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The branches of flowering shrubs such as lilac and mock orange (as well as of much foliage) have woody stems that take up water with difficulty. To assist the process, remove the lower leaves from each stem and cut the end it a sharp angle. Hammer about 2.5cm (I in) of the stem end and scrape the stems a little above the crushed sections. This will help to increase the surface area for water uptake.


The branches of flowering shrubs such as lilac and mock orange (as well as of much foliage) have woody stems that take up water with difficulty. To assist the process, remove the lower leaves from each stem and cut the end it a sharp angle. Hammer about 2.5cm (I in) of the stem end and scrape the stems a little above the crushed sections. This will help to increase the surface area for water uptake.


Some flowers, such as amaryllis, lupin, delphinium, and arum lily, have large, hollow stems that can be filled with water to help them last longer in arrangements. Once the stems are filled and plugged, leave them to stand in a bucket of water to take up water in the usual way. As an alternative to plugging the stem with cotton wool, after filling with water, place your thumb over the end and upend the stem into a vase filled with water.

1. HOLD THE FLOWER upside down and fill the hollow stem with cold water. Note that the stem has been cut at an angle to create a larger surface area for water uptake,		2.SEAL THE STEM with a moist cotton-wool plug to keep the water in and still allow water uptake once the flowers have been arranged.

It is possible to improve the condition of forced tulips, whose weak stems often droop in an awkward way. Remove some of the leaves, then cut the stems at an angle with a sharp knife. Make a vertical slit in the stem to further increase the area capable of taking up water, then follow the techniques described below.

PRICK THE STEM If tulips have been out of water for some time, air may have become trapped in the stems, preventing water uptake and causing the flowers to wilt prematurely. To release trapped air, carefully prick the stem of each tulip with a fine, sterilized needle just below the flower head.

1. AFTER PREPARING THE STEMS, wrap the tulips in waxed florist's tissue, which will retain its rigidity in water. Alternatively, use brown paper or newspaper.

2. STAND THE TULIPS in cold water for several hours. To assist the straightening process and to strengthen the stems, add florist's conditioning powder to the water.