Amoré / 18

Caring for your Amoré / 18

This mix asks for a clean vase and generous water, mostly because the roses and hydrangea are heavy drinkers that wilt quickly if the level runs low. Give the hydrangea a deep drink and a fresh angled cut, since it takes up water through its woody stem and even through its petals, so a light mist on a warm day helps it stay full. Trim the rose and gerbera stems on a sharp diagonal and strip any leaves below the waterline, as the gerbera's slender stem is prone to bending and softer foliage clouds the water fast. The anthurium, carnations, and alstroemeria are far more forgiving and simply appreciate cool water away from direct sun and ripening fruit. Refresh the water every couple of days and the firmer blooms will carry the arrangement well after the most delicate ones have had their moment.

A note on your specific blooms

• Alstroemeria — Strip any lower leaves below the waterline, as its foliage wilts well before the blooms and clouds the water.
• Anthurium — Anthurium prefers warmth — keep it away from the cold and wipe the leaf gently.
• Carnation — Cut stems cleanly between the swollen leaf joints rather than through them, as carnations draw water best when the node itself is left intact.
• Chrysanthemum — Chrysanthemum is sensitive to murky water — strip the lower leaves and refresh it often.
• Gerbera — Gerbera has fragile stems — use shallow, clean water and support the heads.
• Hydrangea — Hydrangea takes up water through its petals — mist the heads and keep the vase topped up.
• Rose — Roses drink heavily — re-cut the stems at an angle every couple of days.