Abstract: Apparatus for processing cut flowers or similar articles, comprises a stand formed with an opening for receiving the stems of a bunch of the cut flowers or other articles; an elastic band holder underlying the opening and movable to either an open position or to a closed position; a drive for moving the elastic band holder first to its closed position for receiving the elastic band, and then to its open position for stretching the elastic band to enclose the bunch of stems received through the opening in the stand; and a stripper member for stripping the elastic band from the holder onto the stems inserted through the opening.