A boutonniere is a single flower or small arrangement secured to a lapel, often worn during formal events. Unlike flowers kept in a vase, this delicate arrangement is severed from its water source, making it highly susceptible to dehydration. Maximizing freshness requires proactive measures to slow the natural aging process of the cut bloom. This involves controlling moisture, temperature, and physical handling from the moment it is received until it is pinned on.
Moisture Retention Before Storage
Immediately upon receiving the boutonniere, focus on maintaining moisture to prevent initial wilting. Apply a fine mist of clean water using a spray bottle, targeting the petals and foliage without soaking the arrangement. This temporarily raises the ambient humidity around the flower, slowing the rate of water loss from the plant tissue. Avoid excess water, as it can damage delicate petals or cause browning.
Addressing the cut stem is equally important because it is the primary point of water loss. Applying a physical barrier to the severed end helps to trap moisture inside the stem tissues. This barrier can be achieved by wrapping the base with a small piece of water-saturated cotton or paper towel, which is then secured with floral tape.
Alternatively, a thin layer of melted floral wax can be applied to the cut surface to create a complete seal against evaporation. These preparation steps hold the flower’s hydration steady before it enters the optimal storage environment.
Ideal Storage Environment
The most effective way to halt the aging process is by placing the boutonniere in a consistently cool environment. Cut flowers benefit most from temperatures between 38 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (3 to 4 degrees Celsius). This low temperature significantly slows the flower’s respiration rate, reducing the speed at which the bloom consumes its energy reserves and wilts.
While refrigeration is necessary, the environment must be monitored to avoid two common hazards. Never store the arrangement near ripening fruits, which release ethylene gas. Ethylene accelerates aging, causing rapid deterioration of the petals. Furthermore, temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit cause ice crystals to form within the plant cells, resulting in irreversible tissue damage.
To maintain high humidity and protect the delicate structure, place the boutonniere inside a container like a plastic clamshell or an airtight bag. A slightly damp paper towel inside the closed container helps keep the air moist, preventing the flower from drying out. Ensure the flower head is not resting directly on the damp towel or being crushed by the container lid.
Handling and Wearing Tips
Once the boutonniere is removed from cool storage, it should be put on as late as possible to minimize exposure to ambient heat and air. The time spent outside the controlled environment directly contributes to dehydration and wilting. Keeping the arrangement cool and protected until the final moments before the event is the best defense.
Proper securing is necessary to prevent physical damage throughout the day. The pin should be inserted from the back of the lapel, pushed through the fabric and the thickest part of the stem, and then reinserted back through the fabric to create a strong anchor point. A firmly secured boutonniere will not swing or move, thereby avoiding crushing the delicate petals against the lapel or the wearer’s chest.
Throughout the event, the wearer must be mindful of common physical and thermal hazards. Direct exposure to intense sunlight or heat sources, such as being left on a car dashboard, will rapidly raise the flower’s internal temperature and accelerate moisture loss. Additionally, being aware of physical contact, like rough hugs, can prevent the structural collapse of the bloom.