Creating a lively backyard boutique brings natural beauty to your home.
Cut flowers, with their vibrant colors, captivating scents, and diverse shapes, add charm and elegance to any outdoor space.Â
Whether you love the classic allure of roses or the sunny brightness of sunflowers, the following flowers will be suitable for every aesthetic and skill level.
Roses (Rosa spp.)
- Height: 1-6 feet
- Type: Perennial shrub
- Zones: 3-11
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall, varies by species and climate
- Care: Full sun, well-drained loamy soil, regular watering
Roses come in an array of colors – from timeless reds to delicate pinks and bright yellows – each with its own fragrance, symbolizing love and beauty.
Ideal for both gardens and arrangements, they boast stems 12-18 inches long that can last 5-7 days in a vase.
To ensure freshness, you should harvest early, cut stems at an angle, remove submerged leaves, and change water every 2-3 days.
Peonies (Paeonia spp.)
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 3-8
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Care: Full sun, well-drained loamy soil, regular watering
Peonies feature large, lush blooms in shades of pink, white, red, and yellow, with a sweet, captivating fragrance.
Symbolizing prosperity and romance, they thrive in gardens and bouquets, lasting up to 10 days in a vase.
You should harvest when buds are soft, cut stems at an angle, and remove submerged leaves for optimal display.
Dahlias (Dahlia spp.)
- Height: 1-6 feet
- Type: Perennial tuber
- Zones: 8-11
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to first frost
- Care: Full sun, well-drained loamy soil, regular watering
Dahlias dazzle in reds, pinks, whites, yellows, oranges, and purples, symbolizing elegance and creativity. To encourage multiple stems, pinch or cut back plants early.
You should harvest in the morning when flowers are prime, cut stems at an angle, remove submerged leaves, and change water every 2 days to prolong freshness.
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
- Height: 3-10 feet
- Type: Annual
- Zones: 2-11
- Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
- Care: Full sun, well-drained loamy soil, regular watering
Sunflowers boast large, bright yellow blooms with dark centers, symbolizing adoration and longevity.
Perfect for large bouquets or mixed arrangements, they can last nearly 2 weeks in a vase when cared for properly, with stems reaching up to 36 inches in length.
Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
- Height: 10-24 inches
- Type: Perennial bulb
- Zones: 3-8
- Bloom Time: Early to late spring
- Care: Full sun, well-drained loamy soil, regular watering
Tulips offer a wide range of colors, symbolizing love and rebirth with their elegant shapes and vibrant hues.
These flowers are ideal for early spring displays. You need to harvest when buds are closed but show color, cut stems at an angle and remove submerged leaves for a lasting arrangement.
Lilies (Lilium spp.)
- Height: 2-6 feet
- Plant Type: Perennial bulb
- USDA Zones: 4-9
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall
- Care: Full sun to partial shade with well-drained, loamy soil
Lilies bloom in a variety of colors such as white, yellow, pink, red, and orange, often featuring striking patterns or spots and emitting a strong fragrance.
They symbolize purity, commitment, and rebirth, prized for their large, elegant blooms.
To extend their vase life, it’s recommended to remove the pollen-covered anthers to prevent staining and prolong the blooming period.
Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.)
- Height: 3-10 feet
- Plant Type: Perennial shrub
- USDA Zones: 3-9
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early autumn
- Care: Partial to full sun with well-drained, loamy soil and regular watering
Hydrangeas produce large, globe-shaped clusters of flowers in blue, pink, white, and purple, with color variations influenced by soil pH.
Although not fragrant, they symbolize gratitude, grace, and abundance, making them popular in gardens.
To enhance their vase life, misting the blooms and using floral preservative is recommended.
Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus)
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Plant Type: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 5-9
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early autumn
- Care: Full sun with well-drained, sandy or loamy soil and regular watering
Carnations are known for their wide range of colors, including pink, red, white, yellow, and bi-colored varieties, and their clove-like fragrance.
Symbolizing love, fascination, and distinction, they are valued for their long-lasting blooms in floral arrangements.
Carnations typically have a stem length of 12-18 inches in a vase and can last 7-14 days; harvesting when buds are partially open prolongs their vase life.
Zinnias (Zinnia spp.)
- Height: 1-4 feet
- Plant Type: Annual
- USDA Zones: 2-11
- Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
- Care: Full sun with well-drained, fertile soil and regular watering
Zinnias bring vibrant colors to any garden with shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, purple, and white.
Although they are scentless, they are cherished for their durability and cheerful appearance, symbolizing lasting friendship and goodness.
Zinnias are a popular choice for cut flower arrangements due to their vibrant hues and robust nature.
Irises (Iris spp.)
- Height: 12-40 inches
- Plant Type: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 3-10
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
- Care: Full sun with well-drained, loamy soil and regular watering
Irises are admired for their intricate blooms in colors like blue, purple, yellow, white, and bi-color, along with their delicate fragrance.
Symbolizing hope, wisdom, and valor, irises add an elegant touch to gardens and bouquets alike.
Typically lasting 3-5 days in a vase with stems 12-24 inches long, irises are favored for their unique shape and vibrant colors.
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Type: Annual (often perennial in mild winters)
- USDA Zones: 7-11 (perennial in zones 9-11)
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
- Care: Full sun, well-drained loamy soil, regular watering
Snapdragons feature tall spikes of flowers in vibrant red, pink, yellow, white, and purple hues. They emit a light, sweet fragrance and symbolize grace and strength.
Cut snapdragon stems range from 12 to 24 inches and typically last 5-10 days in a vase, adding a dramatic flair to mixed arrangements.
Gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.)
- Height: 2-5 feet
- Type: Perennial corm
- USDA Zones: 7-10
- Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
- Care: Full sun, well-drained sandy or loamy soil, regular watering
Gladiolus flowers boast tall spikes adorned with multiple blooms in various colors like red, pink, white, yellow, and purple.
They symbolize strength, integrity, and infatuation. Stems range from 20 to 36 inches in a vase and can last 7-10 days.
You should harvest when the lower florets begin to open, cut stems at an angle and change water every 2 days for freshness.
Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)
- Height: 3-8 feet
- Type: Annual vine
- USDA Zones: 2-11
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Care: Full sun, well-drained fertile soil, regular watering
Sweet peas bloom in a delightful array of colors including pink, purple, white, and red, with an enchanting fragrance. Symbolizing delicate pleasure, they add a romantic touch to any bouquet.
Harvest when the lowest bloom on the stem fully opens, cut at an angle, and place in water immediately.
Gerbera Daisies (Gerbera spp.)
- Height: 10-18 inches
- Type: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 8-11
- Bloom Time: Spring to autumn
- Care: Full sun, well-drained sandy or loamy soil, regular watering
Gerbera daisies feature vibrant colors like red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. Though not fragrant, their cheerful blooms symbolize innocence, purity, and cheerfulness.
Their stems are typically 12-18 inches long in a vase, lasting 5-7 days. You need to harvest in the morning, cut stems at an angle, and use floral preservative for longevity.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Type: Perennial herb
- USDA Zones: 5-9
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Care: Full sun, well-drained sandy or loamy soil
Lavender blooms in purple shades, with some varieties in blue, pink, or white. Known for a calming fragrance, they symbolize purity, serenity, and grace.
Their stems are typically 10-12 inches long and can last up to 10 days in fresh water. Harvest when the first flowers open, remove submerged leaves to prevent bacteria.
Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum)
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Plant Type: Perennial (often grown as an annual)
- USDA Zones: 8-10
- Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
- Care: Full sun to partial shade with well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
Lisianthus flowers are renowned for their rose-like blooms in white, pink, purple, and blue hues.
They emit a delicate, mildly fragrant scent and symbolize appreciation and charisma, making them popular in wedding bouquets and special arrangements.
Notably, lisianthus flowers have a prolonged vase life, thanks to their elegant, multi-petaled structure that adds a touch of sophistication to any floral display.
Freesias (Freesia spp.)
- Height: 12-18 inches
- Plant Type: Perennial corm
- USDA Zones: 9-10
- Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
- Care: Full sun with well-drained, sandy or loamy soil and regular watering
Freesias are distinguished by their trumpet-shaped blossoms available in various colors such as white, yellow, pink, red, and purple. They exude a delightful, citrus-like fragrance often utilized in perfumery.
Symbolizing innocence, friendship, and trust, freesias contribute a charming element to floral arrangements.
When placed in a vase, freesia stems typically measure 10-16 inches and can last 7-10 days. Notably, freesias continue to unfurl new buds, offering an extended showcase of their exquisite blooms.
Anemones (Anemone coronaria)
- Height: 10-20 inches
- Plant Type: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 7-10
- Bloom Time: Early spring to late spring
- Care: Full sun to partial shade with well-drained, sandy or loamy soil and regular watering
Anemones feature vibrant, poppy-like flowers in shades ranging from red, pink, purple, blue, to white, often with contrasting black or dark centers.
Although lacking fragrance, their striking appearance symbolizes anticipation and protection.
In a vase, anemones boast a stem length of 10-14 inches and remain vibrant for 5-8 days. To maximize their longevity, harvest these flowers when the buds are closed yet showing color, cut stems at an angle.
Anemones are sensitive to ethylene gas, requiring separation from ripening fruits.
Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Plant Type: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 5-9
- Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
- Care: Full sun with well-drained, fertile soil and regular watering
Chrysanthemums, known as mums, boast a diverse color palette including yellow, white, pink, red, and purple.
These flowers, prized for their vibrant hues and varied forms ranging from daisy-like to pompons, symbolize longevity, joy, and optimism.
In a vase, chrysanthemum stems measure 12-18 inches and can last 7-14 days, showcasing their durability and enduring beauty, making them a favored choice for floral displays.
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
- Height: 6 inches to 4 feet
- Plant Type: Annual
- USDA Zones: 2-11
- Bloom Time: Late spring to fall
- Care: Full sun with well-drained, loamy soil and regular watering
Marigolds display vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red with a distinctive, robust fragrance. Symbolizing passion and creativity, marigolds are popular in celebrations and as offerings.
For optimal results, harvest marigolds when blooms are fully open, cut stems at an angle, and change water every two days.
Specially, marigolds possess natural pest-repelling properties, enhancing their practical appeal for both bouquets and garden cultivation.
Asters (Aster spp.)
- Height: 1-6 feet
- Plant Type: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 4-8
- Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
- Care: Full sun to partial shade, well-drained loamy soil, and regular watering
Asters bloom in vibrant shades of purple, pink, blue, and white, adding color to autumn gardens. They have a mild fragrance and symbolize patience, elegance, and daintiness.
In a vase, asters typically last 5-7 days. Notably, they attract pollinators, enhancing floral arrangements.
Cosmos (Cosmos spp.)
- Height: 1-6 feet
- Plant Type: Annual
- USDA Zones: 2-11
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
- Care: Requires full sun, well-drained sandy or loamy soil
Cosmos flowers feature cheerful shades of pink, white, red, and yellow. They bring a delicate charm to arrangements and symbolize peace and harmony.
In a vase, cosmos stems are typically 12-24 inches long and last about 5-7 days. For best results, harvest early morning when fully open and change water every 2 days.
Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Plant Type: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 3-9
- Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
- Care: Full sun, well-drained sandy or loamy soil, and moderate watering
Echinacea, or coneflower, blooms in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow with a light, sweet fragrance.
Symbolizing strength and healing, it is resilient and beautiful, lasting 5-7 days in arrangements. Its spiky central cone adds unique texture.
Scabiosa (Scabiosa spp.)
- Height: 12-24 inches
- Plant Type: Perennial or annual
- USDA Zones: 3-7 (perennial) or 3-10 (annual)
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early autumn
- Care: Full sun, well-drained loamy soil, and regular watering
Scabiosa, or pincushion flower, features pincushion-like blooms in blue, pink, white, and purple with a mild fragrance. Symbolizing love, peace, and purity, it adds charm to bouquets.
For longer vase life, cut stems at an angle and change water every 2 days.
Stock (Matthiola incana)
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Plant Type: Annual or short-lived perennial
- USDA Zones: 7-10
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
- Care: Full sun, well-drained fertile soil, and regular watering
Stock flowers, in colors like white, pink, purple, and red, are prized for their spicy, clove-like fragrance. Symbolizing lasting beauty and happiness, they add elegance to arrangements.
Their stems typically last 5-7 days in vases and are ideal for adding scent to bouquets.
