It's Hot! Tips to Keep Fresh Cut Flowers Lasting Longer in the Heat

Summer weddings, outdoor events, and sunny days bring so much joy—but they can also be tough on fresh flowers. High temperatures speed up wilting, shorten vase life, and can leave even the most beautiful blooms looking tired sooner than you’d like. Whether you’ve picked up a bouquet for your home, received flowers as a gift, or are decorating for a summer wedding, there are simple ways to help them stay fresh and vibrant even in the heat.

Here are florist-approved tips to make your flowers last longer during the hottest days of the year.

1. Start With a Clean Vase - It may seem basic, but bacteria is the enemy of fresh flowers. Before arranging your blooms, wash your vase thoroughly with soap and warm water to remove residue. A clean environment prevents bacteria growth, which helps stems take in water more efficiently.  We clean our buckets and vases daily in order to make sure our customers get the best quality. 
   
2. Trim Stems at an Angle - Cutting stems at a 45-degree angle increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents them from resting flat at the bottom of the vase. Always trim about an inch off stems before placing them in water—and re-trim every two to three days for maximum freshness.
3. Use Fresh, Cool Water - Replace the water in your vase daily during heat waves. Warm, stagnant water encourages bacterial growth and speeds wilting. If possible, use cool water and add floral preservative (often included with store-bought bouquets) to keep blooms nourished.
4. Keep Them Out of Direct Sunlight - It’s tempting to display flowers in sunny windows, but direct sunlight quickly dehydrates petals. Instead, place arrangements in a cool, shaded area away from heat sources like appliances, fans, or air vents.
5. Mist Blooms Lightly - A quick misting of cool water helps refresh petals and adds humidity, especially if your home has air conditioning. Be gentle—too much moisture on certain blooms, like roses or peonies, can cause bruising.
6. Remove Wilting Flowers - As flowers age, they release ethylene gas, which accelerates wilting in nearby blooms. Remove any dying stems promptly to extend the life of the remaining arrangement.  Ethylene gas also affects fruit and we stopped selling fruit baskets because our flowers and fruit were hurting the quality of each other. 
7. Refrigerate Overnight (If Possible)  - Professional florists store arrangements in coolers for a reason: cold temperatures dramatically slow aging.   We've invested heavily in our cold storage capacity to keep our flowers fresh.  We have 3 separate coolers so that we always have room to keep your flowers fresh (no matter what happens!). 

At Evans Flowers, we hand-select the freshest blooms and condition them to last, even during New England’s hottest summer days. Whether you’re buying a bouquet for home or planning wedding flowers, we’ll share care tips and provide arrangements designed to thrive in warm weather.

Want flowers that stay gorgeous for days? Visit us in Peabody or shop online—we’ll help you keep your summer blooms looking fresh and beautiful.