Salver 06

Caring for your Salver 06

Keep this bouquet in a cool spot away from direct sun, draughts, and ripening fruit, as the ranunculus and hellebore are the most sensitive to heat and will tire quickly if left warm. The roses are thirsty and the craspedia stems are fine and woody, so top up the water generously and recut all stems at an angle every couple of days to keep them drinking freely. Strip any foliage that would otherwise sit below the waterline, since the soft hellebore and chrysanthemum stems cloud the water fastest once submerged. Handle the ranunculus gently when arranging, as their hollow stems bruise easily, and the whole mix will reward you with a longer, cleaner display.

A note on your specific blooms

• Chrysanthemum — Chrysanthemum is sensitive to murky water — strip the lower leaves and refresh it often.
• Craspedia — Give each stem a fresh diagonal cut and stand it in clean water; the bare stems need little else, and the golden heads hold for weeks.
• Hellebore — Cut hellebores last far longer when picked at the riper seed-pod stage, so choose stems with developing centres and recut them under water.
• Ranunculus — Cut the hollow stems straight across, not at an angle, and keep water shallow and fresh, as these stems sit soft and bruise or rot easily when submerged too deep.
• Rose — Roses drink heavily — re-cut the stems at an angle every couple of days.