Cut flowers generally last about 5 to 10 days with proper care, though this varies by flower type. For example, carnations, chrysanthemums, and tropical blooms tend to be long-lasting, while lilies and tulips usually have shorter lifespans
. Here are average lifespans for common cut flowers with good care:
- Roses: 7 to 14 days
- Carnations: 7 to 21 days
- Chrysanthemums: 7 to 14 days
- Lilies: 5 to 7 days (some varieties up to 2 weeks)
- Tulips: about 5 days
- Sunflowers: 6 to 12 days
- Orchids: several weeks to months depending on species
Key factors affecting flower longevity include:
- Freshness at purchase
- Regular water changes every 2 days
- Cutting stems at an angle before placing in water
- Removing leaves below the waterline
- Keeping flowers in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight, heat, and drafts
- Using flower food or preservatives in the vase water
Without water, flowers wilt quickly, varying by type-carnations can last up to 12 hours, lilies and sunflowers 6–8 hours, roses about 4–6 hours, and tulips only 2–3 hours
. With proper care, a bouquet can last about a week on average, and sometimes up to two weeks or more depending on flower types and conditions
