12 Long-Lasting Flowers That Are Perfect for Bouquets
A beautiful flower arrangement brings life and happiness to any room—that is until it starts to brown and smell. Unless you have a backyard garden overflowing with bountiful blooms, chances are good that you shop at Trader Joe's or your local farmer's market to snag a selection of stems that will last you at least a few days on your countertop or desk. The good news? There are a wide variety of flowers out there that are as beautiful as they are hearty, promising many pretty days in a vase.
While proper care can extend the life of almost any type of flower, choosing blooms known for their longevity is an easy way to ensure your bouquet is around to enjoy for upward of a week or more. So, what makes a flower last longer in a vase? Several things come into play, from the flower itself and the time it's picked to the extra care it receives. Hardy varieties such as chrysanthemums, alstroemeria, and roses are celebrated for their durability, and the right preparation can extend their lifespan even more. Regardless of what type of blooms you choose, you should always trim the stems at an angle (and re-trim them every few days), remove excess foliage (especially anything below the water line), and use fresh water, replacing it every two days or so.
Below, we're rounding up 12 long-lasting flowers for bouquets to help you get the most bang for your buck. Whether you’re looking to pull together a stunning display for a special event or simply want to enjoy the charm of fresh flowers on your kitchen table, embracing longer-lasting blooms can elevate your experience and allow you to soak in the beauty of fresh flowers for days to come.
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Zinnia
Available in a wide variety of stunning color combinations (think peach, lavender, pink, orange, and more), zinnias are quirky, easy to grow, and widely accessible, making them a great option for any tabletop arrangement or giftable bouquet. Stems snipped straight from a garden or pick-your-own farm can last up to 12 days or more in a vase; those purchased from the store will usually look beautiful for at least a week.
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Gladiolus
Tall and elegant, gladiolus stems are a great way to add visual interest and height to your next bouquet. These hearty stems come in various soft pastel shades, including peach, light purple, pink, and white. Look for stems where most buds are no more than half open—this will give the blooms time to come into their full glory as part of your bouquet.
Dahlia
Arguably one of the most beloved fall flowers, dahlias are a favorite of home gardeners and florists alike thanks to their firm stems and variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, all of which make them great additions to bridal bouquets and special event arrangements. Keep in mind that dahlia buds won't open after cutting, so make sure any stems you snip or buy are in full bloom beforehand. To further increase their vase life, submerge freshly cut stems in hot water for 30 minutes to an hour before placing them in your arrangement.
Calla Lily
Sophisticated and elegant, calla lily stems can look beautiful as the only type of flower in an arrangement or as part of a more eclectic collection. While they grow in a variety of colors, you'll typically find calla lilies in white, yellow, pink, or burgundy in stores. Calla lily stems can last up to two weeks in a bouquet, especially if the water is changed regularly.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums—often referred to as "mums"—are most commonly seen as fall shrubbery, but that's not your only option. Larger varietals can often be shopped as cut flowers, offering long-term color and visual interest in your bouquets. Mums usually have lots of foliage. Make sure to remove it all to ensure your blooms last the full three weeks they're known for.
Rose
Roses may look delicate and feminine, but they're surprisingly hearty—especially when cared for properly. Choose roses with thick stems and buds that are still tight when snipped from the bush. They'll open up over the next few days, providing you with a spectacular show and a hefty dose of fragrance. Expect healthy stems to last at least a week or longer.
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Alstroemeria
A constant presence in florist bouquets and supermarket arrangements, alstroemeria flowers—also known as Peruvian lilies—are long-lasting and delicate, providing beautiful texture and color to bouquets. These lily lookalikes boast multiple blooms per stem; look for stalks that have less than half the buds open, and make sure to replenish their water frequently. These blooms are known for being thirsty!
Carnation
Carnations may get a bad reputation for being cheap or tacky, but these beautiful blooms are an essential component of any long-lasting bouquet. When purchased in a classic color (think white or pink—skip those faux-dyed options) and in large quantities, fluffy carnations can mimic the look of pricier roses or peonies. Make sure to remove any excess foliage and cut the stems on an angle fresh every few days. With proper care, these hearty buds will last three weeks or more.
Freesia
Known for their intoxicating scent, mini but mighty freesia boast an impressive vase life alongside their delicate citrusy fragrance. To get the most out of your freesias, shop for stems where about half of the buds have already opened, and place them in room-temperature water that you should replace every other day. With proper care, these beauties will last upward of 10 days.
Lisianthus
A fluttery, more delicate version of a rose, lisianthus is a lesser-known bloom that's just as hearty as some of the more popular picks on this list. Their large leaves are susceptible to rot, so make sure to strip all stems before placing them in water, where they'll last for up to 10 days. Pro tip: This is one bloom that will benefit from flower food, so feel free to utilize the little packs that come with your grocery store bouquet.
Sunflower
Associated with summer (and happiness!) it doesn't take much effort to help sunflowers make a statement—just a few stems in a vase will turn heads. Even better, this oversized bloom can last up to two weeks in a vase. The key to longevity? Freshly trimmed stems! Plan to make new cuts (on an angle) to the stems of your sunflowers every two or three days for the best chance at a long-lasting bouquet.
Coneflower
A favorite easy-to-grow perennial, coneflower is just as pretty in a vase as it is in a garden. These blooms come in a variety of punchy colors—including vibrant bubblegum pink—and can last for over a week in a fresh-cut bouquet. Bonus: These blooms will often dry out beautifully, with their spiky, cone-like center adding graphic interest to preserved arrangements.
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