For the holiday of love, it is estimated that more than 180 million stems of roses will be bestowed upon sweethearts around the world. While Cupid is busy keeping the love alive, it may take a Flower Doctor to help prolong the life of the beautiful blooms. Throughout the month of February, those puzzled by floral preservative or stumped about cutting stems, can receive answers to cut-flower care and handling questions by simply logging onto www.FLOWRMD.com, or calling the 1-888-FLOWRMD hotline, hosted by the Flower Promotion Organization.

In addition to flower care tips and design ideas, those looking for a prescription for flower preservation can get answers directly from the Flower Doctor, Bridget Behe, Ph.D. As an expert in horticulture, she will respond to each of the FLOWRMD.com inquiries via email and together with her team of flower experts also will answer calls at 1-888-FLOWRMD – [1-888-356-9763] – on February 13 and 14 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST.

“Each month we receive numerous questions via the website and are excited to have Dr. Behe on staff to accurately address each and every inquiry,” said Will Carlson, Managing Director of the Flower Promotion Organization. “Her expertise is unparalleled and we are thrilled to offer individual advice from a flower doctor during the busiest flower-giving season of the year.”

Dr. Bridget Behe

Throughout the year, Dr. Behe hosts a question and answer section on www.FLOWRMD.com called “Ask Bridget” where she has helped remedy thousands of flower-care dilemmas. She draws from her experience as a professor in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University where she teaches horticulture courses. She also is a member of the OFA, an association of floriculture professionals, the Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association and is a Michigan Certified Florist. While Dr. Behe has answered a wide-variety of flower care questions, many are similar in content. Following is a look at some of the most popular cut-flower questions and answers:

Q. What is the best way to prolong the life of fresh cut flowers?
A. The best way to get longer enjoyment from cut flowers is to remember to re-cut the stems under water and use flower preservative dissolved in a measured amount of warm water. To re-cut stems, cut about one inch off using flower clippers or a sharp knife while holding the flower stem under water and immediately place in your vase or container. Also, keep fresh flowers out of direct sunlight and away from drafts (like air vents, heater vents, or fans).

Q. My foliage looks dusty and dirty?
A. Dusty foliage is the result of spray residue during production. Gently wipe leaves with damp sponge or spray with water or leaf shine to remove dust

Q. My rose petals have beige-brownish spots?
A. Remove the petals having beige spots to keep the disease from spreading What causes the spots? Most likely your flowers are suffering from the fungus, Botrytis. It is non-specific and loves all veggies, flowers and fruits. It spreads, so it is important to remove and dispose any infected flower parts.

Q. Which cut flower will last longest?
A. Generally speaking, chrysanthemums and carnations are among the longer lasting flowers. Flower life is a function of the genetics, the environment, and the care given when flowers are received.

Q. If I remove the leaves from the flowers, will it harm them?
A. No, removing the leaves from the flower will not harm the flower. In fact, you should remove any leaves that may fall below the water line. This will help remove a source of bacteria and fungi that will grow under water and clog the stems. But keep the leaves above the water line in the container to allow the flowers to respire.

Q. I've heard vinegar and water is better than floral food, is this true?
A. Not true. There are many home remedies that some say will extend the life of fresh cut flowers. Nothing extends the life as well as a measured amount of professionally prepared floral preservative dissolved in a measured amount of warm water.

The Flower Promotion Organization
The Flower Promotion Organization, an alliance of United States and Colombian fresh-cut flower growers, is dedicated to providing consumers with fresh-cut flower education and design inspiration.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Shawn Campbell-Zurawski
Flower Promotion Organization
s.campbellzurawski@comcast.net
815/730-1772