There’s something truly magical about a fresh bouquet of flowers—their vibrant colours, elegant fragrance, and ability to transform any room into a sanctuary of beauty. At Plaza Hollandi, we believe that floral arrangements are more than just gifts; they are expressions of love, celebration, and refined taste. But as exquisite as fresh flowers are, their natural beauty is fleeting.

Fortunately, with expert care and attention, you can significantly extend the life of your arrangements. Whether you’ve received a luxurious bouquet from Plaza Hollandi or selected your own blooms from one of our 10 retail shops across Qatar, this guide will help you preserve their splendour for as long as possible.

1. Start with Premium Quality Flowers

The foundation for longevity lies in the quality of the flowers themselves. At Plaza Hollandi, every flower is hand-selected at its peak to ensure optimal freshness and beauty. We source blooms directly from Dutch growers—renowned for their world-class floriculture—ensuring each petal exudes excellence.

Tip: Always buy from reputable florists like Plaza Hollandi, where quality and freshness are non-negotiable.

2. Prepare Your Vase Like a Pro

Your flowers deserve more than just a quick rinse of an old vase. A clean, high-quality vase is essential for preventing bacterial growth, which is one of the main culprits behind wilting flowers.

Steps to Prep Your Vase:

• Wash thoroughly with hot soapy water.
  
• Rinse well and dry.
  
• Fill with fresh, room-temperature water (distilled if possible).
  
• Add floral preservative—available at all Plaza Hollandi retail stores or included with many of our arrangements.
  

Luxury Tip: Consider one of Plaza Hollandi’s crystal or artisanal glass vases to enhance both the aesthetic and the hygiene of your arrangement.

3. Trim the Stems—Properly

Flowers are thirsty after their journey from greenhouse to vase. Trimming the stems allows them to drink more efficiently and stay hydrated.

The Right Way:

• Use sharp scissors or floral shears (avoid kitchen scissors).
  
• Cut stems at a 45-degree angle to increase surface area.
  
• Remove 1-2 cm from the bottom under running water or submerged in water (to avoid air bubbles).
  
• Repeat every 2-3 days.
  

Did You Know? Plaza Hollandi florists pre-condition all stems professionally, but further trimming at home helps prolong freshness.

4. Remove Foliage Below the Waterline

Any leaves submerged in water will quickly rot, creating bacteria that shortens the lifespan of your blooms.

• Carefully remove all leaves that fall below the waterline.
  
• For thick stems like hydrangeas or peonies, check again after 1-2 days—foliage may droop into the water.
  

Elegant Tip: For a cleaner look, ask Plaza Hollandi to prepare your bouquet with foliage-free lower stems.

5. Refresh Water Daily

Water is life. Change it daily or at least every other day to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria.

• Wash the vase between changes if possible.
  
• Add a fresh dose of flower food or preservative each time.
  

Signature Touch: Our same-day delivery service ensures you receive your bouquet at its freshest. Start daily care immediately to keep that just-delivered look.

6. Keep Flowers Cool and Out of Direct Sunlight

Heat and sunlight may be great for outdoor blooms, but they accelerate wilting for cut flowers.

Ideal Conditions:

• Place arrangements in a cool, shaded room.
  
• Avoid direct sun, heat sources (like radiators), and electronics.
  
• Never place flowers near fresh fruit—fruit releases ethylene gas, which speeds up wilting.
  

Home Styling Tip: Plaza Hollandi’s home décor specialists can help you choose floral placements that are both stylish and temperature-appropriate.

7. Choose the Right Companions

Some flowers naturally last longer than others. Mixing hardy blooms with delicate varieties may reduce the overall life of the bouquet.

Long-Lasting Flowers:

• Orchids
  
• Alstroemeria
  
• Chrysanthemums
  
• Carnations
  
• Calla lilies
  

Bespoke Option: Request a custom arrangement from Plaza Hollandi with your preferred long-lasting blooms for ongoing elegance.

8. Rehydrate and Revive Drooping Flowers

Even with the best care, some flowers might wilt prematurely. Don’t toss them just yet!

Reviving Tricks:

• Trim stems and place in warm water for 30 minutes.
  
• For roses: Submerge entire flowers in cool water for an hour.
  
• Mist petals lightly to restore hydration.
  

Plaza Hollandi Pro Tip: If you notice early signs of wilting, act fast—revival is most effective within the first 24 hours.

9. Use Professional Tools and Products

As a luxury florist, Plaza Hollandi offers premium floral maintenance products that outperform DIY solutions.

What We Recommend:

• High-quality floral food sachets
  
• Professional-grade stem trimmers
  
• Anti-bacterial vase cleaners
  
• Hydration sprays
  

Pro Insight: Our flower subscription clients receive exclusive maintenance kits to keep their weekly blooms looking impeccable.

10. Repurpose and Reimagine Your Arrangement

Even as certain flowers begin to fade, you can creatively refresh your bouquet:

• Remove wilted stems and rearrange the rest in a smaller vase.
  
• Combine surviving flowers with fresh greenery or candles from our home décor collection.
  
• Create a mini bouquet for your bedside or vanity.
  

Aesthetic Inspiration: Plaza Hollandi’s Garden Centre and in-store displays offer seasonal styling ideas for reinventing your arrangements.

11. Consider a Flower Subscription

For those who adore having fresh flowers year-round, our floral subscription service is the ultimate luxury. We deliver handpicked blooms to your home or office on a schedule that suits your lifestyle—always fresh, always stunning.

Benefits Include:

• Priority access to seasonal and exotic varieties
  
• Complimentary flower food and care instructions
  
• Personalised designs tailored to your space
  
• Expert care tips from our florists
  

12. When in Doubt, Ask the Experts

We know that maintaining flowers isn’t second nature for everyone. That’s why our team at Plaza Hollandi is always ready to help. Whether you’re styling a bouquet for a majlis, planning a wedding centerpiece, or simply refreshing your coffee table, our floral experts can guide you with personalised care advice.

Contact us via WhatsApp or visit any of our Doha branches for an in-person consultation.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your flower arrangements fresh isn’t just about maintenance—it’s about enhancing your lifestyle. With a little daily care and the right guidance, your luxurious bouquet can grace your space with beauty, tranquillity, and elegance for days longer than expected.

At Plaza Hollandi, we are more than just florists. We are custodians of floral artistry—dedicated to helping you celebrate life’s special moments with timeless beauty.

Ready to experience the art of long-lasting floral luxury? Explore our bespoke bouquets, elegant vases, and subscription services today at www.plazahollandi.com.