We recommend that you remove all lower foliage as not to leave any below the water line.
Foliage is attractive but it deprives blooms from important hydration.
Especially with flowers such as lilacs and astilbe that have a hard time drinking water. Always use a clean vase filled with warm to hot water. Use a floral preservative that is available from Engwall Florist . Cut bulb flowers are the only exception, these stems do not require a preservative. As you design your flowers, always give stems a fresh cut before placing them in the vase.