Sandy has been creating fresh cut flower arrangements for decades. Here she shares her favorite perennials to create unique arrangements. Note on care: Make sure your vase is clean, trim stems at a 45-degree angle for water absorption. Cool water is best and add flower food. Change the water every 2 or 3 days and re-trim the stems. Keep your arrangements away from heat sources including direct sunlight. Most cut flowers last up to 2 weeks unless otherwise noted. When harvesting your perennials, the best time is in the morning, next would be in the evening. Cut at a 45-degree angle above a node to allow for more flower growth. You can then snip to fit your container. Remember to remove the lower leaves so they don't sit in water. For longer life in the vase, snip your chosen flowers when the buds are just beginning to open.
Echinacea aka Coneflower: with dozens of varieties, there are a lot of color & height options.
Delphinium: No doubt these add drama to your arrangement with their long, colorful flower spikes. Shades vary from white to purple and all shades in between. Each stem holding dozens of colorful florets. Height varies 3 to 4 ft.
Hydrangea: There are 3 main types. For this purpose, you want to plant Panicle and/or Smooth varieties. Their sturdy stems are excellent support for other flowers. To keep them fresh longer, right after you cut the branch dip the tips in Alum powder or in a pot of boiling water for 15 to 30 seconds, then place in room temperature water. This breaks down the sap to clear the way for water uptake.
Roses: Floridbunda and Tea Rose (the most popular for cut flowers) are most used for cutting gardens as their stems are sturdier. You use shrub roses but you may have to prune their stems. There is a wide range of color. Nothing says “Elegant” like a rose. Note: zone hardiness varies, you may need winter protection for Tea Roses in Minnesota.
Hardy Mums: There are many ways to use these in our Fall arrangements! As a focal point, a filler or anything in between. These flowers can last up to 21 days with proper care as noted above.
Peonies: These long-lived, fragrant shrubs offer up gorgeous flowers from mid to late spring. In a vase, they last about a week but they’re worth it! They are fragrant too. Consider using Aruncus as an airy filler.
Asters: For fall arrangements, asters are excellent fillers with their star-like blooms. Consider pairing them with ornamental grasses.
Oriental lilies: Elegant, fragrant, beautiful. These are the main show. Surround them with light, airy flowers such as Gypsophila. Note: Once the flowers begin to open, it’s important to remove the pollen anthers as pollen can stain the flower petals as well as nearby fabrics. Use tweezers or your fingers to pinch the anthers.
Veronica: Multiple flowers on spikes make this perennial perfect for cutting lending some height with colors range from pure white to blue to purple.
Achillea: most commonly known as yarrow, is a favorite. Harvest when the tiny clusters of flowers are fully open (different from the other flowers). There are so many varieties, check them all out. Use fresh or dried.