Quality & Freshness

Quality & Freshness
Find out about flower care, freshness guarantees, flower quality, packaging, and appearance.

Bouquet Care

Why are my roses looking tired?
Don't worry, it's usually something that can be fixed right away.

As our flowers travel in a bud (closed up), they sometimes need a little time to wake up from their snooze while travelling, this is especially true for letterbox flowers. 

Our roses also have guard petals that protect them on their journey and prevent bruising - these should be removed once you get them into fresh water.

If you are still unhappy with the quality of the roses once the guard petals have been removed and after following the care instructions, please contact Customer Support within 5 days of the delivery date with photographs of your bouquet and we will be happy to look into this for you.

Care tips for roses
Caring for roses is crucial to maintain the beauty and freshness of the flowers. Here are some essential tips to help you care for your roses:

Trim the stems: Upon receiving the roses, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle with sharp, clean scissors or floral shears. This enables better water absorption.
Remove excess foliage: Remove any foliage that would be submerged in water. Leaves below the waterline can decompose and promote bacterial growth, shortening the lifespan of the bouquet.
Clean vase and water: Start with a clean vase to prevent bacterial growth. Fill the vase with lukewarm water and add flower food or a homemade solution, following the package instructions. Change the water every two days or when it becomes cloudy.
Place the bouquet in a cool spot: Display the vase in a cool area away from direct sunlight, drafts, and ripening fruits. Roses are sensitive to heat and ethylene gas produced by ripening fruits, which can cause the flowers to wilt prematurely.
Mist the blooms: Roses appreciate humidity. Mist the flowers with water using a spray bottle to increase humidity and keep the petals hydrated.
Remove wilted blooms: As some roses may wilt over time, promptly remove any faded or wilted blooms to maintain the overall appearance of the bouquet.
Avoid touching the petals: Handle the roses with care and avoid touching the petals excessively, as this can cause bruising and premature petal drop.
By following these care tips, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of your roses for an extended period, ensuring that each flower remains fresh and vibrant.

Care tips for peonies
Caring for peonies in a bouquet is essential to ensure their longevity and keep them looking fresh and beautiful. Here are some tips to help you care for peonies:

Trim the stems: Upon receiving your peonies, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle with sharp, clean scissors or floral shears. This helps with water absorption.
Remove excess foliage: Strip off any foliage that would be submerged in water. Leaves below the waterline can decompose and promote bacterial growth, shortening the lifespan of the bouquet.
Clean vase and water: Start with a clean vase to prevent the growth of bacteria. Fill the vase with lukewarm water and add flower food, following the included instructions.
Place the bouquet in a cool spot: Display the vase in a cool area away from direct sunlight, drafts, and ripening fruits. Peonies are sensitive to heat, which can cause the flowers to wilt prematurely.
Change the water regularly: Every two days, change the water completely and recut the stems. This helps maintain water freshness and allows the peonies to continue absorbing water effectively.
Mist the blooms: Peonies appreciate humidity. Mist the flowers with water using a spray bottle to increase humidity and keep the petals hydrated.
Remove wilted blooms: As some peonies may wilt over time, promptly remove any faded or wilted blooms to maintain the overall appearance of the bouquet.
By following these care tips, you can enjoy the beauty of your peonies for an extended period, ensuring that each bloom remains vibrant and fresh.

Care tips for lilies
Caring for a lily is essential to ensure the longevity and beauty of the flowers. Here are some key tips to help you care for a lily bouquet:

Trim the stems: Upon receiving the lily, trim the stems at an angle with sharp, clean scissors. This creates a fresh surface for water absorption.
Remove excess foliage: Remove any foliage that would be submerged in water. Leaves below the waterline can decay and promote bacterial growth, shortening the lifespan of the bouquet.
Clean vase and water: Start with a clean vase to prevent bacterial growth. Fill the vase with lukewarm water and add flower food or a homemade floral preservative, following the package instructions.
Keep cool: Place the bouquet in a cool area away from direct sunlight and drafts. Lilies prefer cooler temperatures and are sensitive to heat.
Change the water regularly: Every two days, change the water completely, rinsing the vase and adding fresh water with floral preservative. This helps maintain water cleanliness and prolongs the lilies' lifespan.
Avoid direct contact: Lilies have pollen that can stain clothing and furnishings. Remove the stamens from the center of each lily flower to prevent pollen from staining the petals or falling onto surfaces.
Avoid touching the petals: Handle the lilies gently and avoid touching the petals excessively, as they can bruise easily.
By following these care tips, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of your lily for an extended period, ensuring that each flower remains fresh and vibrant.

Care tips for gerbera
Caring for a gerbera is important to maintain the vibrancy and longevity of the flowers. Here are some essential tips to help you care for a gerbera:

Trim the stems: Upon receiving the gerbera bouquet, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle using clean scissors or floral shears. This allows for better water absorption.
Remove excess foliage: Remove any foliage that would be submerged in water to prevent bacterial growth. Trim away leaves that may touch the water to keep it clean.
Clean vase and water: Use a clean vase and fill it with room temperature water. Gerberas are sensitive to bacteria, so it's important to rinse the vase thoroughly before use.
Place the bouquet in a cool spot: Display the vase in a cool area away from direct sunlight and drafts. Gerberas prefer cooler temperatures and can wilt quickly in heat.
Change the water regularly: Every two days, change the water completely and rinse the vase. This helps maintain water freshness and prevents the growth of bacteria.
Mist the blooms: Gerberas appreciate humidity. Lightly mist the flowers with water using a spray bottle to keep the petals hydrated.
Avoid touching the petals: Handle gerberas with care and avoid touching the delicate petals excessively, as they can bruise easily.
By following these care tips, you can enjoy the vibrant colors and beauty of your gerbera bouquet for an extended period, ensuring that each flower remains fresh and eye-catching.

Care tips for carnations
Caring for carnations is crucial to maintain their beauty and prolong their vase life. Here are some important tips to help you care for carnations:

Trim the stems: Upon receiving the carnation bouquet, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle using clean scissors or floral shears. This creates a fresh surface for water absorption.
Remove excess foliage: Remove any foliage that would be submerged in water. Leaves below the waterline can decompose and promote bacterial growth, affecting the longevity of the flowers.
Clean vase and water: Use a clean vase and fill it with room temperature water. Dissolve floral preservative or add a homemade solution, following the instructions on the package.
Place the bouquet in a cool spot: Carnations prefer cool environments, so place the vase in a cool area away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Change the water regularly: Every two to three days, change the water completely and trim the stems. This prevents the buildup of bacteria and ensures optimal water uptake.
Mist the blooms: Carnations appreciate humidity. Lightly mist the flowers with water using a spray bottle to keep them hydrated and fresh.
Avoid touching the petals: Handle carnations gently and avoid touching the delicate petals excessively, as they can bruise easily.
By following these care tips, you can enjoy the beauty and longevity of your carnation bouquet, allowing the flowers to bring joy and color to your space for an extended period.

Care tips for flowering plants
Caring for flowering houseplants is essential to ensure their health, promote blooming, and enjoy their beauty indoors. Here are some key tips to help you care for flowering houseplants:

Light requirements: Understand the specific light needs of your flowering houseplant. Most flowering plants prefer bright, indirect light, while some may require more direct sunlight. Place them in a suitable location accordingly.
Watering: Follow a regular watering schedule, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Check the moisture level by inserting your finger about an inch deep into the soil. Adjust the watering frequency based on the plant's needs and the environment's humidity levels.
Fertilizing: Provide regular fertilization during the growing season to support flowering. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer formulated for flowering plants. Follow the package instructions for dosage and frequency.
Pruning: Regularly remove dead or faded flowers to encourage new growth and prolong blooming. Additionally, trim any leggy or overcrowded branches to maintain the plant's shape and health.
Humidity: Many flowering houseplants appreciate higher humidity levels. Increase humidity by misting the leaves with water, placing a tray of water near the plant, or using a humidifier.
Temperature and environment: Ensure the temperature and environment are suitable for the specific plant. Most flowering houseplants prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Avoid exposing them to drafts or extreme temperature fluctuations.
Pest control: Monitor your plants for pests such as aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs. If detected, treat the infestation promptly with appropriate methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Care tips for potted orchids
Caring for potted orchids is essential to ensure their longevity and stunning blooms. Here are some key tips to help you care for potted orchids:

Light requirements: Orchids generally prefer bright, indirect light. Place them near a window with filtered sunlight or provide artificial lighting if needed. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
Watering: Orchids have unique watering needs. Water them thoroughly but infrequently. Allow the potting medium to dry out slightly between waterings, typically every 7-10 days. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. It's better to underwater than overwater orchids.
Potting medium: Orchids require a well-draining potting medium that allows air circulation around the roots. Use a specialized orchid mix or a blend of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite to provide adequate drainage.
Humidity: Orchids thrive in humid environments. Increase humidity around the plant by placing a tray of water nearby or using a humidifier. Misting the leaves occasionally can also help maintain humidity.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to half strength, and feed the plant every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Be cautious not to overfertilize, as it can damage the roots.
Temperature and environment: Orchids prefer temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C) during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperature fluctuations or drafts.
Pruning and maintenance: Trim dead or yellowing leaves and spent flower spikes to maintain the plant's appearance. Repot orchids every 1-2 years, or when the potting medium breaks down or becomes too compacted.
By following these care tips, you can enjoy the beauty of your potted orchids for years to come. With the right care, these elegant plants will reward you with stunning blooms and add a touch of sophistication to your indoor space.

Care tips for green indoor plants
Caring for green indoor plants is essential to ensure their health and vitality. Here are some key tips to help you care for your green indoor plants:

Light requirements: Understand the light needs of your specific plants. Most green indoor plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them near windows or in well-lit areas of your home. Some plants may tolerate lower light conditions and can be placed in shadier spots.
Watering: Follow a regular watering schedule, but avoid overwatering. Check the moisture level in the soil by inserting your finger about an inch deep. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure proper drainage and avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot.
Humidity: Many green indoor plants appreciate higher humidity levels. Increase humidity by misting the leaves with water, placing a tray of water near the plants, or using a humidifier. Grouping plants together can also create a microclimate with increased humidity.
Fertilizing: Feed your green indoor plants with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer specifically formulated for indoor plants. Follow the package instructions for dosage and frequency, usually once every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Pruning and maintenance: Regularly remove any yellowed, damaged, or dead leaves to promote healthy growth. Trim leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth occasionally to remove dust and keep them clean.
Temperature and environment: Most green indoor plants prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Avoid exposing them to drafts or extreme temperature fluctuations. Place them away from heating or cooling vents.

Care tips for sunflowers
Upon receiving your sunflowers, follow the below care guidelines for best results:

Trim the stems of the sunflowers by about an inch at an angle under running water.
Place the sunflowers in a vase filled with fresh, room temperature water. Change the water daily and make fresh cuts to the stems every 2-3 days.
Check the water level frequently and refill when low to keep the stems fully submerged.
Find a spot away from direct heat or sunlight for the sunflowers.
Avoid placing the bouquet next to ripening fruit to prevent ethylene gas exposure.
Consider using a floral preservative in the water to prevent bacterial growth and mineral buildup. Change the preservative and water regularly.
Add flower food as supplied in the package to provide nutrients to the sunflowers
Monitor the sunflowers daily for wilting or browning and remove faded petals or leaves.
Gently wipe the petals with a damp cloth to remove dust buildup.
On arrival, your sunflowers might look a little tired, as they have been travelling with limited access to nutrients and water. below are the stages that sunflowers go through until they reach full bloom. Normally your sunflowers will be somewhere between stages 2-4 on delivery. By following the above care tips, you will have your sunflowers showing their full elegance in 48 hours!

 

Bouquet Appearance

What does delivered in bud mean?
At Petals and Posies, we take pride in delivering beautiful bouquets that are carefully prepared for their journey. When you receive our courier flowers, you may notice that they are delivered in bud, which means the flowers have not yet bloomed. In this article, we'll explain the concept of delivering flowers in bud, its benefits, and how you can ensure the longevity of your bouquet.

What Does "Delivered in Bud" Mean?
When we say your flowers are delivered in bud, it means they are sent to you at an early stage of their life cycle. The flowers haven't fully blossomed yet, but they carry the promise of the stunning blooms they will become.

 

Freshness and Protection in Transit:
Delivering flowers in bud helps to maintain their freshness and protect them during transit. By sending them at an early stage, we ensure that the blossoms arrive in optimal condition, ready to bloom and bring joy in your home.

Perking Up Your Bouquet:
When your bouquet arrives, the flowers may appear thirsty due to their journey. To give them a little boost, we recommend giving the stems a trim and providing them with water. This will help rehydrate the flowers and encourage them to perk up and reveal their full beauty.

Enjoying Longevity at Home:
Delivering flowers in bud extends their lifespan, allowing you to enjoy their beauty for an even longer period. As the buds gradually open, you'll have the pleasure of witnessing the blossoms unfold, creating a captivating display that brightens your space.

When you receive our courier flowers in bud, you are receiving a promise of beauty yet to come. These blooms have been carefully selected and protected during transit to ensure their freshness and longevity. Give your bouquet a little TLC by trimming the stems and providing water upon arrival, and you'll soon witness the magic of nature as the buds open and transform into stunning blooms. Delighting you with vibrant colours and fragrant scents, our flowers in bud bring joy and a sense of anticipation to your home.

What are the differences between letterbox, hand-tied and bouquet
Here is a brief explanation of the differences in what the recipient can expect to receive when ordering letterbox, hand-tied or bouquet from our website.

Letterbox Flowers: Letterbox flowers are specially designed to fit through a standard-sized letterbox, allowing for easy delivery without the recipient needing to be present. These flowers are carefully arranged and packed flat in a box, ensuring they remain fresh and undamaged during transit. The recipient can find the flowers waiting for them when they open their letterbox.

Hand-Tied Flowers: Hand-tied flowers refer to bouquets that are meticulously arranged and tied together by skilled florists. The stems are usually cut to a uniform length and bound with ribbon or twine, creating a beautiful and professional-looking arrangement. Hand-tied bouquets are typically presented in water-filled packaging to keep them fresh during delivery.

Bouquet: Bouquets are similar to hand-tied flowers in that they are carefully curated selections of fresh blooms. However, instead of being pre-arranged and tied, they are delivered as a collection of individual flower varieties and foliage. The recipient can arrange the flowers themselves in a vase, allowing for a personal touch and creative freedom.

Why do my flowers look different to the image?
We like to extend the happiness our blooms bring by sending them in bud form.

This way they will start blooming in 24/48 hours after they arrive in their new home, allowing the lucky recipient to enjoy them even longer.

After following the care instructions and once the flowers fully bloom, your bouquet will reflect the image advertised on our website.

To ensure your floral sentiments are still received, we do have a substitution policy in place, in case the usual stems featured in the bouquet are not available. The substituted stems will always be of similar style and equivalent (or greater) value and quality.

 

Florist Bouquets:

Value and Color Schemes: For our florist bouquets, we guarantee the same value and colour scheme as shown in the website photo. While there may be variations in specific flower varieties due to availability, our florists work diligently to create bouquets that match the overall look and feel of the original design.

Flower Quality

Why Do My Roses Have Darkened Outer Petals? Understanding Guard Petals
Have you ever unwrapped a bouquet of roses, only to find that some of the outer petals seem darker or less vibrant than the rest? Before you worry about the quality of your flowers, let's delve into a fascinating aspect of rose biology that explains this phenomenon. These darker petals you're observing are known as "guard petals," and they play a crucial role in the flower's development and protection.

What Are Guard Petals?

Guard petals are the outermost layer of petals on a rose. They often appear darker, thicker, and sometimes even a bit wilted compared to the inner petals. Far from being a sign of a damaged or poor-quality rose, these petals are a natural and intentional part of the rose's anatomy.

The Protective Role of Guard Petals

The primary function of guard petals is to protect the inner, more delicate petals of the rose as it develops. Think of them as the rose's first line of defence against the elements, pests, and physical damage during transport. These petals:

Shield the Bud: As the rosebud forms and begins to open, the guard petals protect the inner petals from harsh weather conditions, insects, and other potential threats.

Ensure Perfect Blooming: By providing this protection, guard petals ensure that the inner petals can develop properly, leading to a beautiful and symmetrical bloom once they are no longer needed.

Removing Guard Petals

While guard petals serve an important protective function, they can be safely removed once you're ready to display your roses. This is a simple process:

Gently Peel Away: Carefully peel the outer, darker petals away from the bloom. This can be done by gently tugging at the base of the petal or lightly pinching it away from the rest of the flower.

Reveal the Beauty Within: Removing these petals will not harm the rose. Instead, it reveals the vibrant, undamaged petals beneath, enhancing the overall appearance of your bouquet.

A Sign of Quality

Far from indicating a lack of freshness or quality, the presence of guard petals is a sign that your roses have been well-protected during their journey to you. Florists and growers leave these petals on to ensure that the roses you receive are in the best possible condition.

Embracing Nature's Design

Understanding the role of guard petals allows us to appreciate the intricate ways in which nature protects and ensures the beauty of flowers like roses. So, the next time you receive a bouquet, remember that those darker outer petals are a testament to the rose's journey and its natural resilience.

By recognising and removing guard petals, you can enjoy the full beauty of your roses as they were meant to be seen. It's a small step that can make a big difference in the presentation and longevity of your bouquet, allowing you to fully appreciate the splendour of these iconic flowers.

Why do my flowers appear wilted & dehydrated?
Don't worry, it's usually nothing to worry about.

Our flowers may look a little tired after the long journey they had, and just need a little care and attention upon arrival, especially letterbox flowers. 

Pop them into fresh, room temperature water and keep them somewhere bright (away from direct sunshine or too hot places in your house). After 24 hours they should perk up and look like new! 

If they don't recover after this period, or in case the flower gift arrived damaged, please contact Customer Support with a photograph of the damage or the condition of the flowers.

I’m unhappy with the quality of my flowers, who do I contact?
Oh no, we're so sorry to hear that! 

Before you contact our team about the problem, please check below the common questions which may help to explain the issues you're experiencing. You can also find detailed care instructions for our most common products in the nagivation menu.

Bud to bloom… We do send out certain flowers in varying stages of bloom or bud form as this ensures that they last as long as possible so the recipient can enjoy them for longer. Once the flowers fully bloom, your bouquet will reflect the image advertised on our website.

Just add water… follow the care instructions and give your flowers an overnight drink to perk up dry, droopy or squashed stems as they will be thirsty after their journey. Give them 24 hours to settle into their new home.

Our roses come with added protection!... our roses have been sent with guard petals on; this is done to protect them from any bruising during their journey. Carefully peel off any of the outer guard petals that look a little rugged and any leaves that will be below the waterline of the vase. 

My bouquet does not match the image… to ensure your floral sentiments are still received, we do have a substitution policy in place. Should the floral stems used in your bouquet be not available for whatever reason, we will replace them with stems of similar style and equivalent (or greater) value and quality.

Letterbox flowers… Carefully hand-packed and sent in a bud (so they last longer) in boxes that fit through the letterbox. These blooms will require arranging upon delivery. Only flowers displayed in our letterbox collection are delivered in a letterbox. 

Freshness Guarantee

5 - Day Freshness Guarantee
At Petals and Posies, we are dedicated to providing you with the freshest and most vibrant flowers. With our 5-day Freshness Guarantee, we ensure that your order arrives in bud, ready to bloom and lasts for at least 5 days in the recipient's home. In this article, we'll explain the details of our guarantee and provide guidance on how to maximise the longevity of your blooms by following our care instructions.

Freshness Guarantee:
Our 5-day Freshness Guarantee assures you that your flowers will arrive fresh and in bud. This means they are at an early stage of their life cycle, ready to bloom and bring beauty into the recipient's home.

Lasting for 5 Days:
We strive to provide blooms that will delight you for at least 5 days. By following our care instructions, you can help ensure that your flowers maintain their freshness and beauty throughout this period, brightening up the recipient's space.

Care Instructions:
To help you make the most of your flowers, we provide care instructions that guide you on how to care for your flowers. These instructions are available on our website, and we highly recommend following them to optimise the lifespan of your blooms. If you have faithfully followed our care instructions and still find that your flowers haven't lasted the guaranteed 5 days, please get in contact with us.

Contacting Us:
We understand that sometimes unexpected circumstances may arise despite your best efforts. If you have diligently followed our care instructions and your flowers haven't lasted the guaranteed 5 days, please get in contact with us. Our customer support team will be happy to assist you and find a suitable resolution to ensure your satisfaction.

With our 5-day Freshness Guarantee, we aim to fill your home with beautiful and long-lasting blooms. Your flowers will arrive fresh and in bud, ready to bloom and bring joy for at least 5 days. By following our care instructions, you can ensure that your flowers maintain their freshness and vibrancy throughout this period. However, if you have followed our care instructions and your flowers haven't lasted as guaranteed, please don't hesitate to contact us. 

Do I have a warranty on my purchases?
Curious about the warranty on your purchases? Here's the breakdown:

Legal Guarantee:

The legal guarantee applies to all items you purchase from us. This guarantee ensures that a product is or must perform as the consumer can reasonably expect.

This means that you can expect our products to meet your reasonable expectations in terms of quality and performance.

Freshness Guarantee for Flowers:

Specifically for flowers, we offer a five-day freshness guarantee. This guarantee ensures that your flowers will maintain their freshness for at least five days after delivery.

It's important to note that our freshness guarantee does not detract from the legal guarantee provided for all items.

 

By understanding our warranty policies, you can shop with confidence knowing that your satisfaction is our top priority.

 

If you have any questions or need further assistance regarding warranties or your purchase, please don't hesitate to reach out to our customer service team. We're here to help and ensure that your floral experience with us exceeds your expectations.

Packaging

My box is damaged?
Our boxes are designed to protect your flowers during transit, ensuring they arrive fresh and in bud form to maintain their quality. However, if your box arrives damaged and you believe it has affected your bouquet, here's what you should do:

Inspect the Bouquet: Carefully check the flowers inside the box. Despite the box being damaged, your bouquet might still be in perfect condition due to our protective packaging.

Document the Damage: If you find that the damage to the box has also affected your bouquet, take clear photos of both the damaged box and the affected flowers.

Contact Customer Service: Send the photos to our customer service team along with a description of the issue. This will help us assess the situation and provide a prompt resolution.

 

Our goal is to ensure that your flowers arrive in the best possible condition, and we are here to assist you if any issues arise during delivery.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our customer service team. We're here to help and ensure that your floral experience with us is as delightful as possible.

How will my flowers or plant arrive?
Our blooms travel in style.

Carefully packed in a sturdy box, secured & settled, they travel with their own supply of water and flower food included for their arrival in the new home. 

The package also contains care instructions and a free greeting card, which will reveal who is the generous and thoughtful person behind their blooming surprise. Should you wish to remain mysterious and anonymous, simply don't enter a message and we will not reveal the sender of the flowers.

Our plant gifts are watered before starting their journey, and the delivery also contains a free greeting card and care instructions.