Design dilemma: floral fancies

Forever Rose's Ebraheem Al Samadi offers some expert tips to help you keep flowers looking fresh for longer

Keep flowers at room temperature. Christopher Pike / The National

Everybody loves having fresh flowers in their home, but in the UAE, they tend to die off quite quickly. On average, how long should a fresh bunch of flowers last? Is there anything that can be done to extend their shelf life and where is the best place to display them?
 
This depends on many different things. Firstly, it depends on the quality of the flowers you're buying. In the fresh flower industry, you have three grades of quality, and the level of quality depends on the strength of the grower. Throughout history, we have had famous growers such as David Austin, a renowned English rose breeder whose roses are usually the best quality, and known as "triple-A grade". If you purchase triple-A grade quality flowers, you can usually expect them to last anywhere between ten to 14 days. However, some botanicals can last up to four weeks and others even up to six weeks. It really depends on the variety and the type of flowers.
If you want to prolong the life of the flowers, what you have to do is change the water daily, because it will begin to carry bacteria, which eventually kills the flowers. Not only should you change the water, but you should clean the vase with bleach to make sure all of the bacteria is gone. Many people ask: "Should I put sugar in the water?" I don't recommend it. We have created a product called "Flower Food" and it has the correct amount of essential ingredients needed to prolong the life of the flowers. 
Also, it is important to keep the flowers away from heat, and away from direct cold air from the air conditioning. Basically, if possible, try to keep them at room temperature.
I'd say the best place for flowers is in the living room, at the dining room table or at the entrance to your house.

Ebraheem Al Samadi, chief executive, Forever Rose, www.foreverrose.ae, @foreverroselondon
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