Want to keep smelling the roses for longer? Mark Vander Straaten, owner of boutique florist Summers Floral, offers his expert advice so you can get more staying power from your flowers.

Once you get home
The two easiest ways to make flowers last are changing the water and trimming the stems on the diagonal at least every second day. Adding flower food, available from your florist, to the water will also help.

Petal power
If you’re searching for long-lasting flowers, choose natives, tropicals, orchids, oriental lilies or calla lilies, as they tend to last longer than other flowers.

Size does matter
The vase you have at home will determine what flowers are best for you. As a rule, the stems should always sit near the base of the vase.

Not all flowers like water
It may sound strange, but keep in mind that some flowers, such a poppies, don’t like a lot of water. When buying blooms, ask your florist for advice on how much water is required.

Don't let the sunshine in
All flowers will last longer away from direct sunlight. If your petals will be catching some rays while you’re out during the day, place them in another room and bring them out once the room has cooled or the sun has left. Some flowers, such as hydrangeas, will drink through their leaves as well as their stems, so it can help to spray the flowers and leaves with cool water.