Great Cutting Flowers for Long-Lasting Bouquets

The list of great cutting flowers is long and diverse. Most plants benefit from having a terminal bloom plucked before peak so the plant shoots out lateral stems. (Cutting a little before full bloom gives longer vase life.) This fills the plant with colorful blossoms, and you won't feel guilty snipping a few later. Flowers should be cut early morning or well after sundown—midday harvest stresses them. Before placing in a vase, remove foliage below water line, re-cut stems on an angle with a clean sharp knife, and place immediately in cool fresh water. In high temps, change vase water every 2–3 days and re-cut stems.

Consider lovely foliage to accompany blossoms or stand alone.

Great cutting flowers easily grown in our area:
Dahlias, Shasta Daisies, Salvias, Liatris, Hosta, Gerbera Daisies, Calla Lilies, Asiatic/Hybrid Lilies, Delphinium, Lisianthus, Achillea/Yarrow, Balloon Flower, Celosia, Phlox, Roses, Coreopsis, Lavender, Sedum, Crocosmia, Zinnias, Peonies, Lilacs.

Foliages great for cutting:
Dusty miller, Hosta, Asparagus fern, Shade ferns, Dead Nettle, Ornamental Kale, Lambs Ear.