There are many different types of flowers that are great for cutting, including dahlias, delphiniums, and gladioli. These flowers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can add a lot of color to your garden.
Below are some of our favorite flowers for a cut flower garden.
- Common sunflower
No flower garden is complete without the iconic sunflower. The sunflower is a flower that is native to North America and is known to be a symbol of cheer and good spirits. The sunflower’s golden rays are sure to brighten your mood in the kitchen, and its showy stalks will delight the neighbors.
As long as your sunflower has enough sun and is in well-drained soil, it will do well. Choose an area to plant your sunflowers that is not exposed to strong winds to avoid them being knocked over. Sunflowers can be held up by bamboo stakes or planted next to a fence.
Plant origin: Native
Hardiness zones: 4-9
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Dry, sandy
Duration: Annual
Mature height: 6-12 feet
Bloom time: Late summer
- New England aster
There is hardly a place in New England where you won’t find the aster plant. This flower comes in shades of dark purple, pink, and red, making it a great choice for a gardener who wants a low-maintenance flower with a bright payoff. This flower has a lot of thin petals that come out from a yellow center, kind of like a daisy. Pollinators love this flower because it provides them with nectar late in the season.
Caring for the New England aster is straightforward. It prefers to live in moist soil but can go without water for short periods of time. To prevent the plant from flopping over, you should place it in an area where it will get full sun from all directions. After you cut the blooms, remove the faded blooms so the plant doesn’t spread.
Plant origin: Native
Hardiness zones: 4-8
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Medium
Soil: Moist, rich
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 3-6 feet
Bloom time: Late summer to early fall
- Sage
There are many different kinds of Salvia plants, not just the common kitchen sage. This group of flowers provides bright summer blooms. Colored flowers that are closely packed together grow on a tall, thin stem, adding a splash of bright colors to your garden. There are many types of salvia, including both native and non-native varieties. Salvia farinacea is a great native plant with bluish-purple flowers, while salvia coccinea is a crimson native plant.
Salvia is drought tolerant once it is established, but it looks more attractive with occasional watering. If your plant is not looking healthy, it may mean it is getting too much or too little water or it needs to be pruned or divided. Salvia is a good choice for a border plant because its strong scent will discourage deer and rabbits from entering the area. Space plants out based on how large they are expected to grow, so they are not too close together.
Plant origin: Native
Hardiness zones: 5-10
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water needs: Low to moderate
Soil: Moist, well-draining
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 1-3 feet
Bloom time: Late spring to fall
- Zinnias
Zinnias have layers of petals that form a dome shape that is similar to honeycomb paper lanterns. Zinnias might be mistaken for dahlias, but they have smaller flowers and are hardier. Impatiens are known for their brightly colored flowers, quick growth, and large blooms. There are three types of zinnia flowers based on the number of rows of petals – single, semi-double, and double. You can also find zinnias in a wide range of colors.
Zinnias are a type of flower that thrive in warm climates, originally from Mexico and Central America. Below Zone 8, they will only last one year and will die when the first hard frost comes. Zinnias are resilient against drought and usually don’t require extra watering.
Plant origin: Nonnative
Hardiness zones: Annuals in 2-8, perennials in 9-11
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Low
Soil: Well-draining
Duration: Dependent on your USDA zone
Mature height: 1-4 feet
Bloom time: Early summer through fall
- Foxglove beardtongue
Looking for a native replacement for snapdragons? Foxglove beardtongue is similar to snapdragon but can survive more easily as a plant that lives for more than one year. This plant has dozens of flowers that grow up along a stalk. The flowers are pink, lavender, red, and white.
This plant does best in full sun and well-draining soil. If you have average to poor soil or an area that doesn’t receive a lot of rainfall, foxglove beardtongue is a great choice because it is very drought tolerant. If you live in a colder climate (below Zone 3), you will need to bring it inside during frosts if you want it to live as a perennial.
Plant origin: Native
Hardiness zones: 3-8
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Low to medium
Soil: Average, dry to medium, well-draining
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 3-5 feet
Bloom time: Mid-spring to early summer
- Daffodils
When you feel like you can’t make it through another day of winter, the first sign of spring appears and gives you hope. Daffodils are the first sign of spring. They are perfect for adding some sunshine to your home.
It’s important to pinch off daffodil blooms as soon as they fade, but leave the dying foliage in place until it turns yellow. Daffodils will bloom best if given generous amounts of water, but it is important to make sure the soil they are grown in has good drainage to avoid bulb rot. With the right amount of care, daffodils can last for years in your garden.
A helpful tip when choosing light bulbs is to pick large ones that are firm and have a dry papery covering.
Plant origin: Nonnative
Hardiness zones: 4-8
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Moderate
Soil: Well-draining, rich, moist
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 6-30 inches
Bloom time: March and April
- Yarrow
The most common type of yarrow has clusters of small white flowers that look like baby’s breath. This gives any arrangement a delicate touch. The plant yarrow is also known by the Spanish name plumajillo, meaning “little feather.” This is due to the slotted shape and soft texture of the leaves.
Although Yarrow will grow in moist soils, it prefers dry to medium soils. It can also survive in drought conditions and poor soils as long as there is adequate drainage. Use fertilizer sparingly on this plant as it is aggressive and considered a weed by some. Applying compost to your garden once a year will give your plants all the nutrients they need.
Plant origin: Nonnative
Hardiness zones: 3-9
Sun: Full sun
Water needs: Low
Soil: Well-draining, sandy, average
Duration: Perennial
Mature height: 2-3 feet
Bloom time: Early summer to early fall
- Peruvian Lily
The best place to plant these is in full sun in soil that is both fertile and well-drained.
The best time to cut the stems is when the buds are showing color and are about to open, or when they have just started to open.
Vase Life: 2–3 weeks
Height: 3–4ft (90cm–1.2m)
Peruvian lilies, or alstroemeria, have small blooms that look like lilies in a wide range of colors.
Hardy perennials that make great cut flowers can last up to three weeks when kept in a cool, light place. When you arrange the flowers in a vase, remove any leaves that will be below the water line.
- Lady’s Mantle
The best place to plant this is in the sun or in partial shade in any reasonable soil.
When to cut: As the flowers are opening
Vase life: 7–10 days
Height: 18in (45cm)
Lady’s mantle is a pretty perennial plant that blooms in early summer. It has slightly downy leaves and emits clouds of tiny, sharp-green flowers.
Cut the plants back after the first flush of flowers fades, and water them well to encourage them to bloom again. This flower is a good choice for buttonholes and crowns as it does not wilt when exposed to water.
- Roses
The best place to plant this is in full sun in rich soil that doesn’t dry out or get waterlogged easily.
, cut the flower stems at an angle with a sharp knife or shears. Cut the flower stems when the first petals are unfolding from the buds at an angle with a sharp knife or shears.
Vase life: 7–10 days
Height: 2–4ft (60cm–1.2m)
There are many types of roses that can be grown as classic cut flowers. They can be used in large arrangements or as simple buttonholes. In addition to looking beautiful, most flowers have the pleasant bonus feature of a lovely fragrance.
Cut the stems at an angle and place them in hot water. Allow them to sit in the hot water for a few minutes before removing them and placing them in warm water. Make sure the arrangement is proportional to the size of the individual flowers.
- Cornflower
The best place to plant these is in fertile soil that has well-drained in an area that gets plenty of sun. Best sown in late summer for the following year
When to cut: When the flowers are half open
Vase life: 7 days
Height: 3–5ft (90cm–1.5m)
This annual flower has blue daisies that stay fresh for many weeks if the dead blossoms are regularly cut off. The leaves are a silvery color.
If you are displaying the flowers indoors, remove any leaves that will be in the water. If you change the water daily, the flowers will look fresh for a longer period of time.
- Delphiniums
The best place to put this plant is in an area where it will get full sun and the soil is well drained. Usually needs support
, the entire stalk can be harvested. The entire stalk can be harvested when a quarter to a third of the individual flowers are open.
Vase life: 4–12 days
Height: 3–6ft (90cm–1.8m)
Delphiniums are a good choice for cut flowers because they are long-lasting. These perennials usually have blue flowers, but they can also come in lavender shades or white. They have impressive spikes.
Despite their height, they can make for interesting displays. The flowers will last longer if you add flower food to the vase.
- Larkspur
but prefer a well drained soil. Sunny positions and well drained soils are ideal for planting.
. Cut the flowers when a third of the flowers on the spikes are open.
Vase life: 4–12 days
Height: 2–4ft (60cm–1.2m)
Larkspur plants are delphiniums that bloom for only one season. They have very fine leaves, delicate stems, and flowers that come in a wide range of colors, including bi-colors. These flowers are just as beautiful in a garden setting as they are in a more relaxed indoor setting.
Since they are smaller than perennial delphiniums, they are more versatile for use as cut flowers and also make good dried flowers. The flowers will last longer if you put flower food in the vase.
- Sea Holly
, although some varieties tolerate partial shade. Choose a location for your plant that has well-drained soil and is in sun or partial shade.
, the buds are still tight and there are leaves below the flower heads, that’s the perfect time to gather a few stems. The best time to cut flowers from the plant is when the first flowers in the spray are starting to open, the buds are still tight, and there are leaves below the flower heads.
Vase life: 7–10 days
Height: 2–4ft (60cm–1.2m)
A drought-tolerant plant that is fantastic and stylish is known as sea hollies. They have heads in blue, green, and silver tones. There are many different sizes of thistles, but they don’t have the same aggressive root system as other thistles.
Many also have dramatic spiky foliage. Submerge the flowers in water for a few hours after picking them before putting them in your arrangement. They last exceptionally well.
- Dianthus
It is best to plant this in sun with good drainage and it does well on limey soils.
and the plant’s stems are still pliable. When to cut the plant: When the first buds are starting to show color and when the plant’s stems are still pliable.
Vase life: 7–10 days
Height: 12–20in (30–50cm)
Dianthus flowers are pretty to look at and fragrant. They mostly have double flowers in reds, pink, and white, plus various combinations. Their foliage is slender and silvery.
Gardens in the alpine regions can be lovely. Picking small plants to put in glass jars can add a nice touch to these gardens. Strip off the lower leaves when arranging them.
- Sweet Peas
. For best results, grow in well-drained but nutrient-rich soil in full sun.
, cut the stem about 1 inch from the bottom Cut the stem of the flower when the lower flowers have opened, but the top one or two are still unfurling. Cut the stem about 1 inch from the bottom.
Vase life: 3–7 days
Height: 2–6ft (60cm–1.8m)
Sweet peas are a type of flower that is typically English. They are colorful, have ruffled petals, and are known for their tendrils of foliage. These are annual climbing plants that can withstand harsh conditions and need a support frame, such as a cane wigwam. While you can buy young plants from a garden center in the spring, you can also learn how to grow sweet peas from seed.
As the summer progresses, keep an eye out for flowers that are beginning to wilt and cut these back as they appear. Tracey Mathieson, a florist with her own cutting garden in Northamptonshire, chooses ‘Mollie Rhilstone’ as her top sweet pea. ‘Mollie Rhilstone’ has delicately blushed petals, a strong fragrance, and long straight stems which make it perfect for a vase.
“Mrs. Bernard Jones” is a top choice for Amateur Gardening expert Anne Swithinbank. According to her, this particular plant species produces fluffy white flowers with a hint of pink.
- Dahlias
Where to plant: Full sun, in rich well-drained soil. Usually needs support
, cut carefully with a sharp knife just above a node, the joint where a leaf meets the stem When to cut the flowers: Cut the flowers when they are almost fully open and cut carefully with a sharp knife just above a node.
Vase life: Up to 5 days
Height: 2–4ft (60cm–1.2m)
Dahlias are a great way to add a splash of color to your late summer garden. They come in a wide variety of jewel-like colors, and continue blooming until the first frost. Don’t be discouraged by the look of the dried-out dahlia tubers—they are easy to grow.
If you’re looking for a chocolate-scented flower, Tracey Mathieson recommends the Karma Choc. This flower has velvety dark red petals on strong stems, bronze foliage, and a sweet chocolate scent.
Anne Swithinbank is an expert on Amateur Gardening, and she believes that ‘Chat Noir’ is the best type of flower for a cutting garden. I prefer small, waterlily-shaped blooms for vases, as well as cactus types like this long-stemmed, deep red cultivar with narrow, pointed petals. Dahlias are a good investment because they grow back every year, but in areas with severe frost, they may need to be dug up and stored in a place where it won’t freeze.
- Astrantia
Where to plant: In dappled shade and moist soil
When to cut: When they’re in full bloom
Vase life: 5–10 days
Height: 1–2ft (31–61cm)
Astrantia plants are long-lasting and should be bought as young plants from a garden center rather than grown from seed. The Astrantia ‘Buckland’ flower is pale pink and blooms for a longer period of time than most other varieties. It is also more tolerant of drier conditions.
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