Scarlett

Caring for your Scarlett

Keep Scarlett in a clean vase away from direct sun, heat and the draught of an air vent, as the peonies and delphinium in particular wilt quickly in a warm room. The roses and gerbera are heavy drinkers, so top up the water daily and watch the gerbera stems, which are prone to bending and benefit from a tall, supportive vessel. Recut the woody protea stem on a sharp angle to help it draw water, and handle the gloriosa and orchid gently, since their stems and petals bruise more easily than the rest. Strip any foliage that would otherwise sit below the waterline to keep the water clear, and lift out individual blooms as they fade so the carnations, orchids and protea can carry the arrangement through its second week.

A note on your specific blooms

• 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.
• Cosmos — Cut stems at an angle and remove lower foliage, as cosmos drinks heavily and droops fast if the water runs low.
• Delphinium — Keep the tall stems in deep, fresh water and out of draughts, as Delphinium drinks heavily and wilts quickly if the vase runs low.
• Gerbera — Gerbera has fragile stems — use shallow, clean water and support the heads.
• Gloriosa — Handle stems with care and keep them away from pets and children, as every part of the plant is toxic if ingested.
• Orchid — Keep orchid stems in cool, clean water away from ripening fruit, whose ethylene gas makes the blooms drop early.
• Peony — Cut the stems on an angle and use cool, fresh water, as warmth forces the heavy blooms open too quickly.
• 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.