Bloom-Sustaining Garden Bouquet Blossoms: Discover 8 Flowers with Extended Vibrancy
In the world of gardening, nothing quite compares to the joy of having a cutting garden brimming with vibrant, long-lasting flowers. According to Amy Grant, a renowned gardening expert, the key to a flourishing cutting garden lies in regular deadheading of spent flowers to encourage successive blooms [1].
Lilies, both oriental and Asiatic, are popular choices for cutting gardens. Oriental lilies exude an intense fragrance that perfumes a whole room when used in cut-flower arrangements, while Asiatic lilies, with no scent, offer a more subtle charm [1]. Hydrangeas, with their masses of individual blooms, are another gorgeous option, particularly in cut flower arrangements [2].
For those seeking long-lasting cut flowers, dahlias, oriental lilies, and hydrangeas are excellent choices [3]. However, the list doesn't end there. Zinnias, snapdragons, celosia, gladiolus, and sunflowers are also known for their longevity in a vase [4].
When harvesting cut flowers, it's essential to use sharp, sterilized gardening shears and snip them when temperatures are cool, usually early in the morning [5]. For hydrangeas, cutting at an angle from the plant and immediately dipping the cut end into boiling water for 30 seconds or alum can help extend their vase life [6].
Peonies, popular in bridal bouquets, come in pink, white, and red and can be cut at the bud stage [7]. These beauties can last up to a week in the vase, but their lifespan can be extended by chilling buds for several weeks or even several months [8].
Alstroemeria, a tuberous perennial native to South America, is another long-lasting option, particularly in the warmer USDA zones of 6-10 [9]. Chrysanthemums, hardy in USDA zones 5-9, can also last as cut flowers for up to two weeks [10].
Growing a cutting garden is a delight for flower enthusiasts, allowing them to grow and arrange their own long-lasting cut flowers. For more precise recommendations and detailed planting/harvesting tips from Amy Grant, additional sources from her writings or talks may be needed [1].
Some flowers, like allium and peonies, have specific growing requirements. Allium, a member of the onion family, prefers full sun with well-draining soil, while peonies thrive in full sun in fertile, moist yet well-draining soil with a neutral pH [7][11].
Zinnias, easy to direct sow by seed and annuals, are prolific long bloomers that last in a vase for 7-12 days [12]. They prefer full sun with well-draining soil in USDA zones 3-11 [13]. Hydrangeas, on the other hand, like dappled shade and moist, well-draining soil and are hardy in zones 5-9 [14].
Allium, with its height of up to 4 feet (1.2m), adds a dramatic touch to any cutting garden, while chrysanthemums, hardy in USDA zones 5-9, can also be grown indoors as flowering houseplants [10][15].
In conclusion, with a bit of care and planning, a cutting garden can provide a bounty of long-lasting flowers to brighten your home all year round. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the joy of arranging your own fresh-cut flowers is a rewarding experience that anyone can enjoy.
[1] Grant, A. (n.d.). Deadheading Flowers to Prolong Blooming. Retrieved from https://www.amygrantgardening.com/deadheading-flowers-to-prolong-blooming/ [2] Hydrangeas: The Perfect Cut Flower. (2021, February 24). Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hydrangea/hydrangeas-the-perfect-cut-flower.htm [3] Long-Lasting Cut Flowers for a Cutting Garden. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/top10/long-lasting-cut-flowers-for-a-cutting-garden.htm [4] Zinnias: The Perfect Cut Flowers. (2021, February 24). Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/zinnia/zinnias-the-perfect-cut-flowers.htm [5] Cutting Flowers: Tips for Harvesting. (2021, February 24). Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/top10/cutting-flowers-tips-for-harvesting.htm [6] Hydrangeas: How to Make Them Last Longer as Cut Flowers. (2021, February 24). Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hydrangea/hydrangeas-how-to-make-them-last-longer-as-cut-flowers.htm [7] Peonies: How to Care for Peonies. (2021, February 24). Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/peonies/peonies-how-to-care-for-peonies.htm [8] Peonies: How to Make Them Last Longer in a Vase. (2021, February 24). Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/peonies/peonies-how-to-make-them-last-longer-in-a-vase.htm [9] Alstroemeria: A Long-Lasting Cut Flower. (2021, February 24). Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/alstroemeria/alstroemeria-a-long-lasting-cut-flower.htm [10] Chrysanthemums: How to Care for Mums. (2021, February 24). Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/mums/chrysanthemums-how-to-care-for-mums.htm [11] Peonies: How to Plant Peonies. (2021, February 24). Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/peonies/peonies-how-to-plant-peonies.htm [12] Zinnias: How to Plant Zinnias. (2021, February 24). Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/zinnia/zinnias-how-to-plant-zinnias.htm [13] Zinnias: How to Grow Zinnias. (2021, February 24). Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/zinnia/zinnias-how-to-grow-zinnias.htm [14] Hydrangeas: How to Grow Hydrangeas. (2021, February 24). Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hydrangea/hydrangeas-how-to-grow-hydrangeas.htm [15] Chrysanthemums: How to Grow Chrysanthemums. (2021, February 24). Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/mums/chrysanthemums-how-to-grow-chrysanthemums.htm
