We have created some detailed Care Guides to provide you with important information on our products, and how to keep them in the best possible condition!

Gifts

Click here to see care instructions for Gifts

Cut Flowers

Click here to see care instructions for Cut Flowers

Living Gifts

Click here to see care instructions for Living Gifts

Outdoor Plants

Click here to see care instructions for Outdoor Plants

The top line of your address label states the item you have received. If this has been sent as a gift, you may find a message from the sender on the inside of the address carrier card. Please read these instructions carefully before proceeding any further. Your gift has been raised in a perfect growing environment. Often when plants and bulbs in leaf are contained within a dark box, even for a short period, the foliage and shoots become discoloured. If this is your experience, please be assured that this is nothing to worry about as the plants and bulbs will revert to their normal colour within a few days. We include ‘before’ and ‘after’ images of most items to show how your gift will grow. We’ve done our best to make sure that your gift has arrived in the best possible condition. However, sometimes the postal carrier isn’t as gentle with our products as we’d like, and you may find that some compost has become dislodged in transit. This won’t affect the plant’s performance. We can’t guarantee that all wraps, baskets and pots are watertight and therefore we recommend that you place your gift on a mat and not directly on top of furniture to safeguard against water damage, sweating and scratching. If your plant has been supplied in a silk wrap, please remove the wrap before watering to avoid leakage. Enjoy your gift.

Planted Bulb Pots and Baskets

Crocus, Hyacinth, Lily of the Valley, Narcissus, Snowdrop. All pre-planted bulb arrangements are supplied with the shoots just visible through the green carpet moss. In some instances, the shoots may appear slightly discoloured as a result of being contained inside a dark box during transit. Within a few days they will revert to their normal colour. Keep your arrangement in a cool room for the first 7-10 days. Putting it the warmth straight away causes the bulbs to stretch and become ‘leggy’. Should this occur you can support the plants with twigs and string. Narcissi will benefit from being placed outside and brought indoors at the flowering stage. (Please note: Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’ may not flower until late December.) Move the container into a warmer room once the buds start to open, approximately 2-3 weeks after receipt. Water regularly but sparingly. Flowering periods vary by variety and temperature, but generally the cooler the temperature the longer the flowering period. After flowering do not cut the foliage. Remove the bulbs and compost as a cluster from your re-usable container and plant into the garden or pot. Dig a hole deep enough to cover a quarter of the foliage above the bulbs. Carefully replace the soil around the bulbs and foliage. Do not remove the foliage until it is quite yellow as this allows the goodness to go back into the bulbs.

Cyclamen

Your plant will have arrived with buds just poking through the foliage. Place in a position of bright, indirect light in a consistently moderate temperature and try to avoid placing near radiators and draughts. A common failure with cyclamen is that the compost is either too dry or too wet. Water from the base if possible and always allow the compost to dry out between waterings. Flagging foliage is usually a sign of over-watering. To check if your cyclamen needs water, lift the plant. If it feels very light in its pot then it needs water. Feed with low-nitrogen liquid fertiliser every two weeks. As the flowers begin to fade, gently pull the stem from the base of the plant and remove the whole stalk from the corm. This will encourage new flowers. A few small stones in the bottom of the pot will ensure that the cyclamen does not stand in water. If your plant is supplied with a silk pot cover, please remove this before watering.

Helleborus niger ‘HGC?Gold Marie’ (Christmas Rose)

Your Christmas Rose makes a perfect houseplant. Provide bright, indirect light and a consistently cool temperature. Avoid radiators and draughts. Water carefully, avoiding the blooms, and always allow the compost to dry out before watering again. After flowering, plant your hellebore in a shady spot in the garden in deep, well-drained, moist soil. Prepare the planting hole, remove carefully from the pot, then plant firmly but avoid damaging the roots. Each spring apply a thick layer of mulch around the plant. Hellebores can be slow to establish in the border and may take two seasons until they bloom again. Also, plants do not like to be moved. The leaves and flowers can sometimes be attacked by Black Spot, a disease that causes black marks. Badly affected leaves and flowers should be cut off and disposed of and the plant sprayed with a fungicide. Flowers winter to spring. Height 30cm (12"), spread 45cm (18").

Amaryllis

Bulbs supplied loose should be planted as soon as possible. Plant individually into a pot or box (if supplied) using a good multi-purpose compost. Moisten the compost before planting so that it is damp but not soggy. Fill the container three-quarters full with compost and place the bulb on top. Fill around the bulb leaving the top half of the bulb exposed. The compost should end up at least 2.5cm (1") below the rim of the pot to allow for watering. Place the pot or basket on a bright windowsill or shelf above a radiator where the temperature does not exceed 10ºC (50ºF). Keep below this temperature to ensure strong, stout flowering plants. Water regularly while in growth. When the flower stems start to show, give an occasional feed with weak liquid fertiliser and move to the final flowering position. When the buds form, rotate the pot a little each day to keep the stems straight. When in flower, the cooler the surroundings the longer the flowering period. Remove spent flowers but leave the bulb in its pot on a windowsill where it will receive plenty of light during spring and summer. Water when the compost surface dries out and add liquid fertiliser once a month. In early autumn, move to a cooler location and stop watering. The leaves will turn brown and can be removed with sharp secateurs. After a few weeks of dormancy, bring into warmer conditions and commence watering. Soak the compost and let the surface start to dry before watering again. A bud should start to appear. Re-pot every two years following the instructions above, either when the plant is in full growth or just before coaxing the dormant bulb back into growth.

Aechmea

Provide a shady spot with filtered or artificial light and a temperature between 13-29°C (55-85°F). Water the compost thoroughly then allow it to dry out between waterings - do not add water to the centre of the plant. Don’t allow your plant to sit in water as it will rot.

African Violet (Saintpaulia)

Place in good, natural light although preferably away from direct sunlight. To water, stand the plants in a saucer and allow the water to soak into the pot. If your plants are supplied in a gold bar, add a small amount of water to the reservoir. Allow the compost to dry out slightly between waterings. Feed every 2 weeks during the flowering season with a high potash fertiliser. Remove fading flowers to encourage new buds.

Airplants (Tillandsia)

Your airplant arrangement is very easy to care for. Simply provide a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F) and a well-ventilated position indoors, with bright light but avoiding direct sun. During warmer months mist spray the plants regularly with water or specialist Tillandsia spray, especially when situated in a centrally heated room. Should your airplants become detached from the arrangement, simply stick back on with a small amount of clear multi-purpose adhesive.

Anthurium (Flamingo Flower)

Place in an area with good, bright, diffused light, but not full sun. Too much sun will bleach the centres of the leaves and may produce brown leaf tips. Keep away from radiators, draughts and avoid heat sources, which will dry it out too much. Maintain a temperature of 12-23°C (55-76°F). Keep the soil evenly moist (but not soggy) and water with room-temperature water when necessary. Frequently spray a mist of clean, warm water over your plant to keep up the humidity. Severe drying will cause leaf yellowing and loss, and will delay flower production. In the winter it should be watered only moderately and exposed to weaker direct sunlight. Feed with a liquid plant food every second time you water. Keep the leaves clean of dust by gently wiping with a damp cloth.

Azalea

Provide a warm position in a well-lit room away from full sun. Initially keep the plant well watered using tepid rainwater if possible. Use a saucer deep enough to hold 2-3cm (1”) of water at all times. If you have received small azaleas in a gold bar, simply add water to the reservoir. When the plants come into flower reduce watering but do not let the compost dry out completely. Move to a cooler position to prolong the flowering period. Plants may flower for 10 weeks and can be re-potted.

Begonia

Place your plants in a position of bright, indirect light in a temperature of approx 19-23°C (66-73°F) and avoid draughts where possible. If you have received miniature begonias in a gold bar, add a small amount of water to the reservoir and allow it to seep into the pots. If you have received a larger potted plant, add only enough water to the compost to moisten it, not soak it. Begonias are sensitive to over watering so allow the compost to dry out slightly between waterings. Flagging foliage can be a sign of over watering. Remove any faded flowers as they occur.

Cactus (Christmas - Schlumbergera / Easter - Rhipsalidopsis)

Choose a position in bright, indirect light and avoid moving the plant as this can cause bud drop. Water only moderately and maintain moderate humidity; buds may also drop if conditions are too dry. To boost performance feed with a high-potash liquid fertiliser every 4 weeks when plants are in growth. Keep plants only just moist after flowering. Plants will flower every year; you will only need to re-pot every 3 or 4 years.

Calceolaria

For best results place in bright light but indirect sunlight, and in a cool room where temperatures are close to 12°C (55°F). Keep well watered at all times and allow to dry slightly between waterings. Excessive heat or drying at any time makes them collapse quickly. Discard your plant after flowering.

Calla Lily

Place in a sunny position. Water when the top of the compost begins to feel dry, and water until excess water begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. is almost dry to touch. Apply a liquid houseplant fertiliser once a month while it is growing. Callas are grown from a tender perennial rhizome and can be planted outdoors in a pot or in the garden in early summer. They need a sunny spot and protection from frost as they don’t tolerate freezing. If planting in the garden, remove from the pot and dig a hole about 10cm (4”) deep to take the roots.

Campanula

Place in a well-lit position but not in direct sunlight. Keep the compost moist but not wet. Remove wilted flowers then plant out in the garden in partial to full sun where it will flower from spring through summer. Campanula Crown Princess is not frost tolerant and is not recommended for growing outdoors.

Chrysanthemum

Place in bright, indirect light and in a well-ventilated position. Water carefully and always allow the compost to dry out between waterings. Over watering is the most common cause of early failure. Plants are best discarded after their complete flowering period.

Dianthus

Choose a bright position indoors and water moderately. Plant in the garden after flowering for many more years of colour. Very easy to grow.

Gardenia

Place in bright, indirect light with moderate humidity. You can increase the humidity by mist spraying daily or by standing the pot in a tray of moist pebbles. It is essential to water only with soft water or rainwater. For best results apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 4 weeks while in growth. Your plant will grow for several years. If you have received miniature gardenias in a gold bar, these can be potted into larger pots after they have finished flowering.

Gentiana

Choose a bright position indoors and water moderately. Plant in the garden after flowering for many more years of colour. Very easy to grow.

Gerbera

Choose a bright sunny position such as a windowsill. Water thoroughly when the soil surface is dry to the touch, but do not overwater. Avoid getting water on the flowers or foliage.

Gloxinia

Place in good, natural light but away from direct sunlight. Keep the compost moist but don’t overwater. If your plants are supplied in a gold bar, add a small amount of water to the reservoir. Allow the compost to dry out slightly between waterings. Ideal temperatures 24-27°C (75-80°F). Remove fading flowers to encourage new buds.

Hibiscus (HibisQs)

Performs best in bright, filtered light. Ensure good ventilation and moderate humidity, and mist spray regularly. Water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 4 weeks. If your plant is allowed to dry out, bud drop will become a problem. We recommend you remove the plant from the silk pot cover before watering to avoid leakage. Plants may be grown outdoors in pots on a sheltered patio.

Hydrangea

Provide indirect sunlight and water as required. Remove the plant from its pot cover before watering to avoid leakage. The blooms last 2-4 weeks, after which the plant can easily be transplanted into the garden where it will grow up to 5 times its original size. The flower colour will vary according to the acidity of the soil it is planted in. Alkaline soil = blue flowers.

Jasmine

Place in bright but indirect light in a relatively cool room (max temperature 18°C (65°F). High temperatures will cause your plant not to flower. Water only when the top half inch of compost is dry to the touch.?You may wish to place your jasmine on a tray of pebbles. Add water to a level just below the top of the pebbles and this will create humidity around your plant. When your plant outgrows the support, wait until it has finished flowering then loosen from the frame. Prune back the stems that have flowered, cutting almost all the stem away but leaving a short spurt bearing a couple of leaves. There should be some new shoots as well, but leave these alone. This is a good time to re-pot the plant into a larger container if necessary. After potting, insert the support then wind the stems around it, tying them into the base first so there is plenty of room for more growth. Throughout spring and summer the plant will produce stems on which the next buds will form. Tie these in too. After flowering, loosen the flowered stems and prune again.

Kalanchoe (Flaming Katy) and More Flowers

Easy to grow in a well-lit position away from direct sunlight. Plants will also tolerate light shade. Water moderately when in growth and allow the compost to dry out slightly between waterings. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 3 weeks to extend the flowering season. During the winter and when not in growth, keep plants only just moist.

Lavender

Place in a sunny position indoors and keep the compost on the dry side. You can also grow it outdoors in the garden or in a patio pot. Lavenders thrive in full sun. To keep your plants neat and tidy, trim by half after the flowering season is over.

Lilies

Place the pot in a cool room until the buds begin to open. Allow the compost to dry before each watering. Remove pollen stamens to prolong flowering. After flowering do not cut the foliage, but remove the bulbs and compost as a cluster from the pot and plant into the garden. Dig a hole deep enough to cover a quarter of the foliage above the bulbs. Do not cut the foliage until it is quite yellow. Caution: poisonous to cats; pollen will stain.

Orchid

General - all orchids They thrive in bright indirect light but do not tolerate direct sunlight as this causes scorching. They require a steady temperature of approx 18-25°C (64-77°F). Please note that if you place your orchid on the windowsill behind closed curtains at night, this may result in a drop in temperature, which could harm the development of the plant. Water regularly but keep a little on the dry side rather than over-moist. Do not let your plant stand in excess water or be allowed to fully dry out. Immersing the whole pot in water for 10 minutes every 1-2 weeks is the best method. An occasional watering with rainwater will also help to avoid any build up of salts in the roots. Mist spray your plants regularly and feed every 2-3 weeks with a weak, balanced liquid fertiliser. Orchids prefer to have their roots contained within small pots. Specific information: Cymbidium Prefers cooler growing conditions with an ideal temperature of 7-10°C (45-50°F) during the winter and a maximum of 24°C (75°F) in summer. Keep out of draughts and sharp variations in temperature. In winter water every 10-14 days by flushing the pot with tepid water. In summer water 2-3 times a week if the weather is warm, or less often if the temperature is cooler. Fertiliser: apply a high nitrogen feed once a month in winter, and every 2-3 watering from spring to mid summer. When all the flowers have died, cut the stem right down leaving a 1-2” stalk. Re-pot every second year in spring. Large plants can be divided.

Dendrobium

Ideal temperature is 10-20°C (50-68°F). These orchids resent disturbance and are best kept in small containers to boost their flowering performance. Water twice a week, adding a little water to the top of the pot. Never allow the roots to stand in water as this will cause them to rot. If the atmosphere is very dry, eg in a centrally-heated home, mist your plants once a month to avoid over-drying them. From late March to September water with a half strength high nitrogen feed to boost growth, and from September to November change to half strength high potash feed to ripen the stems (canes). After flowering, simply remove the blooms - DO NOT CUT THE STEMS. Re-pot every 2 years, or as necessary, using special loose orchid compost.

Miltonia (Pansy Orchid)

Enjoys high humidity. As each flower fades and turns brown remove it gently from the flower spike. When all the flowers are over, cut off the whole spike cleanly about 3cm above the base. The orchid will then concentrate on leaf growth and should flower again the following year. Re-pot each year using orchid compost.

Oncidium

From March to September the compost should never be allowed to dry out completely. Water twice weekly and fertilise ever 2nd or 3rd watering with a high nitrogen fertiliser. From October to February, water the plants when the compost appears dried out and fertilise once a month with a high potash fertiliser. It is better to underwater as the plants can stand neglect more than over watering! Re-pot every 2-3 years using an orchid compost. The best time to repot is when the new roots are just beginning to appear at the new shoot's base.

Phalaenopsis (Moth)

Maintain a steady temperature of approx 18-25°C (64-77°F). When the last flower fades, cut off the stem leaving 2 nodes (those little brown lines on the stem below where the flowers were) on the stem. One of these nodes will then initiate and generally produce flowers within 8-12 weeks. Re-pot every 2 years.

Paphiopedilum (Lady’s Slipper)

Enjoys moderate humidity. Mist spray daily in the summer but be careful not to leave water in the centre of the plant overnight as this could cause rot. As each flower fades and turns brown remove it gently from the flower spike. When all the flowers are over, cut off the whole spike cleanly about 3cm (1”) above the base. The orchid will concentrate on leaf growth and should flower again the following year. Re-pot every year using special loose orchid compost.

Zygopetalum

Water once a week by placing in a container of tepid water until the water comes to the top of the pot. Leave for several hours. Mist spray the leaves weekly. Miscellaneous eg ‘Morning Joy’, ‘Orange Delight’ From March to September the compost should never be allowed to dry out completely. Water twice weekly and fertilise ever 2nd or 3rd watering with a high nitrogen fertiliser. From October to February, water the plants when the compost appears dried out and fertilise once a month with a high potash fertiliser. It is better to underwater as the plants can stand neglect more than over watering! Re-pot every 2-3 years using an orchid compost. The best time to repot is when the new roots are just beginning to appear at the new shoot's base. After flowering - all orchids Place the plant in a cool, light spot for about two months to allow it to rest. Water sparingly and do not feed during this time. After this period, return to normal growing conditions and steadily increase watering, adding feed to every third watering to encourage flowering. Some roots (known as aerial roots) will naturally appear outside the pot.

Passiflora

Provide bright, indirect sunlight, but keep out of draughts. The Passion Flower prefers cooler temperatures during the day, and even cooler at night. Minimum indoor temperature is about 10ºC (50°F). Water regularly to keep the soil moist at all times from January to August. Water less during dormant autumn and winter months. This is a low maintenance plant during the growing season and does not need to be deadheaded. Pruning is basically done to keep the size in check, to remove dead wood and to make the plant fuller.?Can be planted outdoors in a patio pot or in the border, providing a climbing support.

Princettia

Princettia requires a light position and can withstand direct morning sunlight. Maintain a room temperature of 17-20°C (62-68°F). Water once a week throughout autumn and winter. After flowering lightly prune the plant back by half, feed with liquid fertiliser and step up the watering to once a week throughout spring and summer. Prune back by one third after every long flush of flower. Your Princettia can flower for up to six months of the year during the colder months. If you have received miniature Princettias in a gold bar, these can be potted into larger pots after they have finished flowering. Your plant can be grown in a patio pot outdoors where it can withstand temperatures between 5-10°C (41-50°F).

Rosemary

You have been supplied with a mature 3-year-old plant. Provide plenty of light indoors until you’re able to plant your rosemary into the garden or a patio pot. Keep the humidity low and allow the plant to dry out a little between watering to prevent powdery mildew from developing. If you live in a frost-free area, you can grow rosemary in the ground year round. Provide a sandy, well-draining soil and a site in full sun. Fertilise in spring with a fish/kelp emulsion. Where the winter temperatures dip below -1°C (30°F) it is advisable to grow your plant in a container and to bring it indoors for the winter. It can be moved back outside once all risk of frost has passed. Repot at least once a year to refresh the soil. If your plant shows considerable growth or dries out very quickly, it may need repotting into a larger container.

Roses (indoor)

Provide bright, indirect light. Water regularly from the bottom but don’t over water as this is the most common cause of early failure. Try to avoid the drying effects of central heating and keep in a cool room for best results. Scented varieties may also be affected by room temperature. Remove spent blooms to encourage further flowering. Although these miniature varieties are bred to be grown indoors, they may be transferred to a sheltered garden or patio pot after flowering.

Solanum (Jerusalem Cherry) Warning: fruits are poisonous if eaten.

Requires full sun to thrive but it will survive with moderate to bright light. Mist the plant often to encourage fruits to develop and keep the compost moist to dry during the growing cycle. Feed with liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks while the plant is growing vigorously, but discontinue feeding after flowering. After the fruits have dropped, cut back drastically. In spring, when ALL danger of frost has passed, grow outside or in a cool greenhouse. Pinch back regularly to produce a well-branched plant for next winter.

Silk Flowers and Everlasting Bouquets

Your silk arrangement may have been condensed to ease transit. Simply unfold the silk stems and other decorative parts before displaying. Clean using a feather duster. In extreme cases where flowers become marked, we recommend Revitaliser Spray (available for purchase). Dried bouquets/decorations should not be placed directly on top of furniture to avoid scratching. Use a feather duster to clean.

Topiary Animals (Buxus)

These small-leaved evergreen buxus are ideal for topiary. Plant up your 9cm potted buxus into its final pot, large enough to hold the frame. Position one side of the frame over the plant and gently push the pins into the pot. Match up the other frame section, push into the pot, then clip together. Trim any growth that appears outside the frame. Grow in either sun or partial shade, but avoid constant direct sunlight. After two growing seasons the framework will be filled. After this, you can trim any growth just outside the frame, or remove the frame and trim the plant to the original shape. After a few years your buxus can be planted into the garden. Prepare the ground well before planting and incorporate lots of organic matter. Grows well in any good garden soil.

Vriesea

A position in bright, indirect light is best with temperatures 15-29°C (60-85°F). Keep humidity levels high by misting the plant with warm water. Placing a drainage dish filled with pebbles and water under the pot is also helpful but make sure the pot is not sitting directly in the water. Water with warm water regularly, cutting back on watering during the winter months.