When I opened the box some of the buds on the hyacinth heads were lying loose in it. the flowers appeared to be dying. I followed the instructions , trimming the stalks and immersing the bunch in water . After 4 hours some had perked up a little the rest remained droopy. By Tuesday all were nearly dead. What a disappointment, not only to me on Mother's Day but to my son and Daughter in Law who had paid for them . On a positive note , I heard that other recipient's bouquet ( of roses )was "fine" and the chocolates were delicious so I guess that I was just unlucky .