The Longest Lasting Cut Flowers

Whether you're looking to start a garden of your own, or just wondering which variety of farmer's market flower bunches to buy, knowing which varieties are the longest lasting cut flowers might help sway your decision. When properly maintained, a fresh bouquet of flowers can bring beauty to your space for up to two weeks. Choosing blooms with a reputation for longevity will help you make the most of your floral arrangements.

The Longevity of Celosia

One of the longest lasting cut flowers is celosia. Though this variety of flower comes in many different shapes and sizes, the longevity of this bloom is something you can count on.

Celosia is commonly found in three different forms: plume, cockscomb and wheat. Available in a rainbow of stunning colors, celosia can add striking beauty and visual interest to any floral arrangement.

As with most any cut flower, one way to increase the longevity of celosia once it has been cut is to frequently change the water in your vase or floral vessel. Doing so will help minimize the chance of rotting stems and maximize this flower's beauty.

The image below illustrates one of the ways we've incorporated celosia into our subscription and daily delivery arrangements. As you can see, this bloom is extremely versatile.

The Longevity of Ranunculus

When it comes to the longest lasting cut flowers, we'd be remiss not to mention ranunculus. This darling of the cut flower world blooms with delicate ruffled petals and its scent is reminiscent of citrus. Available in varying shades of cream, yellow, apricot, pink, orange, red and burgundy, ranunculus is a show-stopping addition to any bouquet or arrangement.

When it is cut at the right time, a ranunculus bloom can last up to twelve days. Trimming cut stems at a 45° angle and placing them in lukewarm water will give these flowers the best chance to remain beautiful for an extended time.

Here at Wheels 2 Fields Flower Farm, we love designing with ranunculus blooms. The image below shows how we've designed arrangements around this species of flower.

 

The Longevity of Lisianthus

You may not have heard of lisianthus, but you might recognize the tender bloom of this species. With a vase life of more than ten days, lisianthus holds its own among the longest lasting cut flowers.

There are some simple steps you can follow that will help ensure your cut lisianthus blooms enjoy a long vase life. One thing you'll want to do is trim any leaves that fall below the water line. Replacing the water every couple of days (or when it gets cloudy) will also help your flowers last longer.

The Longevity of Sunflowers

Sunflowers have more to offer than big, cheerful blooms. This popular species is among the longest lasting cut flowers with a typical lifespan of about ten days. Sunflowers are available in several shades and sizes and make an excellent addition to arrangements.

To maximize the life of these blooms, you'll want to cut off any foliage below the waterline. In addition to keeping the water fresh, some people report success with adding a teaspoon of sugar and a couple drops of bleach.

The Longevity of Garden Roses

Garden roses are among the most well-loved and recognized flowers across the world. Depending upon its color, this bloom is known to symbolize a range of emotion, from romantic love to deep friendship. That association, perhaps, is what makes this such a popular choice not only for floral arrangements, but also bridal bouquets.

As with other cut flowers, roses benefit from plenty of cool, fresh water. Cutting any leaves below the surface of the water will deter bacterial growth. It's also a good idea to place cut roses away from direct sunlight as they will last longest (around seven days) when kept in a cool area.

 

The Longevity of Zinnias

Zinnias are a popular choice for cut flower gardens because they are one of the easiest flowers to grow in many climates. That, together with their beauty, makes them a popular choice for bouquets.

When properly cared for, you can expect cut zinnias to last about five days. In addition to ensuring your flowers have plenty of fresh water, it's a good idea to place your cut zinnias away from fruits or vegetables that release ethylene gas, including: apples, bananas, melons, stone fruits and tomatoes. The ethylene vapors will cause your zinnias to wilt more quickly.

 With just a little bit of TLC, your cut flower arrangements will bring beauty and color to your space for up to two weeks, especially when you choose blooms with a reputation for long vase life.