Guide to Cut Flowers That Last Longer in Summer
Summer heat can be harsh on cut flowers, causing them to wilt and deteriorate more quickly. However, certain flowers are more resilient in warm weather and can withstand the summer conditions for longer periods. If you're looking to keep your floral arrangements fresh during the hotter months, here’s a florist guide to the best cut flowers for longevity in summer and how to care for them:
1. Sunflowers (Helianthus)
Why They Last Long: Sunflowers are known for their sturdy stems and vibrant blooms. Their large, thick petals are designed to hold up well in hot weather.
Care Tips:
Cut the stems at an angle to allow for better water absorption.
Place them in a vase with cool water, ensuring that the stem’s base is submerged completely.
Sunflowers tend to wilt quickly if they’re exposed to direct sunlight, so keep them in a cooler spot out of direct heat.
Longevity: With proper care, sunflowers can last 7 to 10 days in a vase during summer.
2. Lilies (Lilium)
Why They Last Long: Lilies are not only beautiful but also quite hardy in hot temperatures. They have a strong fragrance and large petals, which tend to last well in summer conditions.
Care Tips:
Remove any pollen from the stamens to prevent staining.
Trim the stems at an angle and change the water regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
Keep the lilies in a cool spot away from direct sunlight and drafts.
Longevity: Lilies can last 7 to 10 days or longer if the water is changed daily and the flowers are kept in cool conditions.
3. Gerbera Daisies (Gerbera jamesonii)
Why They Last Long: Gerbera daisies are a popular choice for summer bouquets because they have a long vase life and are able to hold up well to the heat. Their vibrant colors and sturdy petals make them resilient in warmer conditions.
Care Tips:
Use a clean vase with fresh, cool water.
Trim the stems daily to keep them absorbing water efficiently.
Gerbera daisies are sensitive to bacterial growth, so change the water every 2-3 days.
Longevity: Gerberas can last 7 to 10 days in summer when cared for properly.
4. Roses (Rosa)
Why They Last Long: Roses are known for their elegance and variety, and many varieties can handle summer heat better than others. Hardier varieties such as hybrid teas and floribundas tend to last longer in the heat.
Care Tips:
Cut the stems under water to prevent air from entering the stems.
Remove any leaves that will sit below the water line to prevent bacterial growth.
Keep the vase in a cool spot and change the water every 2 days.
Longevity: With proper care, roses can last up to 7 days, and sometimes longer, in the summer months.
5. Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily)
Why They Last Long: Alstroemeria is known for its long-lasting blooms and hardiness in warmer climates. These flowers have a unique structure that helps them stand up to summer heat.
Care Tips:
Trim the stems under water to allow for maximum water intake.
Remove any wilted or damaged flowers regularly to encourage new blooms.
Change the water regularly and keep the arrangement in a cool area.
Longevity: Alstroemeria can last up to 2 weeks in the summer when kept in fresh water and cool conditions.
6. Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus)
Why They Last Long: Carnations are known for their durability and longevity, even in hot weather. Their ruffled petals and sturdy stems make them perfect for summer arrangements.
Care Tips:
Trim the stems under water to avoid air entering the stems.
Remove any leaves that will sit below the water line to reduce bacteria growth.
Keep the vase in a cool area and refresh the water every 2-3 days.
Longevity: Carnations can last up to 2 weeks or more, even in the heat of summer, with regular water changes and proper care.
7. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
Why They Last Long: Zinnias are a great choice for hot weather. These flowers are hardy, colorful, and known for their long-lasting blooms in high temperatures.
Care Tips:
Cut stems at an angle and place them immediately into water.
Zinnias do well in warm temperatures but should still be kept in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
Change the water regularly to avoid bacterial growth and keep the flowers hydrated.
Longevity: Zinnias can last 7 to 10 days or longer in the summer if kept in fresh, cool water.
8. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)
Why They Last Long: Chrysanthemums are another hardy flower that does well in the heat. They come in various shapes and sizes, from pom-poms to daisies, and they can last a long time in warm weather.
Care Tips:
Cut the stems at an angle and place them in a clean vase with cool water.
Remove any leaves that will be submerged in the water to prevent bacteria buildup.
Change the water every 2 days and trim the stems to prolong the life of the blooms.
Longevity: Chrysanthemums can last up to 2 weeks, making them one of the longest-lasting flowers in summer.
9. Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Why They Last Long: Hydrangeas are well-suited for warm weather. These flowers have large, water-rich blooms that can survive longer in cooler conditions but can still last well in moderate summer temperatures.
Care Tips:
Hydrangeas drink a lot of water, so make sure the vase is full and topped up regularly.
Cut the stems at an angle and submerge the entire stem in water for about an hour after purchasing them.
Hydrangeas may benefit from having their stems placed in hot water (around 100°F/38°C) for a few seconds to help prevent wilting.
Longevity: Hydrangeas can last 5 to 7 days, with proper care, in the summer heat.
10. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Why They Last Long: Lavender is known for its hardy, aromatic flowers that thrive in warmer temperatures. It holds up well in vases and has a natural ability to preserve its beauty for extended periods.
Care Tips:
Trim the stems to the desired length and place them in a clean vase.
Lavender can do well in hot temperatures, but it should still be kept in a cool area to preserve the blooms.
Refresh the water every 2 days and trim the stems to ensure they take up water.
Longevity: Lavender can last up to 2 weeks, especially in cooler conditions, with proper water maintenance.
General Tips for Extending the Life of Cut Flowers in Summer:
Water Temperature: Always use lukewarm water for cut flowers as it helps them absorb water more effectively.
Clean Vases: Always use a clean vase to avoid introducing bacteria that can shorten the life of your flowers.
Keep Cool: Keep the flowers out of direct sunlight and away from hot air (such as near a radiator or air conditioning unit). A cool room is ideal.
Change Water Frequently: Change the water every 2 days to keep it fresh and free from bacteria.
Trim Stems: Recut the stems every couple of days to allow for better water absorption and extend their life.
By choosing the right flowers and following proper care techniques, you can enjoy beautiful cut flowers all summer long. Flowers like sunflowers, lilies, and carnations are particularly durable in the heat, making them ideal for summer arrangements. Remember that even the hardiest flowers need a little TLC, so ensure they’re placed in a cool, clean environment with fresh water to maximize their lifespan.
