How to Care for Winter Bouquets in Cold Weather

Winter bouquets carry a unique kind of charm. They are rich with seasonal colours, textured foliage, berries, evergreens, and classic blooms and they bring life and warmth to homes during the coldest months of the year.

While Winter flowers may appear hardy, the cold weather can present a different set of challenges than warmer seasons. Freezing temperatures, dry indoor air, and sudden temperature changes can all shorten the life of a bouquet if not handled with care.

Whether we are preparing arrangements for delivery or a recipient eager to enjoy fresh flowers at home, understanding how Winter conditions affect flowers can make all the difference. With a few thoughtful steps, Winter bouquets can remain fresh, vibrant, and beautiful long after they arrive indoors.

So, what is the impact of cold weather on fresh flowers?

Cold weather affects flowers in ways that are not always immediately visible. Exposure to freezing or near-freezing temperatures can damage cell structures within petals and stems and in some cases, flowers may look perfectly fine when they first come inside, only to wilt or discolour hours later as the damage becomes apparent.

Indoor environments and temperatures also play a part in how long fresh flowers and foliage can live. Heating systems dry the air, drawing moisture from both foliage and flowers. Draughts from doors and windows can create fluctuating temperatures that can stress flowers.

Protecting bouquets before they go outside

My first line of defence for Winter bouquets begins before they ever face the cold. For me, thoughtful techniques of wrapping is essential during Winter months. By having the best interests of the flowers as the focus of bouquets, using packaging such as Kraft paper and tissue (to create insulation), will create protection from the elements.

I have been fortunate enough to work in Scandinavia in -11C conditions. I learnt so much about how the Scandinavians wrap and pack their bouquets and flowers for delivery and transportation, by the level of protection they give the flowers and foliage.

The packaging helps retain warmth and shields the stems from cold, icy air and wind. On particularly cold days, double-wrapping over paper can provide extra protection without trapping moisture directly against the flowers. Remember that every stem that leaves your business, is a representation and reflection of your skills. With that in mind, be careful how you use the wrapping and so looks beautiful, but protective too!

For customers, timing matters. Whether it’s a customer collecting their order or bouquets being delivered, they should be taken directly home or delivered promptly. Even a few minutes outdoors in freezing temperatures can damage delicate blooms. Flowers should never be left outside or in a customer’s car whilst they are in work or run errands. Clear communication between florists and customers helps ensure flowers are transferred safely from shop to home.

Allowing flowers to acclimate gradually

One of the most overlooked aspects of Winter flower care is temperature transition. Moving flowers quickly from cold outdoor air into a warm indoor space can cause shock. This sudden change may result in wilting, petal drop, or discoloration. When a Winter bouquet arrives indoors after exposure to cold, it’s best to leave the wrapping on for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the flowers to warm up gradually rather than all at once. Once the bouquet has adjusted to room temperature, it can be unwrapped, trimmed, and placed into water. This small step often makes a noticeable difference in how well flowers recover from cold exposure.

Hydration Is key in Winter

Flowers lose moisture more quickly during colder months, making hydration one of the most important aspects of care. Before placing a bouquet into a vase, stems should be trimmed at a slight angle, removing about one inch from the bottom. This creates a fresh surface that allows stems to absorb water more effectively. A clean vase filled with room-temperature water is essential, as cold water can further stress flowers.

Flower food should be added if provided, as it contains nutrients that support blooms and helps reduce bacterial growth. Water should be changed every two days, and the vase should be rinsed thoroughly each time. Re-trimming stems every few days will further extend the life of the bouquet.

Choosing the right location indoors

The ideal spot for a Winter bouquet is a cool-to-moderate room with indirect natural light and stable temperatures. Placement is critical for Winter bouquets. While flowers enjoy warmth, they do not thrive near direct heat sources. Radiators, fireplaces, heaters, and even electronics can cause flowers to dry out prematurely. Bouquets should also be kept away from drafty windows and exterior doors, where cold air can seep in. Temperature fluctuations—warm one moment and cold the next—can be just as damaging as constant cold.

Note: Winter flower care is less about toughness and more about consistency—steady temperatures, proper hydration, and gentle handling.

Cold Stress in delicate Winter flowers

Some popular Winter flowers are more sensitive than they appear. Roses, Tulips, Ranunculus, Alstroemeria, Anemones etc and certain spring bulbs are especially vulnerable to the cold. Signs of cold stress may include translucent petals, browning edges, drooping heads, or petals that feel soft or watery to the touch. If cold damage is suspected, remove any visibly damaged outer petals and focus on proper hydration. Many flowers can recover surprisingly well once they are warmed gradually and given fresh water. Patience is important—allow blooms time to adjust and respond.

Indoor hot dry air

Indoor heating systems can significantly reduce humidity levels, creating a challenging environment for fresh flowers. Dry air causes petals to lose moisture faster, shortening vase life. To counteract this, keep bouquets well-hydrated and away from heat sources.

Evergreens and Winter foliage tend to be more resilient, but even they benefit from consistent hydration and gentle care.

Care Instructions

For florists, Winter is an excellent opportunity to build trust and strengthen customer relationships. Including a simple care card with Winter bouquets helps customers understand how to protect their flowers and enjoy them longer. Friendly, clear instructions reassure recipients that Winter flowers and foliage require just a bit of extra attention. Encouraging customers to ask questions and share feedback also helps florists refine their practices and improve overall satisfaction in the Winter, in fact, all year round. 

Winter Bouquets are worth the extra care

Winter bouquets are designed to bring comfort, beauty, and a sense of celebration during a season that can often feel grey and quiet. With thoughtful handling, proper hydration, gradual temperature changes, and mindful placement, Winter flowers can be just as long-lasting and impactful as blooms enjoyed in warmer months. A little extra care goes a long way. By respecting the challenges of cold weather and responding with simple, intentional practices, Winter bouquets can continue to brighten homes, mark special moments, and remind us that beauty thrives, even in the coldest season.

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With over 35 years’ experience, Karen Barnes is one of the UK’s leading consultants to the floral industry and an expert in product development, future trends & colours, and floral photography design & planning. She’s an interior floral designer, high profile wedding and event floral planner, and prominent international competition judge.​​In a distinguished career, Karen has been awarded gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, selected to judge two Floral Design World Cups and been voted one of the top ten florists in the UK by The Independent on Sunday Newspaper.​​Her style and influences come from new and popular flower varieties, fashion, art, travel and emerging trends on a global scale.​Karen Barnes NDSF, IoPF, AIFD, CFD, CAFA, UKFJG