You know that exciting moment when you’re picking out your favorite flowers from all the options at the flower shop? Having beautiful flowers in your room brightens the atmosphere and soothes your soul.
Naturally, you want your flowers to last as long as possible, but unfortunately, some wilt after just a few days.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to flowers that tend to last longer. I’ll divide them into year-round options and seasonal blooms so you can reference this.
I’ll also suggest some non-fresh floral interior decorations, so please stick with me until the end.
This article is perfect for you if:
- You want to enjoy life with flowers
- You want to know how to cut flowers to last longer
- You’re interested in long-lasting floral items
Contents
How to Identify Long-Lasting Flowers:
There are differences in freshness even within the same variety. It would be nice to ask the shopkeeper which flowers are the freshest, but that’s not always easy.
That’s when knowing tips for spotting fresh flowers comes in handy. I’ve summarized some relatively easy-to-identify points here. Observe the flowers next time you’re at the shop.
Choosing the right shop is essential:
Most flowers will be vibrant and lively in a good flower shop that manages its cut flowers well. However, some shops don’t do so well.
So you might want to take a quick look around the shop and check the overall condition of the flowers.
Check the flowers and their sepals:
First, check the petals. Ensure they aren’t faded, dried around the edges, or translucent near the base.
Fully opened flowers are at their peak, but they will wilt quickly. If you want them to last longer, choose flowers just beginning to bloom.
Beware of tight buds:
Tight buds may not get enough water and nutrients and may wither without blooming. It’s better to choose flowers with buds that are starting to swell.
Also, check the small green sepals beneath the flower. Fresh ones will firmly support the flower from below.
Avoid those that are curled or blackened. Comparing the same varieties will make the differences easier to spot.
Check the leaves and stems too:
Leaves are another easy way to gauge freshness. Make sure they’re lush, brightly colored, and crisp. Flowers with yellowish leaves or drooping at the bottom won’t last long.
The sturdiness of the stem is another checkpoint. If a flower that’s supposed to stand straight tilts due to its weight, it’s a sign of weakness.
Some flowers (like gerberas, calla lilies, and cockscomb) have stems that rot quickly. But don’t give up on them just yet!
The bottom part of the stem is more likely to rot, so keep cutting until the rotten part is gone. If you see a white stem, there’s still a good chance it’ll soak up water again.
When arranging flowers in a vase, use clean water and change it frequently.
Check the water in the container:
Clean water in the flower container indicates they’ve been well cared for. Shops using glass containers that allow you to see the water inside might be more trustworthy.
Buy flowers on their delivery day
Flower markets have specific days for different types of flowers. For example, cut flowers are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while potted plants are sold on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Find out the schedule for your local flower market, or ask your local florist directly. Fresh flowers will be displayed in the afternoon of the delivery day, which is a great time to shop for a wide variety of beautiful flowers.
If cut flowers are delivered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the flowers displayed on Sundays are already two days old. If possible, consider buying on Monday for longer-lasting flowers.
Long-Lasting Flower Varieties
While choosing flowers based on your mood is nice, knowing some long-lasting varieties can be helpful.
You can enjoy different combinations of fresh flowers by replacing only wilted flowers. Base your arrangements on long-lasting flowers for a fresh look.
We’ll introduce you to flowers that can be purchased year-round, those that evoke the season, have impressive appearances and can be enjoyed as dried flowers. Use this information as a reference when buying flowers at a florist.
Year-round classic flowers
Carnations are often associated with Mother’s Day but are available throughout the year. Choose ones that haven’t fully opened yet since they’ll bloom slowly.
Standard single-bloom carnations come in various colors, while spray carnations have multiple small blooms on branching stems, adding volume.
Orchids are also long-lasting flowers. There are various types, like Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, Oncidium, Dendrobium, and the round-petaled Mokara.
Chrysanthemums (mums) are another recommended choice due to their many types. Spray mums, particularly, are increasingly fancy and have a western feel.
Tips for handling chrysanthemums
Most plants should be cut with scissors, but chrysanthemums should be slightly twisted and broken by hand. This releases fibers in the stem, allowing them to absorb water better.
Unique And Attractive Flowers
Anthuriums are flat and come in white, pink, red, green, and even near-black colors. These tropical flowers maintain their shape for a long time.
Curcuma, another tropical flower, has small varieties often used in arrangements and bouquets. Their unique stacked appearance is eye-catching.
Gloriosa lilies have luxurious, attention-grabbing blooms with red and yellow petals that curl outward. They have multiple flowers on long stems that bloom from the bottom up, allowing you to enjoy them for a long time.
Alstroemerias (Lily of the Incas) have voluminous, lily-like blooms on a single stem. Remove the yellow, pollen-bearing anthers to prolong their life as soon as possible.
Easily recognizable flowers
Pincushions resemble pin cushions filled with pins. Flowers appear to be stamens, which feel like plastic when touched. They have a long vase life and are suitable for dried flowers.
Flowers suitable for dried arrangements
Statice flowers come in vibrant shades of blue, yellow, pink, purple, and red. Their low water content allows them to retain their color as dried flowers.
Gypsophila has numerous tiny white flowers, creating a soft and gentle atmosphere. They can easily transition from fresh to dried flowers and look stylish in any setting.
Leucadendrons are popular native flowers with modified leaves called bracts that look like flowers. They come in single, spray, and pinecone-like types.
Both the stems and bracts are firm, and their appearance doesn’t change much, even when dried.
Summer Hydrangeas and Fall-colored Hydrangeas
To prepare hydrangeas for arrangements, split the stem, fold one half, and remove the white pith from the other half. This helps with water absorption. Fall hydrangeas are available until November and can be dried for long-lasting decoration.
Long-lasting Flowers to Enjoy in Summer
Cut flowers that continue to bloom during the hot season when long-lasting flowers are scarce are highly valued. Sunflowers are one example, with easily arranged sizes and popular chic-colored varieties.
Although they may seem heat-resistant, they last longer when displayed in a cool area. When changing the water, make sure to rinse off any sliminess on the stem.
Gladiolus has an impressive presence with its tall, slender stems and vibrant, abundant blooms. The flowers bloom from the bottom up, and depending on the season, they can be enjoyed for about a week to ten days.
Larkspurs are also summer flowers, with 3-5 blooms per stem. Varieties and colors are abundant, from delicate single-petal blooms to showy double-petals and large, frilly petals.
Popular Branching Plants
The mountain laurel, which blooms small white flowers in early summer, is available from May to October. Its beautifully spreading branches are its charm, offering new buds in May and lush leaves in summer and fall. If you can manage proper water absorption, the leaves should last about a month while still green.
Flowers Blooming from Early Winter to Spring
Christmas roses have charming, downward-facing blooms. While single-petal varieties are common, there are also many double-petal varieties and a rich color selection.
They are popular as both cut flowers and potted plants. Speaking of winter potted plants, the beautiful red-leaved poinsettia comes to mind.
It has recently become more common as a cut flower, with single and double-petal varieties. It’s a good idea to search for them at your local florist.
Spring flowers like anemones, tulips, and buttercup are available as cut flowers from winter.
They have a unique characteristic of opening their petals as the day brightens and closing them in the evening or on rainy days. These flowers create a soft, bright atmosphere, perfect for lifting spirits.
Be Careful When Arranging Pansies
Although pansies are often associated with potted plants, they are also available as cut flowers from December to March. The stems of these cut flowers can be 12-15 inches (30-40 cm) long but are thin and not very strong. Therefore, when arranging, it’s a good idea to place cushioning greenery between them and other flowers.
Making Cut Flowers Last Longer
Arranging cut flowers you’ve purchased at a florist in a vase at home is one of the joys of flower care. It’s fun to get creative with the balance between different flowers and deciding which vase to use.
You can keep things fresh and interesting by changing the vase or moving the arrangement to another spot in your home.
Most general care tips are the same during some variations in care depending on the type of cut flowers.
Putting in a little extra effort can keep your flowers looking beautiful longer. Here are some tips for arranging your flowers in a vase and maintaining them afterward.
Preparation before arranging in a vase
Once you unwrap your flowers, start by removing any unnecessary leaves. Leaves submerged in water can rot over time, promoting bacterial growth.
Removing excess leaves also prevents moisture buildup and allows water to reach the main flowers more easily.
Next, cutting the stems’ tips underwater will help the flowers absorb water. Cut the stems diagonally, not horizontally, to maximize the water-absorbing surface area. Use sharp scissors to prevent crushing the stem ends.
Choose the right spot for your flowers
Cut flowers don’t do well in hot temperatures or direct sunlight. Avoid placing them near windows; instead, opt for a cool, moderately bright spot. Be mindful of airflow, as air conditioning can dry out flowers, while high humidity can cause them to wilt.
Daily care
Change the water daily in the summer and every 2-3 days in the winter. Clean the vase thoroughly to prevent bacterial growth, which will help your flowers last longer.
Remove any discolored petals or wilted leaves. Keep the water level in the vase low to avoid stem damage; the bottom an inch (2-3 cm) of the stem submerged in water is sufficient.
However, less water means the flowers may use it more quickly, and the water can become dirty faster. Check the water daily and adjust as needed.
Adjust for specific flowers
Some flowers, like hydrangeas and peonies, absorb water better. However, if the water level is too low, the flowers may struggle to take in water, so use more water for these types. For flowers with branches, split the stem vertically to help them absorb more water and provide a deeper water level.
Using flower preservatives can also help prolong the life of your cut flowers. Choose a size that suits your usage frequency, from small single-use packs to large bottles.
Be cautious when using preservatives with copper, brass, or stainless steel vases, as they may corrode.
Consider Alternative Floral Materials
While I’ve shared tips for cutting flowers to last longer, if you’re looking for even longer-lasting options, consider non-fresh floral materials.
These require minimal daily care, such as dusting, and can serve as long-lasting decorative flowers in your home.
Besides fresh flowers, there are many other kinds of flower materials. Here, we’ll talk about fresh flowers that have been dried or preserved, as well as artificial and soap flowers that look like fresh flowers.
Transformed Dried and Preserved Flowers from Fresh Flowers
Dried flowers, made from fresh flowers that have been dried, often have calming colors and unique appearances.
Swags made from dried flowers (wall decorations) are particularly popular, and many pieces are available for sale.
Placing just a few stems in a vase can create an eye-catching interior. In addition, the use of these materials offers exciting design opportunities.
Preserved flowers, made from fresh flowers and specially treated to last longer, have a small and elegant vibe. Since they are made using dyes, many colors are available.
You can enjoy different color combinations than fresh flowers, with options like chic, vivid colors or multicolored petals.
Various products are available, from vibrant flower arrangements to framed arrangements that can be displayed upright.
Pay Attention to Where You Display
Both dried and preserved flowers are delicate materials. To avoid mold growth or dye leakage, keep them away from hot and humid locations. Also, placing them away from direct sunlight or intense light can help prevent fading.
Longer-lasting Artificial and Soap Flowers
Artificial flowers are made to resemble fresh flowers. Many look so realistic that they can even be mistaken for fresh flowers up close.
There are also unique sizes and designs that fresh flowers don’t have. You can create various shapes with wired stems; many arrangements are available for decorating walls and furniture.
Soap flowers, on the other hand, are made from soap. Some of these look so realistic that they can also be mistaken for fresh flowers.
The advantage of soap flowers is that they offer both beauty and fragrance. By avoiding hot and humid places that can cause deformation, you can enjoy these arrangements for years.
Some can even be used as soap or bath additives, making them great gifts.
How to Determine When to Dispose
For both artificial and soap flowers, the timing to discard them is when their appearance deteriorates. However, this is subjective, and the deterioration process is slow. By displaying them in a dust-resistant location and regularly maintaining them, they can last for years.
In Summary
While visiting a flower shop to choose flowers is enjoyable, you might consider selecting longer-lasting flowers if you can’t visit often.
Various types are available, including all-year-round, seasonal, and uniquely shaped flowers. Picking the best-looking flowers from the flower shop and adequately maintaining them at home will help them last even longer.
If you are looking for flowers that can be displayed longer, try looking at things other than fresh flowers. Consider each type’s characteristics when selecting the flowers you want to incorporate into your life.
Key Takeaways of the article:
- Carefully observe the condition of flowers at the flower shop and choose those that last longer.
- It’s recommended to remember the longer-lasting varieties.
- If you want to display flowers even longer, consider incorporating non-fresh flower materials into your selection.