When we think of cut flowers, we often think of flowers such as roses and carnations. However, there are flowers that make great cut flowers, but we often neglect them. Peony is one flower that we often don’t use as a cut flower, but there are also others.
Long Lasting Flowers
When we buy cut flowers as a gift or for ourselves, we would ideally like them to last a longer period of time. The most popular cut flowers, including roses and carnations, are often affected in a negative way by heat and humidity.
The end result is that we quickly end up with flowers that lose their petals and start looking sad in their vases. Three flowers that last longer include the peony, sunflower, and dahlia.
Under the right conditions, all three will last for an extended period of time.
The Peony
Peony flowers make wonderful cut flowers. They come in a range of colors from deep red to almost white.
Despite their tissue-like appearance, they are not as delicate as you may think. Surprisingly, they can manage a sunny spot in your home for a couple of hours every day.
When you want them to last longer, it is best to keep them out of the midday sun. You should also change the water every day. Peonies love fresh water with plenty of oxygen in it.
The Sunflower
Sunflowers are the other flowers that keep on giving. Not only are they very tolerant of conditions in the home. Once sunflowers have finished flowering, you should not throw them away.
Instead, hang them up and let them dry. After a couple of weeks, the seeds will develop. Wait until they are completely dry.
Now you have two options. You can use the seeds and grow your own sunflowers in pots or directly in the garden.
The alternative is to hang up the dried sunflower heads in your garden. The birds in your garden will love you for it and feast on the seeds.
How long do sunflowers last as cut flowers? Change the water every 48 hours and give them a couple of hours of gentle sunshine per day, and they can last for 10 days.
Dahlias As Cut Flowers
Dahlias were one of the most popular cut flowers during the Victoria era. Since then, the use of dahlias in arrangements have sadly fallen into decline.
But, dahlias are great. Not only do they come in many different colors, their sizes vary as well. If you don’t have a lot of room in your home, you don’t have to go for the very large dahlia flowers. Instead you can go for one of the smaller varieties that look amazing in small vases.
Do they last a long time? Dahlias can last a long time when cared for correctly. Once again, it is essential that you change the water on a regular basis and don’t let them spend too much time in the sun.
All three flowers are often available at your local florist, but still we overlook them. It is about time we changed our buying habits and considered the alternatives.
