A New Technique for Wiring Stubborn Ranunculus Stems

As a floral designer, I'm always looking for new ways to style and arrange flowers. One of the trickiest parts can be wiring stems so the blooms hold their shape. Ranunculus, in particular, often have stiff, branching stems that can be difficult to thread wire through. Recently, I discovered a simpler method for wiring stubborn ranunculus that avoids struggling with those tough sections.

Bypassing Problem Areas

The traditional way to wire ranunculus involves inserting the wire from the bottom of the hollow stem and guiding it up through the entire length. However, as the stems branch off and foliage grows in, it becomes nearly impossible to push the wire past those points. That's where this new technique comes in - it allows you to bypass any closed-off areas entirely.

Inserting Wire Directly Through the Bloom

Rather than starting at the bottom, take your wire and insert it straight through the center of the ranunculus head. Hold the bloom gently and guide the wire through using just your fingers. Push it about 4-6 inches into the stem below the flower. This provides ample structure and support without having to thread all the way to the bottom. It's a quick and easy fix when standard wiring isn't an option.

The Results Speak for Themselves

I was amazed at how well this method works. With just a short section of wire placed up top, the blooms hold their shape beautifully during arrangements. It makes wiring significantly faster and less frustrating too. No more struggling to push wire past tight stem intersections. Give it a try next time you have stubborn ranunculus - I think you'll be pleased with the results.

FAQs

Do I still need to wire all the way to the bottom?

No, with this technique you only need to insert the wire about 4-6 inches into the stem below the bloom. That provides enough structure without having to thread the entire length.

What if the bloom is too small or delicate?

For smaller blooms that may be fragile, use a very thin wire or florist tape wrapped around the stem instead of inserting a wire directly through the flower.

Will the blooms still last as long arranged this way?

Yes, tests have shown the blooms will maintain their shape and last just as long in arrangements wired with this upper-stem method versus traditional full-length wiring.

Can you show a video of this technique being done?

Yes, you can find a video demonstration on my TikTok account @flowermoxie or YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/flowermoxie