Flower Care Guide, Flower Symbolism and Ukrainian Holidays
Proper flower care is essential to enjoying the beauty of your blooms for as long as possible. In this comprehensive guide, you will find proven tips for caring for cut flowers, learn about the symbolism of popular blooms, and discover Ukrainian traditions and holidays associated with gifting bouquets. Whether you are sending flowers to Ukraine for a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, this guide will help you make the most of every delivery.
How to Care for Cut Flowers: Best Practices
- Always start with a clean vase. Wash it thoroughly before adding water to eliminate bacteria that can shorten the life of your flowers.
- Cut stems diagonally using a sharp knife or scissors. Remove at least 1 inch (2–3 cm) from the base to enhance water absorption. A diagonal cut increases the surface area for water intake and prevents the stem from sealing.
- Use lukewarm water with dissolved flower preservatives. These can usually be purchased from florists or found as packets included with fresh flowers. Store unused solution in a sealed container to top up the vase as needed.
- Remove all foliage below the waterline. Submerged leaves encourage bacterial growth, which reduces the lifespan of your flowers.
- Place flowers in a cool, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight, heat sources like radiators, and drafts. A stable environment will extend their freshness.
- Monitor the water level daily and replenish it with the prepared preservative solution. Fresh, clean water is vital for flowers to thrive.
- Remove fading or dead flowers promptly. This improves the visual appeal and prevents the release of ethylene gas, which accelerates the aging of nearby blooms.
- For arrangements in green foam (Oasis), ensure the foam remains moist by gently adding water to the base and checking moisture daily.
Flower Care Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid cutting or smashing stems with blunt tools, as this damages the water-conducting vessels and accelerates bacterial growth.
- Do not place vases in direct sunlight or near ripening fruit. The ethylene gas emitted by fruit can cause flowers to wilt prematurely.
- Avoid using metal vases or adding substances like aspirin, bleach, or copper coins to the water, as they can harm delicate blooms.
- When mixing daffodils or narcissi with other flowers, pre-soak their stems in cold water for 12 hours to remove their latex-like sap, which can harm other flowers.
How to Care for a Bouquet After Delivery
When unpacking a bouquet, handle it gently to avoid damaging stems or flowers. If the bouquet is tied, keep the arrangement intact. Trim the stems diagonally and hydrate the flowers in deep water with flower food before placing them in a vase.
Flower Care by Type: Expert Florist Tips
How to Care for Roses
To revive a drooping rose, trim the stem, wrap it in paper for support, and immerse it in 2 inches of boiling water for a minute. Then transfer it to cold water. This should help revive the bloom.
Alstroemeria — How to Keep Them Fresh for Up to 2.5 Weeks
Keep vases clean and change water frequently. With proper care, alstroemeria blooms can last up to 2.5 weeks.
Carnations — Freshness for Up to Three Weeks
Carnations can stay fresh for up to 3 weeks. Regularly trim the stems and remove lower leaves. A sugar solution (2–5%) enhances their longevity.
Gerberas — Special Care Requirements
Gerberas require clean water and a well-washed vase. Add floral preservatives to prevent bacterial growth and pierce the stem to improve water uptake.
Irises — How Long Do They Last in a Vase
Irises have a lifespan of about a week, but changing the water frequently can extend their freshness.
Lilies — Caring for Cut Lilies
Split the stems before placing them in cold water. Remove withered blooms to encourage the remaining buds to flourish. Lilies can brighten your home for about one and a half weeks.
Orchids — Long-Lasting Beauty with Proper Care
With proper care, orchids can last from one week to approximately one month. Place them in a stable, humid environment and mist them regularly.
Tulips — How to Revive Wilted Tulips
Tulips tend to wilt quickly. However, if you briefly dip the stems in hot water and then transfer them to cool water, they can regain their freshness. Re-cut the stems beforehand and wrap them in paper to help straighten them. A sprig of juniper, cypress, or thuja placed in the vase can also help prolong the life of tulips.
Freesias — How to Preserve Their Fragrance
To preserve the fragrance, place freesias in a cellophane bag or parchment paper. Trim the stem ends just before placing them in water. Freesias wilt quickly in warm rooms. Adding a small amount of sugar to the water extends their life; you can also place them in the refrigerator overnight.
Chrysanthemums — Caring for Cut Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums maintain their freshness and vibrant color exceptionally well. These cut flowers require regular water changes and the removal of all leaves from the lower part of the stem.
Why Flowers Are Given in Odd Numbers in Ukraine
Why don't we sell flowers by the dozen or in even numbers?
In Ukraine, it is customary to give an odd number of flowers for any occasion, including romantic ones. It is perfectly traditional to send eleven roses rather than twelve. An even number of stems in a bouquet is considered a sign of bad luck or sorrow, and even numbers are reserved exclusively for funerals.
Flower Meanings and Symbolism
Through the language of flowers, we can express what we want to say — and sometimes what we cannot say out loud. Below you will find detailed information about the most popular flowers, all of which you can order with delivery across Ukraine from our online store.
What Do Roses Symbolize
Roses symbolize love, passion, and perfection. The name "rose" comes from the Latin word meaning red, and the flower has been a symbol of love since ancient times. Used for centuries to convey messages without words, roses also represent confidentiality. The color of a rose carries its own meaning: red signifies love and passion, pink conveys happiness, white represents purity and innocence, and yellow stands for friendship.
What Do Tulips Symbolize
Tulips are a true symbol of spring and summer. A bouquet of tulips embodies elegance and grace.
What Do Carnations Symbolize
Carnations signify innocence, faithfulness, pure love, and good fortune. These beautiful flowers are often given on Mother's Day, symbolizing the purity and strength of motherhood. White carnations denote pure love and luck, light red symbolizes admiration, dark red represents deep love and affection, and pink carnations are a symbol of a mother's everlasting love.
What Do Lilies Symbolize
Lilies represent majesty, wealth, pride, innocence, and purity. They are the perfect flowers when you want to say: "You have made my life complete." The royal white lily symbolizes chastity and virtue. Asian lilies represent wealth and pride — send a bouquet of Asian lilies if you wish someone happiness and prosperity in all areas of life.
What Do Irises Symbolize
Irises stand apart from all other flowers as purely spring blooms that live for only a few days. Traditionally, this graceful flower was chosen to convey "my compliments." Send your compliments to someone today with a bouquet of irises.
What Do Gerberas Symbolize
Gerberas are an excellent choice if you want to brighten someone's day. Bright pink, snow white, sunny yellow, and ruby red are just some of the gorgeous shades these cheerful flowers come in.
What Do Orchids Symbolize
Orchids are especially elegant flowers, making them an ideal gift for many occasions. Their refined appearance immediately catches the eye, and their reputation as an exotic and unusual bloom evokes a sense of sophistication and innocence. There are many varieties of orchids, each with its own special meaning, so you are sure to find one that conveys just the right message from you to the recipient.
Ukrainian Traditions and Customs for Gifting Flowers
Every country has its own unique traditions, customs, and social etiquette. We would like to provide you with an overview of the most important ones in Ukraine, so they can help you bridge cultural differences and communicate with ease.
Ukraine is a European country (although not yet a member of the European Union), which makes its social etiquette more or less predictable. However, "old world" traditions and beliefs remain very strong in Ukraine, exerting a unique influence on people's mindset and behavior. You will find that some Ukrainian customs are compatible with European and North American norms. Others, however, may seem unusual or unfamiliar. This is neither "good" nor "bad" — it is simply part of a different culture.
Key Etiquette Rules in Ukraine
You already know the first rule — always give an odd number of flowers.
Never shake hands, pass keys, or hand anything over a threshold. This is believed to bring misfortune to your host or guest.
When you are invited to visit someone's home, you are generally expected to bring a small gift. This is very common in Ukraine — gifts when visiting may include sweets, a bottle of wine, or a bouquet of flowers. If there is a small child in the family, bringing a little gift for them is also appreciated.
Never leave an empty bottle on the table, but if a bottle is open — finish it.
Try sitting between two people with the same name and making a wish.
Do not worry if someone spits three times over their left shoulder or sits on their luggage before a trip — these are common Ukrainian superstitions.
Remove your gloves when shaking hands.
Be prepared to take off your shoes when entering a home. You will typically be offered a pair of slippers.
When getting in or out of a car, a man exits first to offer his hand to the woman he is accompanying.
When using public transport, give up your seat for women with children, elderly people, or people with disabilities.
When visiting Orthodox churches, women should cover their heads with scarves, and men should remove their hats.
Do not place your thumb between your first two fingers. This is a vulgar gesture.
Do not forget your girlfriend's mother on important holidays. Sending a bouquet or even a single rose will leave the best impression.
Ukrainian Holidays: When to Send Flowers to Ukraine
January 1 — New Year's Day
One of the most beloved holidays in Ukraine, when it is customary to exchange gifts and flowers with loved ones.
January 7 — Orthodox Christmas
Many age-old Ukrainian customs are associated with Christmas. They include fortune telling, singing carols, preparing traditional Ukrainian Christmas dishes, and attending church services.
February 14 — Valentine's Day
A popular romantic holiday when couples exchange gifts and bouquets of flowers.
March 8 — International Women's Day
One of the most important holidays for flower delivery in Ukraine. Men give flowers to women — mothers, wives, colleagues, and friends.
Easter
Easter falls according to the lunar calendar. It is the most important religious holiday in Ukraine, accompanied by traditions of painting eggs and baking paska bread.
May 1 — Labor Day
A traditional holiday from the Soviet era that is still celebrated today.
May 9 — Victory Day
This is the day when the people of Ukraine and other former Soviet republics commemorate the victory over fascist Germany in 1945.
Trinity Day
A religious holiday celebrated by decorating homes with green branches and flowers.
June 28 — Constitution Day
This holiday marks the adoption of the Constitution of Ukraine in 1996.
August 24 — Independence Day of Ukraine
This holiday is dedicated to the declaration of Ukraine's independence from the USSR in 1991.
We hope you found this guide helpful and interesting! Order flower delivery across Ukraine from UkraineFlora — we deliver bouquets and gifts to more than 245 cities.