A device and method that uses the application of light to retard the
wilting and spoilage of
cut flowers. The lamps used can direct focused illumination in the targeted wavelengths known to positively and optimally affect the viability of different types of
cut flowers, hi the most preferred embodiment, an LED
light source is positioned to direct light upwardly toward the flowers, either from a base structure upon which a
vase holding the flowers and having a transparent bottom surface is placed, or from a position within an opaque
vase holding flowers that is substantially below the flower stems. Optionally, light can be directed from the side or overhead, but such a configuration is not optimal. Side-by-side testing confirms that flowers exposed to the light lasted more than a week longer than those not having the added illumination.