10 long-lasting cut flowers (and tips on keeping them for longer)

Even the prettiest and brightest blossoms will eventually wither and fade away, but you can enjoy their beauty for much longer if you create floral decorations and arrangements using cuttings from the longest-surviving flower varieties.

What cut flowers last the longest? Reality is, this varies, according to the weather seasons and other conditions. Generally, common varieties of chrysanthemums, carnations, gerberas, orchids and alliums can survive after being cut, for a good 21 to 28 days.

The longevity of cut flowers depends on how they are cut, the water quality, tools used to cut, and other steps reflective of florist care standards. The blooms will last longer and remain stunning for weeks if you shower it with a little tender loving care.

Here at Flower Nation, your preferred online flower shop Malaysia, we have consolidated a list of 10 of the longest-lasting cut flowers with the best vase life, and also some expert tips on how to keep them looking fresh and good.

10 Longest-lasting cut flowers

Allium

These tall bulbous flowers typically last 14-21 days in the vase. They commonly come in shades of purple, blue and white. Because of their formidable height, they pair beautifully with shorter flower stalks like tulips and carnations, with the ability to fill the gaps in the arrangements. Alliums bloom most gorgeously in springtime.

Carnation

Not just ‘the mother’s day flower’, carnations are romantic and frilly, and last around 21 days after being cut. While pink carnations are the most common, they too come in other colours like orange, white, red and yellow.

Carnations are stunning on their own, but they also readily pair with most mass or filler flowers, such as roses, gerberas and ranunculus.

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums, otherwise known simply as mums flowers, can live up to 28 days after being cut and stored. Yellow and white mums are most often seen (and used), but they too come in fancy shades of bronze, pink and purple.

Their versatile petal shapes, resembling spiders or pompoms (depending on the size of the bloom) allows them to complement other whimsical flowers such as pansies, daisies and white hydrangea. 

Freesia

Flowers don’t get more fantastical than the charming freesias. They can last around 10 – 16 days, in particular the heavily fragrant yellow and white varietals can survive for slightly longer.

Freesias make perfect pairings with tulips, daffodils and hyacinths in an arrangement, just right for spring displays. The stunning freesias usually appear in darker hues of red, yellow, white and purple.

Gerbera Daisy

There’s the word ‘daisy’ in it but gerberas are actually a different varietal of flowers. In fact, gerbera daisies are one of the most popular cut flowers, lasting up to 21 days, and they come in bright shades of pink, red, orange, yellow and white.

Gerbera daisies represent kindness and gratitude, and they pair well with many other flower types, including lilies, ranunculus and roses, to create loving and lovely arrangements.

Lily

These delicate, timeless flowers are able to last 10 – 14 days after being cut, and are most commonly seen in shades of white, pink, yellow and orange. If you are able to, choose lilies with stems that are slightly open at the lower buds area, as these blooms can be prolonged.

When it comes to arranging lilies, consider pairing them with more striking focal flowers like tulips and irises, for a balance in the aesthetics.

Orchid

Orchids normally survive for 14 – 21 days after being cut, and typically come in white, purple, pink, yellow and blue. Make orchids at the centre of your flower gifts arrangement by pairing them with lilies or freesias, for a softer, more contemporary look. 

Ranunculus

Ranunculus, with their dainty rose-like blooms, comes in beautiful and bold shades of peach, cream, yellow, red and orange. They normally last up to 7 days. With their unique shape and look, they complement well with other soft flower heads, such as roses and peonies in an arrangement.

Rose

The flower of love. Roses are a most popular type of cut flower, commonly appearing in red and pink, but also available in other shades like white and purple. They typically last for 11 – 14 days after being cut.

Because roses are stunning on their own, they look best in clean and simple arrangements. If including them in an arrangement, consider pairing your stalks of roses with lilies or pale varieties of alstroemeria and chrysanthemum.

Sunflower

Big, bright and sunny, sunflowers last between 12 – 14 days when freshly cut. They usually appear with golden yellow petals, but the colours can range from bronze to orange and red. Pair them with similarly bright blooms, such as irises, chrysanthemums, roses or chamomile, for vibrant seasonal floral decorations.

Tips on keeping cut flowers fresh and good in a vase

Here are 4 pro-tips to consider when keeping and arranging cut flowers in a vase, to get them to stay fresh for longer, and look beautiful.

1. If taking garden flower cuttings, take snippings around early morning. That is the time when flowers have had the benefit of cool night air and morning dew, and the stems are well-hydrated and firm to the touch. This will help them recuperate for a little longer when in the vase.
2. Cut an inch or so from the stems at a 45-degree angle to create a fresh water opening. Regular household scissors are not the best choice to use to trim, as the blunt blades may damage the stem’s vascular system, preventing water uptake. Always use strong pruning shears if possible.
3. Keep flowers out of direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators and air vents that could dehydrate the blooms. Also, keep your vase away from fruit bowls, as fruit releases high levels of ethylene gas which speeds up flower ageing.
4. Snip off any leaves that sit below the waterline with shears to prevent rot from setting in. Also, change the vase water daily with lukewarm water to prevent shock and encourage water absorption.

Get your fresh flowers or a gorgeous bouquet from Flower Nation

Looking for a florist near me to get some fresh cut blooms, or seeking to lay your hands on bespoke hand bouquets? Get in touch with Flower Nation, your premier choice of florist in Klang Valley. 

Flower Nation is a Kuala Lumpur florist, carrying a wide variety of flower types and hand bouquets, where you can also choose to customise your floral decorations and arrangements. Pick your blooms and have it sent with the best flower delivery Malaysia, with express same-day service available around selected regions. 

Shop for your proposal flowers and other flower gifts at Flower Nation, your online florist Malaysia.