Winter Flowers

During the colder and darker winter months, warm and bright colours like red and orange can really lift someone's spirits, especially when that colour comes in the form of a bouquet. Of course red and green are long associated with Christmas, so they're always a winner in our eyes.

It may seem like an odd time to bloom, but there are some flowers that actually prefer cooler conditions. For example, hellebores like the Christmas Rose come in to flower in winter, although with a name like that it's probably not too surprising. Hypericum in their berry form are also a winter stem that is very popular in seasonal arrangements, we love how they add a pop of colour against dark foliage. Anemones are another flower available in winter that add texture and interest to a bouquet. If planted at the right time, hyacinths and amaryllis can bloom over this period too.

To keep your flowers looking their best, they ideally need to be placed away from those cold draughts that rush in when you enter and leave your home. Avoid keeping your beautiful bouquet near sources of heat like radiators and working fireplaces, as this will dry them out causing them to wilt faster.

Make sure you top up vases with water every couple of days, and follow the instructions included with your bouquet to keep blooms looking fresh for longer.

Arrangements that are based in wool with a tray or pot may need topping up every couple of days - lift the flowers or foliage closest to the wool to see if it's still holding water. You can top up the tray and the fibres will soak it right up, just don't make it sopping wet.

Arrangements in moss or with a straw base, like wreaths, can be kept looking their best by gently misting with water. Take care to avoid spraying anything that's been dried, like orange slices and peels or pine cones.