Sunflowers are a gorgeous that can add a touch of colour and joy to your home. But they need particular care once cut to stop them dropping and looking limp. Luckily, the experts at eflorist have shared their top tips for keeping cut sunflowers looking shipshape.

Expert florist David Denyer said the first thing you need to do for your cut sunflowers is trim their stems. He said: "Cut the stems at an angle to help them absorb water more efficiently. Use sharp scissors or a knife to make a clean cut. Trimming at an angle prevents the cut end from resting flat on the bottom of the vase, allowing water to flow up the stem."

The next thing to be aware of is the water level in the vase you choose. David said: "Sunflowers are thirsty flowers, so make sure the vase is filled with fresh water. Keep the water level high enough to cover the stems, but avoid submerging the flower heads themselves. Change the water every day or every other day to prevent bacterial growth, which can shorten the life of your flowers."

When it comes to where to store them, it's all about location. According to David, sunflowers like a nice cool spot in your home. He said: "To maximise the lifespan of your cut sunflowers, keep them in a cool spot, away from direct heat sources such as radiators or sunny windowsills.

Extreme heat can make them wilt faster; instead, choose a cool, well-ventilated area to keep them happy for longer."

Placing flowers in direct sunlight is the quickest way to wilt them so try and find a shaded spot.

David's third tip is to make sure you're regularly re-trimming the stems.

He said: "If you notice the sunflower heads starting to droop, simply recut the stems and put them back into fresh water. This can refresh them and provide an extra burst of hydration. Just be careful not to cut too much off at once. A couple of inches is usually enough."