Choosing a vase. In a tall vase of 30cm to 45cm, use it close to full length so the blossom floats above the rim. On a console, cut it down so the arrangement stands about one and a half times the vessel's height.

How many? Three stems angled apart look best. The branches reach outwards, so allow for the spread.

Small clustered blossoms in a muted pinky brown rather than a bright spring pink, spaced along the branch so the gaps are part of its shape.

Bare brown stem, as real blossom flowers before the leaves, with a bendable wire core so the branches can be opened out. The bare lower section can be trimmed. For indoor use only.

Dust with a hairdryer on cool, handle the fine blossoms gently, and never stand it in water. Cut with secateurs or wire cutters rather than scissors. Keep it out of strong direct sun, as soft pink fades faster than green.

It arrives with the branches compressed. Bend the side shoots outwards after unpacking.

Place three stems in a tall, dark vase, angled so the branches cross and lean gently outwards. Pair it with green faux foliage rather than more flowers.

Set it against a plain wall, ideally deeper in tone than the blossom, and near a table lamp so each cluster is outlined in the evening.

It ships as a long parcel. Current timescales and charges are on our delivery page. See also our returns and guarantees pages.