A Bouquet Story: Red Tulips & White Roses
- Admin
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
There’s something about pairing deep red Holland tulips with classic white Kenya roses that just feels timeless. Last month, I had the chance to bring that vision to life for a customer order — and honestly, it turned into a little adventure of its own.
The Hunt at the Supplier
Early morning at the flower market is always a mix of excitement and pressure. You need to move quickly because the best bunches disappear fast. I spotted these red Holland tulips still tightly closed, bundled neatly in plastic sleeves. They were fresh, crisp, and ready to bloom beautifully.
Next to them were the reliable Kenya roses — thick stems, creamy white petals, and that signature sturdy structure. Perfect partners for the tulips.
The Dash Home
Tulips are notoriously sensitive in Singapore’s heat. Even before I reached home, I noticed them starting to bloom slightly in the bag. My heart sank for a moment — too early! If they opened fully overnight, the whole effect of the bouquet would be lost.
So the trip home turned into a small race against time: no detours, no distractions, just me hurrying to get them into water and cooled down before they decided to take on a life of their own.
Prepping the Flowers
The first step: cutting every stem at a sharp 45-degree angle. That’s the golden rule — it helps flowers drink water faster. Each tulip and rose went into clean water, soaking up hydration after the trip.
Then came my favourite hack: I converted my bedroom into a “cold room.” Aircon blasting at 18°C, curtains drawn, complete darkness. Not the most glamorous setup, but it works like magic. I call it my little DIY floral spa.
And sure enough — after a few hours, something amazing happened. The tulips that had begun to open actually reversed and closed back up in the cool air. It was like nature taking a deep breath and calming down. The tension lifted — they were safe for the night.
And since we’re talking tulips… did you know they’re extra sensitive to ethylene gas from fruits like bananas and apples? If you’re curious, I actually wrote a full post on this: Why You Should Never Store Tulips Near Ripening Fruits
A Midnight Check-In
Of course, I couldn’t resist peeking in like a nervous parent. There’s a certain suspense that comes with tulips. They’re alive, unpredictable, and constantly moving. At midnight, I found them holding beautifully — tight and elegant again, just as I needed them. Relief washed over me.
The Making Day
The next morning, they were perfect. The tulips had softened into graceful curves, while the roses stood tall and calm. I began layering them together with a touch of greenery, wrapping in natural kraft paper, and tying them off neatly.
The result? A bouquet that looked both bold and graceful. The red tulips brought vibrance and movement, while the white roses offered a calming balance. Passion and serenity, all in one wrap.
Reflections
This bouquet taught me once again that floristry is never just about arranging flowers. It’s about timing, tension, and trust. Tulips especially test your patience — they bloom, they close, they shift when you least expect it. But when it works, the result feels alive in your hands.
Yes, my bedroom is back to being a bedroom again (until the next tulip order). But the little drama of this bouquet? That one’s staying with me.
FAQ
Q: Why are tulips so tricky to handle in Singapore’s climate?
A: Tulips naturally prefer cooler environments. In Singapore’s heat, they can stretch, open too quickly, or wilt if not cooled fast. That’s why I rushed home and used aircon at 18°C to keep them fresh overnight.
Q: Can tulips really close back up after starting to bloom?
A: Yes! If you catch them early enough and place them in a cool, dark environment, tulips can reverse their opening slightly and hold longer. It’s not foolproof, but it often works.
Q: Why pair red tulips with white roses?
A: The tulips bring vibrance and movement, while the roses add calm balance and structure. Together, they create a bouquet that feels both passionate and elegant.
Q: How long will tulips last once delivered?
A: With fresh water, a cool spot, and daily stem trims, tulips can last around 5–7 days in Singapore. Just remember to keep them away from ripening fruits — I explain why in this blog: Why You Should Never Store Tulips Near Ripening Fruits.
Q: Can I request tulips and roses together for my bouquet?
A: Yes! Tulips are seasonal, but whenever they’re available, we love pairing them with roses. Just reach out and I’ll let you know what’s fresh that week.
Comments