop. Re-cut the woody stems of the protea and the firmer rose stalks at an angle so they can keep drawing water, and handle the orchid and anthurium gently, as their stems bruise more easily than they appear. Stand the whole bouquet away from direct sun, ripening fruit, and air-conditioning draughts, which shorten the life of the sunflower and chrysanthemum first.

A note on your specific blooms

• Amaranthus — Recut the stems at an angle and keep the water shallow, as amaranthus drinks heavily and the lower stem softens quickly when submerged too deep.
• Anthurium — Anthurium prefers warmth — keep it away from the cold and wipe the leaf gently.
• Chrysanthemum — Chrysanthemum is sensitive to murky water — strip the lower leaves and refresh it often.
• Hydrangea — Hydrangea takes up water through its petals — mist the heads and keep the vase topped up.
• Orchid — Keep orchid stems in cool, clean water away from ripening fruit, whose ethylene gas makes the blooms drop early.
• Protea — Strip any foliage below the waterline and refresh the water every two to three days, as protea leaves foul water quickly and shorten the bloom's life.
• Rose — Roses drink heavily — re-cut the stems at an angle every couple of days.
• Sunflower — Sunflowers are heavy drinkers, so use a tall vessel with plenty of water and top it up daily to keep the stems firm.