Preparing Cut Plant Material for a Design or Flower Show
CONDITIONING SPRING FLOWERS
Narcissus (Daffodil)
Split or remove white stem end. Rinse stem end to remove poisonous sap, which clogs the stems of other flowers but disappears after 24 hrs. Condition in cool water in separate container. The daffodils may then be included in mixed arrangements if stems are not re cut. To prevent end of stem from curling wrap with raffia or non-transparent scotch tape. If you arrange in oasis, a small plastic straw may be inserted up the stem for 2 inches.
Tulips
The tulip stem will assume whatever shape it has when it absorbs water during conditioning. If you wish your tulips to curve, place them in a low container to their length, with the flowers resting over the rim. To keep upright, wrap tulips tightly in newspaper and place in tall vase or bucket of water for several hours during the hardening process. To prolong the life of a tulip the small air sac at the very top of the stem where the bloom joins the stem should be pierced with a pin to allow water to flow up to the bloom. Remove the white part of the stem. Suggestion for keeping stems straight include a few drops of liquid starch or gin in the arranging water.
Hellebore
Hellebore are very difficult to condition when very fresh. Benefit from boiling water treatment. Add about an inch of boiling water to a jug, place the stem end in the water for around one minute. This will force out the air from the stems and allow better uptake of water. Take the hellebore out of the hot water, then recut the stem ends and put them into water up to their necks or immerse them completely overnight before arranging. A more fool proof method for Hellebores is to wait until they have formed (or beginning to form) seed pods.
Bleeding Heart – Dicentra
Split stem ends. Sear and condition in cool water.
Columbine - Aquilegia
Sear stem ends and condition in warm water.
Crocus
For best results remove from pot and wash off the bulb, arrange in shallow cool water.
Forget-me-not - Myosotis
Sear stem ends or dip in boiling water for a minute and condition in warm water.
Grape Hyacinth - Muscari
Condition in cool water and arrange in shallow water.
Violet - Viola
Submerge for 15 minutes to an hour. Place stems in cool water and mist frequently.
Snowdrop - Galanthus
Condition in cool water and arrange in shallow water and bulb and all.
Primrose - Primula
Sear stem ends and condition
Hyacinth - Hyacinthus
Wrap in newspaper for support and condition in cool water for at least four hours. Arrange in shallow water.
Ranunculus - Persian Buttercup
Cut stem ends under water. Sear stem ends or dip in boiling water for a minute. Condition in cool water.
Lilac - Syringa
Remove foliage, except two leaves near flower head. Split stem ends,then immerce flower heads in cool water. Shake off and place stems in deep hot tap water up to flower heads for several hours or overnight. Arrange in deep water.
CONDITIONING SPRING FOLIAGE
Fern - Adiantum
Difficult Pick when mature for best results. Sear stem ends and refrigerate in a sealed plastic bag with a small amount of water or sear stem ends and submerge in cool water overnight.
Hosta - Plantain Lily
Leaves submerge for several hours or overnight in cool water. To condition early spring leaves, place in plastic bag with a little water and refrigerate for 24-48 hrs. On quilted leaves use soft paint brush to remove dirt. The blue leaves are difficult to clean take caution due to the delicate glaucous coating on the leaves is easily damaged. Check the leaf and its petiole for debris and dirt, spider webs and insects.
Sources
http://thegardener.btinternet.co.uk/conditioning.html
www.hosta.org
American Hosta Society Snippy tips 1 Care of Cut Flowers Garden Club of Toronto
Submitted by Eva Norman-Vestergaard For LHS presentation Jan 22, 2024
