Choosing the best fresh lilies:

Here are some tips to help you choose good fresh lilies:

• Check leaves are dark green, the stems are clean cut and there is no obvious spotting on the buds.
• Make sure the buds are plump and ripe looking. Hard green buds may not open properly.
• No more than 1-2 flowers should be open.
• Always buy from an outlet where the flowers look fresh and they turn them over fast.

The following could indicate old flowers:

• Yellowing leaves
• The bottom of the stems going brown or slimy
• Wilting leaves or flowers
• Too many flower buds fully open

Caring for your lilies:

Get more life from your lilies by these simple steps:

• Regularly re-cut stems on an angle, this keeps the vascular tissue clean and able to transport water.
• Locate the flower vase out of direct sunlight or heat.
• Strip the lower leaves off up to the water level in the vase.
• Regularly refresh the water in the  vase to keep it clean.