IF YOU RECEIVE FRESH CUT FLOWERS IN A VASE OR ARRANGEMENTS FROM A FLORIST:

• Be sure that the flowers do not run out of preservative solution in their vase.  Check daily and add preservative solution (which should be supplied by the florist) to keep the vase full.  Any floral foam used must be kept submerged by adding preservative solution.  To make preservative solution, mix the contents of a flower preservative packet with tap water or distilled water, according to the directions on the package.  Avoid using water from a home or commercial water softener.

IF YOU RECEIVE FRESH CUT FLOWERS IN A BOX OR WRAPPED, OUT OF WATER:

• Prepare a clean vase full of flower preservative solution, mixed accurately according to the directions on the package.  Mix with tap or distilled water, but avoid using water from a home or commercial water softener.  If you are using floral form in your vase, before placing the foam in the vase, saturate it in the preservative solution by allowing it to sink of its own weight in a container of the solution.  When placing the foam in the vase, be sure it is fully submerged in the preservative solution.
  
  
• Remove any foliage that will be under water after the flowers are arranged.
  
  
• While holding the stems under water in a sink or under running water, cut about an inch off each stem with a sharp knife or shear.  Immediately place the flower in the vase of preservative solution.
  

• After arranging, if possible, place the arrangement in a cool, dark room or a refrigerator for 2-3 hours (but do not allow them to freeze).
  
  
• When selecting a place to display your fresh cut flowers, choose a cool spot that is out of the sun and out of any drafts, and away from any heat sources.
  
  
• As with flowers received in a vase, check the container daily and add preservative solution as needed to keep the vase full and any floral foam submerged.

IF A ROSE SHOULD WILT PREMATURELY:

Premature wilting (within a day or two of receiving or arranging) may indicate that there is air trapped in the stem that is preventing preservative solution from moving up to the flower.  Also, there may be a cut or scrape in the bark above the water level.

To revive the rose, re-cut the stem an inch or so from the bottom or above any damaged area of the stem, and then submerge the entire rose in a basin or shallow pan of warm water (about 100^oF).  Be sure the stem is straightened out, and that the end of the stem stays submerged.  It will usually revive within an hour or so, and can be replaced in the arrangement.

This information is provided courtesy of the International Cut Flower Growers Association, Haslett, MI, USA.