Make it last!
I love having fresh flowers around the house, there is just something about waking up looking at a pretty bouquet of seasonal blooms that just brings a smile to my face. What I don’t like is going out of my budget to replace them prematurely.
With 10 plus years in the floral industry I learned the hard way which blooms can brighten up my living room….,and last enough to be worth the cost and which to avoid beyond the dinner party table. We’ll cover the most temperamental blooms next time, but here are some of the longest lasting cut flowers:
1- LILIES:
They are available in various sizes and colors and are available year round, and in many cases last longer than seven days.
Look for a bouquet with tight buds. Each stem usually produces between three and five blossoms, the last bud might not bloom for ten days after the first.
Snip the flowers that are past their prime and clean out the pollen before it turns orange and gets everywhere.
2- ANTHURIUMS
Not only they are exotic and available in so many gorgeous colors and sizes, but when handled correctly they can last for about two weeks!
3 - MINI CALLA LILLIES
Mini callas are gorgeous and add a touch of modern elegance to any design….and they can last for up to three weeks when properly cared for. YES THREE WEEKS!
4 - PROTEAS
Get your Boho Vibe going with proteas. They are hardy and unique blooms and they last for weeks!
5- RANUNCULUS
The jewel of spring! these blooms are gorgeous, delicate looking but certainly hardy lasting for 7 to 8 days, just make sure they are tightly closed when you purchase them.
6- CYMBIDIUM ORCHIDS
Exotic, sculptural and elegant …and their blooms have a vase life of two weeks!
7- THISTLE
This prickly dandelion shaped bloom can add texture and color to any arrangement. It has a vase life of 8 days in its prime but dries as is so it can be made to last looking well after its prime.
8- STOCK
Colorful, hardy, and heavily fragrant, stock can be bought fresh year round. Because the flowers grow in tight clusters, avoid stems with decaying flowers. They have a vase life of 5 to 7 days.
9- DOUBLE TULIPS
Tulips usually last about a week with regular water changes.We particularly like that they keep growing once cut.
10 - GLADIOLA
Modern and available year round gladiolus are amazing for entry way designs because of their natural stature. They hold up once cut for 10 to 14 days.
