How to Care for Your Fresh Cut Lilies

Lilies are great summer flowers that emit a strong aromatic scent. All varieties of Hybrid Lilies give off a very strong scent that can be overpowering to some. If your lilies are Hybrid Lilies such as Stargazer or Oriental Pinks and Whites they will have the biggest blooms. Some of these lilies typically range 7 inches wide and take longer to open then Asiatic Lilies.

Depending on where you order your lilies from, they may arrive in bud form. Lilies that actually arrive in this manner may help to keep them from getting damaged when they are delivered. Your fresh cut lilies will eventually bloom in three to four days into beautiful open flowers once they are arranged. Here a few tips to set up your fresh cut lilies.

Lily Cut Flower Care:

• Start by removing any leaves that may be under water if your lilies were delivered in a vase.
• Take your lilies, holding the stems under water in a sink or under running water, cut about one inch off each stem with a sharp knife or shears. Do not let the newly cut end dry off before transferring it back to your vase or other container.
• Select a good floral preservative. This is the best solution in which to arrange fresh cut lilies. Read the direction and use as recommended for longer vase life.
• Immediately after the stems are cut, place your lilies in a clean, deep vase of warm preservative solution. If possible leave them in a cool dark room for 2 or 3 hours after arranging.
• Temperature is key to the lifespan of flowers. Display your fresh cut lily arrangements in a cool area out of direct sunlight and drafts.
• Lilies are thirsty flowers. It is important to check to see that the vase is full and add preservative solution often.
• Any lilies received should have the pollen stamens removed as they open. This will enhance the life of the lily and prevent any staining from the pollen.

Repeat the above procedures if your flowers start to wilt. Wilting is caused by a lack of water in the flower itself. So re-hydrating any flower will keep them around for weeks.

Remember to never put your flowers in direct sunlight, or near a drafty location such as near an open window or door, or in front of an air conditioner. All these things will cause the flowers to dehydrate and then die.

See all Fresh Cut Lilies

See also Meaning of Lilies