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Conditioning

• Level 1
• Level 2

LEARNING THE BASICS - CONDITIONING FLOWERS

Conditioning refers to the preparation of plant material to help it retain its freshest possible state for the longest period of time.  You will be able to enjoy your arrangements longer if you condition the plant material properly. Over the years, arrangers have found tricks for conditioning individual types of plants and flowers.  Feel free to contribute your tricks and tips for conditioning individual types of plants and flowers.  Send your to me by email. LEVEL 3   INDIVIDUAL FLOWERS - TYPES AND TIPS

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Hamamelis Witch Hazel	Cut stem ends vertically about 1" and stand in deep water for several hours.
Hebe	Cut stem ends vertically about 1/2", place stem ends in boiling water, then stand in deep water for several hours.
Hedera Ivy	Cut stem ends vertically about 1" and stand in deep water for several hours.  Keep individual leaves moist in a plastic bag, but do not let water accumulate in the bag.
Helenium Sneezeweed	Cut stem ends vertically about 1/2" and stand in deep water for several hours.
Helianthus Sunflower	Place stem ends in boiling water for 60 seconds, protecting foliage with a wrap of newspaper, then stand in deep water for several hours.
Helichrysum Everlasting	Stand in deep water for several hours.
HelleborusX Hellebore, Lenten Roses	Slit bottom 2" of stem and place in deep water for several hours. Foliage, flowers and seedheads are valuable.
Heracleum Cow Parsnip	Expose 1" of stem ends to boiling water for 20 seconds, protecting flower heads, then stand in deep cool water.
Heuchera Coral Bells	Stand in deep water for several hours.
Hibiscus	Cut stem ends vertically about 1" and stand in deep water for several hours.
Hippeastrum Amaryllis	Place a bamboo skewer in stem to help support bloom. Stem ends tend to split and curl, so wrap the bottom with waterproof tape or tie securely with twine. Turn stem upside down and fill with water, then stuff a small piece of wet cotton in the stem. Cover the opening with your finger and set upright in deep water.
Hosta Plantain Lily	Submerge leaves completely in water for about an hour, then stand upright.
Hyacinthoides Bluebell	Stand in deep water for several hours.
Hyacinthus Hyacinth	Cut as long as possible. Strengthen stem by inserting a wire inside the stem. Stand in water.
Hydrangeas can be rehydrated.  Every few days trim the stem bottom about an inch and then submerge the flowers in water for a few hours before returning to the vase.
Hydrangeas Hydrangea	Pick when fully open and sear base of stem with flame. To dry, place the cut stems in a vase with an inch or so of water. Let water evaporate and blooms will dry naturally.
Iris Flag	Cut just as first bloom on stalk are opening. Hold in cool water. Remove faded flowers as they wilt.
Ivy Hedera	Cut just below a leaf and split stem ends. Remove any foliage that would be under water. Place entire stem in cool water and keep submerged several hours. When designing on site, carry ivy stems in a plastic bag where they can be misted until use and keep away from direct sunlight.

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