What Flowers Actually Last? Tips From a Florist
Hello and good morning! (or afternoon… or night, depending on when you’re reading this ☺️)
As you prep for this upcoming Mother’s Day and plan ahead, you might be asking, “What flowers will last the longest?". That’s a great question to ask!
When you pay for an arrangement, the goal is for it to last as long as possible. Hopefully, this post helps you understand which flowers last the longest and how to make your arrangement last longer, too.
Okay so, flower recommendations?
Choosing the right flowers to include in your bouquet—whether you're making one yourself (which, seriously, how cute is that!?) or picking out a premade arrangement—is the first step to leveling up your flower longevity.
We've compiled a list of our communities fav flowers and sorted them based on how long they (typically!) last:
Short-lasting (3–5 days)
These are beautiful but tend to fade faster:
- Tulips
- Daffodils
- Peonies
- Irises
- Ranunculus
Medium-lasting (5–7 days)
These are the “standard” bouquet flowers:
- Roses
- Sunflowers
- Lilies
- Gerbera daisies
- Alstroemeria (Peruvian lilies — sometimes stretch a bit longer)
Long-lasting (7–14+ days)
These are the real overachievers:
- Carnations
- Chrysanthemums (mums)
- Orchids
- Statice
- Wax flowers
- Baby’s breath
- Anthurium
Making sure your arrangement is made up mostly of flowers from the long-lasting category can really help extend its life. These blooms tend to stay colorful and vibrant even after a week or more.
💡 Florist Pro Tip: Mixed bouquets typically last around 5–7 days, depending on what’s included. Adding more long-lasting blooms can extend your bouquet’s lifespan.
How Can I Extend My Blooms?
While flower type plays a big role in how long your arrangement lasts, there are definitely things you can do to help extend it!
Here are our top tips:
- Keep your vase clean and clear
- Prep your stems appropriately
- Use fresh water (and change frequently!)
- Keep flowers away from fruit
If you want to learn about any of these in more depth, head over to our blog on this topic here!
💡 Florist Pro Tip: Starting with fresh, locally sourced flowers makes a big difference. At Suncrest Flowers, we prioritize local blooms and proper prep for maximum “beautification” time. 🤗
What If They're Already Wilting?
If your flowers already look droopy, show browning petals, or have cloudy or smelly water, don't worry just yet! Just because some of them aren't still at their 100% doesn't mean you have to through the whole bouquet out!
Here's what we recommend.
- Remove the dying stems to help the rest last longer
- Repurpose into a smaller, fresh vase (if needed)
💡 Florist Pro Tip: You can also use the rest of the flowers to press or dry them as keepsakes! This turns your arrangement into something even more meaningful and long lasting.
I hope this was helpful for the next time you’re picking out an arrangement! As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Much love,
Suncrest Flowers 🫶
