Tulip flowers are a popular option for vases as they come in a variety of vibrant colours.
However, they are at their prettiest when they are super-fresh and not even properly sprung out – when they are all tall and straight and not drooping down and hanging over the edges of the vase.
Unfortunately, when transferring tulips into a vase, they can begin to wilt or bend which can spoil the display.
Having found this problem with her tulips, one woman took to the Gardening UK Hints and Tips Facebook page for some advice.
Barbara Cardwell asked: “What stops my tulips from drooping in a vase, please? They are looking very sad at the moment.”
Group members shared a range of suggestions, but one that many were in favour of involved a 2p coin.
Paula Williams said: “2p coin. Honestly, it works instantly.” Lisa James commented: “Definitely a copper coin. A 2p piece is ideal.”
Jill Campbell wrote: “I read on this site that someone put a 2p in the vase and they stay upright so I tried it and I don’t know how or why but it does really work.”
Christine Wood suggested: “Copper coin – preferably 2p coin. It always springs them back up. Works wonders.”
Lynne Eades said: “A 2p or 1p coin. Don’t know how it works but it does.”
Lynne also posted a picture of her tulips after a week of using a 2p coin and the tulips looked revived and healthy.
According to a spokesperson for Garden Buildings Direct, the 2p trick works well because the coins contain natural antimicrobial properties.
These properties are what prevent bacteria growth, which causes blossoms like tulips to dry up and wilt.
Other group members recommended piercing the top of the stem with a pin under the flower head to revive them.
