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Short answer: lilies arrive in bud on purpose and open over two to three days, which makes them last longer than a bouquet delivered fully open. Lift out the orange pollen as each flower opens, because it stains badly, and give them a well-ventilated spot — the scent is strong.
Oriental lilies and stargazers
A stargazer is a type of oriental lily. It faces upward instead of nodding, and it is the deep speckled pink one with white edges. White oriental lilies are quieter and more formal — the most requested lily for weddings and for condolences.
Why do they arrive closed?
By design. One stem carries three to five buds that open one after another, so the arrangement keeps renewing itself for days rather than peaking on day one. If you want something fully open at the moment of handover, roses or gerberas are the better choice.
The pollen
As each flower opens, orange anthers appear loaded with pollen that stains clothes and tablecloths and does not wash out easily. Lift them out with a tissue as soon as they appear; the flower still looks right afterwards, and it lasts slightly longer too.
If pollen does land on fabric, don't wipe it with water. Lift the powder off with the edge of a piece of sticky tape, or let it dry and then brush it away.
Scent: a gift or a burden
Oriental lily scent is powerful and fills a whole room. That is wonderful in a large living room or an entrance hall, and heavy in a small bedroom or a closed hospital room. When you are sending to a patient, choose something more lightly scented or make sure the room is well ventilated.
Care
- Trim two centimetres off the stem at an angle and strip the lower leaves.
- Change the water every two days — lilies mind cloudy water more than most flowers.
- Pinch out each spent flower so the stem stays tidy while the remaining buds open.
- Keep them away from fruit, which makes them open and fade faster.
When to send lilies
White lilies are the choice for weddings & engagements, and for condolences when the arrangement stays white and quiet. Pink stargazers suit congratulations and any occasion that can carry a stronger colour.
Because lilies are tall and need a steady water level, vase arrangements suit them best. Areas and timings are on the delivery page.
Quick answers
Are lilies appropriate for condolences?
Yes — white lilies in particular, within a quiet all-white arrangement.
How long do they last?
Usually at the top of the normal four-to-seven-day range, because the buds open one after another.
What do I do about pollen stains?
Don't use water. Lift the powder off with the edge of sticky tape, or let it dry completely and brush it away.
