The hidden costs of cheap flowers

8 November 2023

Who hasn’t been tempted by cheap flowers? Supermarkets and online flower retailers lure us in with budget-friendly bouquets, but if you dig a little deeper, the value of these “bargains” becomes questionable. While the initial cost may seem appealing, you’re often sacrificing quality, freshness, and longevity. Cheap flowers are typically mass-produced, bought in bulk, and transported over long distances in refrigerated trucks, which impacts their overall quality and lifespan.


Buying flowers from a trusted Christchurch florist like Fleur by DK, however, ensures that you’re getting fresh, carefully selected blooms sourced from local markets and growers. Unlike mass-produced flowers, florist-bought blooms are handled with care and are intended to offer longer-lasting beauty and impact.


Signs of cheap flower quality

Cheap flowers may look attractive at first glance, but their flaws become apparent rather quickly. Here are some tell-tale signs of low-quality flowers:


1. Wilting or drooping stems

Cheap flowers often have weak or drooping stems that struggle to support the weight of the flower head. This drooping is a sign of poor hydration, structural weakness, or improper handling during transportation. These stems are often yellow or brown, lacking the vitality to stay upright in a vase.


In contrast, Fleur by DK’s florist-quality flowers have firm, green stems that are expertly cut and arranged to maximize hydration, longevity, and vibrancy. When you buy from a florist, you can trust that the flowers are crafted to maintain their structure and beauty.


A bunch of flowers on a table with one that says love

2. Crispy, discoloured petals

Cheap flowers often display signs of stress, such as crispy or discoloured petals, especially on delicate blooms like roses or lilies. These flowers may have endured rough handling, exposure to extreme temperatures, or inadequate watering, resulting in a tired, aged appearance.


Fleur by DK selects only the freshest, most vibrant blooms from local markets and growers. Each bouquet is closely monitored for freshness to ensure that every petal is smooth, bright, and evenly coloured. When you buy from a florist, you’re guaranteed flowers that look fresh and beautiful for much longer.


3. Lack of fragrance and scent

One of the most noticeable aspects of cheap flowers is their lack of fragrance. Commercially grown flowers are often selected for their visual appeal and longevity, not their scent. Growers frequently prioritise bloom size and disease resistance over fragrance, meaning that many supermarket flowers lack the characteristic scent we associate with fresh blooms.


At Fleur by DK, our florists believe that scent is an essential part of the floral experience. Our flowers are chosen for their fragrance as well as their beauty, creating a multi-sensory experience with every bouquet. When you step into our Christchurch store, you’re greeted by a rich tapestry of natural floral scents, a delight for the senses that online and supermarket flowers simply can’t replicate.


A bunch of flowers are wrapped in white paper

The true value of florist flowers: quality, freshness, and expertise

When you choose Fleur by DK, you’re not just buying flowers—you’re investing in quality, expertise, and a bouquet designed to last. Our flowers aren’t just fresh and vibrant; they’re hand-picked for their seasonality, sustainability, and beauty. Our creative team considers each bouquet a work of art, custom-crafted to suit your occasion, whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or simply a treat for yourself.


Each bouquet is thoughtfully arranged to ensure maximum longevity, with flowers that are conditioned to last longer than typical store-bought blooms. Our florists understand the intricate needs of each flower type and apply expert techniques to bring out the best in every arrangement.


Why choose Fleur by DK for your Flower needs?

Opting for flowers from a professional florist means enjoying blooms that are curated with care, handled with expertise, and crafted to last. Our flowers are sourced locally whenever possible, ensuring freshness and minimizing the environmental impact of transportation. Plus, our skilled florists create each arrangement to highlight the beauty of each bloom, creating an experience that supermarket flowers simply cannot match.


When you choose Fleur by DK in Christchurch, you’re guaranteed:


  • Long-lasting freshness: Our flowers are selected for their quality and conditioned to last.
  • Personalised design: Every arrangement is crafted with your preferences and style in mind.
  • Exceptional fragrance and beauty: Experience the rich, natural scent of fresh flowers as they were meant to be enjoyed.
  • Professional care and handling: Our florists apply expertise to maximize the beauty and longevity of every bloom.


Discover the difference with Fleur by DK in Christchurch

If you’re ready to experience the true value of florist-quality flowers, we invite you to visit our Merivale store in Christchurch. Let us help you select the perfect bouquet for any occasion, crafted with care, skill, and passion. At Fleur by DK, we’re proud to bring the best in fresh flowers, quality arrangements, and memorable experiences to every customer.


You’re not just buying a bunch of flowers; you’re investing in a product that brings lasting beauty, joy, and luxury to your life. Say goodbye to the hidden costs of cheap flowers and experience the difference that a professional Christchurch florist can make.


📍 Visit Us: 2A/186 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch
📞 Call: 03 355 0464
💻 Learn More or Order Online

A vase filled with pink and purple flowers is sitting on a table.

Floral design for business events: style, strategy, and seasonal beauty

by Simon Mullinger • 23 June 2025
When it comes to creating memorable events, nothing transforms a space quite like expertly chosen floral arrangements. Whether you're planning an intimate celebration or a grand corporate gathering, the right flowers elevate your corporate event from ordinary to extraordinary. Selecting the perfect flowers requires the careful consideration of multiple factors that come together to create a cohesive, stunning display. Understanding your event's unique requirements As an award-winning flower shop in Christchurch, Fleur by DK has been recognised for our creative flower displays and arrangements, but our success relies on our ability to connect with our clients on a human level. Every successful event begins with truly understanding the atmosphere you wish to create and how you want the flowers to make the attendees feel . The type of celebration you're hosting is the greatest influence on your floral options, from the scale of arrangements to the specific varieties that will best complement the occasion. Flowers for formal events For formal occasions like corporate launches, awards ceremonies, or business conferences, the choice of flowers should reflect elegance and professionalism and be brand appropriate. Orchids are a Christchurch business flower favourite, often recommended as these exotic blooms ooze sophistication and yet have an impressive longevity. When paired with structured tropical foliage, such as anthuriums or sleek line flowers, they create eye-catching arrangements that enhance the setting without distracting from the event’s purpose. Purple irises, which symbolise wisdom, can also be a thoughtful addition, subtly reinforcing brand values while adding a touch of colour to reception areas or stage displays. Flowers for casual events Casual corporate events, such as team-building days, office birthdays, client socials, or milestone celebrations, allow for a more relaxed and creative approach to floral styling. These occasions are ideal for incorporating personal touches that reflect company culture or the interests of the team. Think flowers with vibrant colour palettes , playful arrangements, Instagrammable walls, or blooms that tie into the event’s theme. For example, a summer BBQ might call for bright sunflowers and bold tropicals, while a laid-back networking evening could feature simple, seasonal posies in jars for a welcoming, informal vibe. 
A living room with a couch and a glass coffee table with a vase of flowers on it.

Fresh flowers for beautiful interiors: the art of styling your space

23 May 2025
It will be no surprise to learn that as one of Christchurch’s best florists, Fleurs by DK relish how our beautiful fresh flowers have the capacity to effortlessly transform a space. Beyond their natural beauty and fragrance, our thoughtfully curated arrangements elevate a home's interior design style. We've helped countless homes bloom through carefully curated arrangements. Here's how you can capture the power of flowers to transform your living spaces. Create striking first impressions Your hallway sets the tone for your entire home. A statement arrangement on a foyer table welcomes guests with colour, fragrance, and style. For maximum impact, consider a seasonal display that changes with the calendar – seasonal bright flowers in September or festive Christmas flowers in December. Many clients use our flower delivery Christchurch service to ensure their entrance makes a statement – is there anything more pleasing than coming home to beautiful fresh flowers? Add living texture to any room Where furniture and décor provide structure, flowers add organic movement and texture. A thoughtfully positioned flower arrangement softens angular furniture pieces and complements existing textiles. For living rooms, fuller arrangements with varied heights and textures add vitality. For dining tables, lower arrangements allow comfortable conversation while still adding elegance. At Fleurs by DK, our professional florists craft flower arrangements specifically designed to enhance your home's unique aesthetic. Transform awkward spaces Every home has challenging corners or nooks that resist traditional décor solutions. These spaces are perfect for placing flowers. A tall, sculptural arrangement can fill an empty corner, while smaller posies bring life to bathrooms or bedside tables. Our flower shop in Christchurch specialises in creating custom arrangements for these often-overlooked spaces. 
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