Does this scenario sound familiar?

You’re at the checkout of your local florist, or you’re about to confirm an online order. But then you think... how long will this bouquet really last?

It’s probably one of the top things that puts customers off from buying flowers as a gift.

No-one wants to have to deal with a wilted discoloured bouquet within just a few days of purchase.

So let me tell you which bouquets have a fantastic vase life – flowers that last.

Vase life is the length of time a cut flower retains its original cheerful appearance in a vase before it begins to decay.

For example, a bouquet of roses, while beautiful, typically has a vase life of just 4-7 days, which is relatively short.

In this article, we’ll cover fifteen flowers to look out for if you want a bouquet that will last for weeks.

1. Anthurium Bouquets (Vase Life: Up to 42 days)

For those of you seeking a simple yet long-lasting gift, Anthurium otherwise known as a laceleaf are the ultimate choice.

Anthurium is also known as ‘the flamingo flower’ for the gorgeous red/pink petals it produces, has a vase life of up to 42 days, or six weeks.

Anthurium is even labelled ‘perfect’ flowers by plant experts, not because they are so long-lasting, but because they possess both stamens and carpels.

Caring for anthurium can be tricky. Originating from the canopies of South America, you will need to find a spot in the house that leaves it with adequate light but without exposing it to direct sunlight.

Should you choose to purchase anthurium, you will also need to maintain this plant at a lower temperature (16-22 degrees) than other common flowers.

2. Chrysanthemums (Vase Life: 21-30 days)

Chrysanthemums are famous for their lengthy vase life, lasting anywhere from three weeks to a month depending on good maintenance.

This makes them the perfect gift for those looking to keep their home exuberant and fresh. And especially for those who want to keep gorgeous flowers in bloom in their home for a long time.

However, their longevity does not mean they are not a demanding flower to maintain. Chrysanthemums stems ought to be trimmed at the stem, as well as watered daily or every other day.

Want a long-lasting, bouquet to brighten up your home? Fleur de Luxe offers chrysanthemum-featuring bouquets in white, pastels, or pink.

3. Carnations (Vase Life: 14-21 days)

Carnations are gorgeous, budget-friendly flowers. They are also one of the longest-lasting flowers out there to decorate your home! They can last anywhere from 14-21 days, again dependent on good maintenance.

To keep carnations looking fresh, we advise you to remove petals that droop below water level, as well as keeping them out of direct heat.

Fleur de Luxe offers carnations as part of our Country Lane Hand-Tied bouquets. This lovely bouquet is available for Birmingham Flower Delivery on a same-day basis. Order before 2pm for same day delivery in Birmingham, or before 5pm for next-day delivery across the UK.

4. Lilies (Vase Life: 10-14 days).

Lilies are the flower of devotion, the traditional floral gift for couples celebrating their thirtieth wedding anniversary.

So just as they are perfect for long-standing married couples, it would only be fitting that they have a relatively long vase life of 10-14 days.

This means in many bouquet arrangements such as the

The vase life of lilies can be extended through regular trimming of stems and removing leaves that fall below the waterline. It is also advised to keep lilies away from your pets as they are toxic for cats and dogs.

5. Zinnia Flowers (Vase Life:17-24 days).

Cut Zinnia flowers are renowned for their lengthy vase life of up to three and a half weeks, which makes them perfect as a gift that you want to last.

In the wild they bloom in midsummer and generally last until the first frost, so it only makes sense they would also have a long vase life.

In one study they were described as “good as the day they were picked” 17 days after being cut, and only needed to be discarded after a whopping 24 day.

This longevity has meant Zinnia flowers have come to commonly symbolise endurance, making them a perfect gift for long-standing relationships, or ones that have gone through a recent challenging period.

This longevity does not come without a cost though. Zinnia flowers are notoriously thirsty and so will only last long if the water levels inside their vase are regularly checked.

6. Orchids (Vase Life: 14-21 days).

Orchids, when in bloom, can last up to three months when planted, and this resilience also contributes to their strong vase life of 14-21 days.

A symbol of luxury, they are also one of the oldest genus of flower still extent, with genetic sequencing indicating they may have developed up to 100 million years ago.

This longevity, both as a genus and in individual flowers, makes orchids often connoted as a symbol of toughness, the perfect gift for relationships that perhaps have gone through struggles recently.

7. Hydrangeas (Vase Life:7-10 days).

Hydrangea is derived from the Greek for ‘water vessel’, and this is fitting since Hydrangeas are a thirsty plant. To guarantee a long vase life for these flowers, you will need to refresh their water levels frequently.

But if treated right, these flowers can last a long time, and provide a multicoloured visual spectacle for your humble abode.

Most species of hydrangea are generally white, however others come in blue, pink, purple or even red.

If you dry your hydrangeas, they can even last up to one year! Be careful though as this process is not always successful.

8. Sunflowers (Vase Life: 7-12 days).

Sunflowers are a common floral symbol of longevity, and so it is only fitting that they have a vase life of 7-12 days when properly cared for.

They are an exceptional choice for those of you looking for more indoor sunshine during the cold winter months, or for people whose favourite colour is yellow.

To ensure sunflowers last the full 12 days, it is worth trimming their stems every few days, as well as making sure the water you keep it in is fresh.

Needless to say, a specially crafted vase will also be needed to account for taller sunflowers.

9. Alstroemerias (Vase Life: 14 days).

Alstroemerias- commonly known as the Peruvian lily- come in a wide variety of exotic and bright colours, from salmon pink to orange and red. This bright assortment of colours adds beauty and texture to any bouquet or floral arrangement.

And with a vase life of up to two weeks, they will provide colour and vibrancy to your mantlepiece long after the others have withered away and died.

10. Freesias (Vase Life: 10 days).

A 19th century invention bought about through the crossbreeding of F. refracta and F. leichtlinii, these plants have the advantage of the more fragrant, yellow freesias lasting the longest; up to 10 days.

To maximise the vase life of these miniature beauties, it is recommended to regularly change the water and purchase stems with at least seven flowers per spike, with the first one or two flowers being open.

Make sure you remove old flowers on occasion to allow the new ones to grow.

11. Hypericum (Vase Life: 14 days)

Hypericum berries are also known as St. John's wort, is incredibly resilient, with a worldwide distribution excepting deserts, the tropics, and polar regions.

They are also aesthetically versatile, coming in numerous different shades of pink, red, green, and white.

It would only be suitable therefore that they have a long vase life, lasting up to 14 days after being cut.

While flowers are generally renowned for boosting well-being, studies have also shown Hypericum can boosts serotonin among the clinically depressed.

12. Eryngium or Sea Holly (Vase Life: 10-14 days)

Eryngium is a thistle-like flower with leaves that are very spiky.

While great care is therefore needed whilst handling this flower, alone or in a wider bouquet, they add lovely visual drama to their surroundings, growing up to 45 to 90cm in height.

During their flowering, they are incredibly tolerant of winds, drought, winds, salt sprays and sandy soils. It is only fitting that they also have a long vase life of between 10 and 14 days.

One of the advantages of Sea Holly is that it does not require much in the way of care or watering once cut.

13. Clematis (Vase Life: 14 days)

Clematis is another kind of flower coming in all sorts of colours, from purple to pink, yellow to red and blue.

Clematis derives from the Ancient Greek for ‘climbing plant’, and they are noted for their ability to climb up trees, walls, or any other natural or human structure.

A genus of Chinese and Japanese origin, several of the subspecies have quirky nicknames from traveller's joy, old man’s beard, vase vine, and virgin's bower.

Most clematis will be able to last roughly 14 days in a vase after being cut.

14. Leucadendron (Vase Life: 14-21 days)

A Leucadendron is a shrubby flower with deep red leaf spirals. They add fantastic complexity and colour to simple bouquets, and they can remain fresh in the vase for up to 3 weeks after being cut.

This makes it a great flower to pair with other long-lasting flowers such as lace leaf, orchids, or chrysanthemums.

15. Protea cynaroides, aka ‘King Protea’ (Vase Life: 14-21 days)

The King Protea is the largest flowering plant in the Protea genus. The "flowers" of the King Protea are actually flower heads with an assortment of flowers in the center! And each bouquet is surrounded by large colourful bracts.

These heads range in size from 120mm to 300mm, and there are around six to ten heads per plant.

The King Protea flower is the national flower of South Africa and has an exceptional vase life of up to 21 days.