Business & Tech
Valentine's Day Gift Guide: Choosing Flowers That Last
Giving flowers Feb. 14? With value in mind, we sniff out which last the longest, and where you can buy your sweetheart's bouquet in Clinton Township.
A Valentine’s bouquet of fresh flowers is typically so beautiful you wish they’d last forever. Obviously, cut flowers do have an expiration date, but by choosing specific varieties and performing various maintenance procedures, your bouquets can be your “best buds” for a good while.
Carnations, alstroemeria and roses top the list of longest-lasting cut flowers, English Gardens' representative Jocie Rogers told Patch in a previous interview.
“Carnations can last up to 15 days in a vase,” explained Rogers. “They come in an array of colors; white, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, striped and so on.” They also are two sizes: standard and miniature.
Find out what's happening in Clinton Townshipfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Consumers should look for carnations that are in tight bud form,” Rogers added. Alstroemeria, a delicate-looking flower, “can live up to 14 days in a vase of water and comes in a wide range of colors, plus they all have a striping effect that can be either very subtle or very distinct depending on the color.” Rogers recommended looking for blooms that are semi-closed and have crisp, fresh, green leaves.
As for roses – one of the most romantic flowers – expect them to last from seven to 10 days. “The rose is a traditional symbol of love and is most popular at Valentine’s Day,” said Rogers, who added that rose enthusiasts should look for blooms that have not opened fully and lush green leaves.
Find out what's happening in Clinton Townshipfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Maintenance Tips
To boost your flowers' “vaselife," cut flower stems with pruners or a knife and keep flowers away from extreme heat or cold, Rogers said.
Change the water at least every other day and recut the stems on an angle, added Bill Hamilton, an event planner and owner of Bill Hamilton Designs of Royal Oak.
Clinton Township Florists
- Andrea's FlowerHouse, 38454 Hayes Rd.
- All Occasion Florist and Gifts, 34125 Harper Ave.
- Clinton Flowers & Gifts, 33147 S. Gratiot Ave.
- English Gardens, 44850 Garfield
- George's Flower Shoppe, 15961 15 Mile
- Stragier's Sunbright Flowers, 43899 N. Gratiot Ave.
- Van Maele Florist & Greenhouse, 16921 Clinton River
