November in Ottawa means frosty mornings, biting wind, and furnaces running full-time. It’s a great season for fresh flowers, but cold air outside and dry heat inside can shorten a bouquet’s life if you’re not careful.
The good news is that a few simple habits can add days to your arrangement. Here’s how to keep your flowers looking fresh through an Ottawa fall and winter.
Why Cold Weather Is Tough on Fresh Flowers
Flowers face two problems this time of year:
- Freezing temperatures outdoors. Petals are mostly water, and even a few minutes below freezing can leave blooms limp, translucent, or brown at the edges.
- Dry, heated air indoors. Once your bouquet is inside, forced-air heating pulls moisture from petals and leaves, so they wilt faster.
Knowing both risks is half the battle.
Protecting Your Flowers From the Cold
Never leave flowers in a cold car. Even a short errand can be enough to damage delicate blooms like roses, lilies, and orchids. Pick up your flowers last and keep the heat on.
Keep the sleeve on during transport. The paper or plastic wrap acts as a windbreak between the car and your front door.
Don’t leave a delivery on the porch. If you’re expecting flowers, ask a neighbour to bring them in, or arrange delivery for when someone will be home. Flowers left outside on a freezing day can be damaged quickly.
Let them warm up gradually. Bring flowers into a cool room first, rather than straight next to a heater, so they adjust slowly.
Caring for Your Bouquet Once It’s Inside
- Re-cut the stems. Trim 1 to 2 cm off the bottom at an angle with clean, sharp scissors. This opens up fresh surface area to drink.
- Use a clean vase. Bacteria are the main reason flowers die early, so wash the vase with hot, soapy water before using it.
- Add flower food. Follow the package directions. It supplies nutrients and slows bacterial growth.
- Strip the lower leaves. Any foliage below the waterline will rot and cloud the water.
- Change the water every two days. Re-trim the stems a little each time and top up the flower food.
Where to Place Your Flowers
Placement matters more than most people think. Keep your arrangement:
- Away from heating vents, radiators, and fireplaces, which dry petals out quickly
- Out of direct sunlight, even weak winter sun through a window can warm the vase
- Away from ripening fruit, which releases ethylene gas that makes blooms age faster
- Away from cold drafts near doors and single-pane windows
A cool room with indirect light is ideal.
Which Flowers Handle Winter Best?
Some flowers are naturally sturdier in cold-weather conditions:
- Chrysanthemums are known for lasting a long time in a vase
- Carnations are durable and budget-friendly
- Alstroemeria often lasts two weeks or more with good care
- Roses hold up well when protected during transport
- Eucalyptus and other greenery stay fresh for a long time and can even dry beautifully
If you’re sending flowers to someone and want them to last, these are great choices.
Sending Flowers in Ottawa This Season
Ottawa Flowers delivers fresh arrangements around the city, and we package every order with the weather in mind. If you’re sending flowers to someone and want to make sure they’re brought inside safely, leave a delivery note or give us a phone number for the recipient so we can coordinate.
Ready to order? Browse our current collection at ottawaflowers.com or call us at [phone number].
Frequently Asked Questions
Can flowers freeze during delivery in winter?
Yes. Flowers exposed to freezing temperatures for even a short time can be damaged. Bring them inside right away and let them warm up gradually.
How often should I change the water in my vase?
Every two days is a good rule. Re-trim the stems each time and add fresh flower food.
Do flowers last longer in a cold room?
Generally yes. A cool room, away from heat sources, slows down aging, but make sure it isn’t near freezing.
What if my flowers froze?
If petals look glassy or limp, bring them inside, trim the stems, and place them in cool water. Some will recover, though severely frozen blooms may not.
How long should a bouquet last?
With proper care, most bouquets last 7 to 14 days, and hardy varieties like chrysanthemums and carnations can last longer.
