How Long Do Chrysanthemums Last in a Vase? A Complete Guide
Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, are one of the most popular fall flowers. Their striking colors and unique forms have made them a staple in autumn gardens, floral arrangements, and as gifts. But if you’ve ever received a beautiful bouquet of fresh cut mums, you may have wondered – how long will they really last in the vase?
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to maximize the vase life of cut chrysanthemums You’ll learn proper care techniques, varieties that last the longest, and tips to keep your mums looking fresh for up to 3 weeks!
The Basics on Vase Life
When properly cared for, most standard cut mum varieties will last between 7-14 days in a vase. Exhibition types bred for cut flowers can often go even longer – up to 21 days or more!
To put that in perspective, cut mums generally outlast more delicate blooms like roses and lilies. And while not as enduring as amaranth flowers that can last a month or more, a week and a half is still an impressively long vase life.
Factors That Influence Longevity
Several key factors impact how long cut chrysanthemums will thrive in your home:
Flower Variety – Some mums are bred for longevity more than others. In general, exhibition, spray, and decorative types have the best vase life.
Plant Maturity – Mums harvested when fully open last longer than buds that are still emerging.
Proper Care – Hydration, nutrients, clean water, temperatures, and care routine greatly affect vase life.
Initial Freshness – How fresh the cut stems are at the start impacts overall longevity.
By choosing long-lasting varieties, buying mature blooms, and following best care practices, you can maximize the days mums will brighten your home.
Caring for Cut Chrysanthemums
To keep cut mums fresh and lovely, follow this routine:
Trim stems at an angle while underwater before arranging.
Remove excess leaves that will sit in water.
Use a floral preservative like flower food.
Display mums out of direct sun and away from heat sources.
Recut stems every 2-3 days.
Change the vase water every 1-2 days.
Mist flowers to boost humidity around blooms.
Enjoy 7-14 days of beauty or refresh droopy stems in water overnight.
Proper conditioning, hydration, nutrients, clean water, and ideal temperatures are key to their longevity as cut flowers. Follow these simple care steps and your mums should last 2 weeks or more!
Choosing the Best Chrysanthemum Varieties
While all mums make cheerful cut flowers, some varieties are bred specifically for their lasting power in arrangements. Here are some top picks:
Exhibition Mums – Giant, showy globes on long stems. Last 3+ weeks.
Decorative Mums – Large, fluffy blooms in many colors. 2-3 week vase life.
Spray Mums – Sprays of small, single daisy-like blooms. 1-2 weeks.
Hardy Garden Mums – Long-lived landscape types. Vase life 7-10 days.
Football Mums – Prolific mini pompom blooms. Stay fresh 1 week+.
Singles/Anemone – Open daisy forms. Last up to 2 weeks.
Santini/Quill Mums – Distinctive tubular curled petals. Up to 2 weeks.
When you want mums that will last and last, select these bolder, sturdier varieties bred for cut flower use. Avoid weaker-stemmed potted florist mums.
Displaying Cut Chrysanthemums
Once you’ve prepared your cut mums properly, it’s time for the fun part – arranging them! Here are beautiful ways to show off their colors and forms:
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Mass several blooms together in a bowl, vase or basket for bold impact.
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Combine different mum varieties and colors for visual interest.
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Pair mums with other long-lasting flowers like carnations, roses, or alstroemeria.
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Use a mix of fully open and still budding flowers.
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Trim a few fresh stems every couple days to revive arrangements.
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Highlight mum texture by displaying a single stem in a tall cylindrical vase.
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Scatter small bud vases filled with 1-2 mums stems around the house.
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Add warmth to a Thanksgiving table with mums in a gourd centerpiece.
With their impressive staying power and stunning colors, cut mums are perfect for home decor all season long. Follow the care tips above and change the water routinely to enjoy up to 3 weeks of mum magic in your own vase!
How long will carnations last out of water?
In such conditions, carnations stay fresh for 4-6 hours, but their lifespan will be significantly reduced.
Which flowers wilt easily?
Delicate tulips, daffodils, and peonies wilt easily, especially if they are exposed to warm temperatures.
How to Put Flowers in a Vase by Flowers for Everyone
FAQ
How to keep chrysanthemums alive in a vase?
To keep the flowers fresh even longer, add a couple of ice cubes to the vase and occasionally spray the buds with cool water.Nov 12, 2023
Which flower lasts longest in a vase?
- 1/ The Winner: Laceleaf (Anthurium) Laceleaf will last up to 42 days in a vase. …
- 2/ Chrysanthemum. After being cut, Chrysanthemums will last up to 28 days in a vase. …
- 3/ Zinnia. Zinnia will last up to 26 days in a clean vase. …
- 4/ Leucadendron. …
- 6/ Allium. …
- 7/ Gerbera. …
- 8/ Orchid. …
- 9/ St John’s Wart (Hypericum)
How to keep chrysanthemums fresh in water?
- Change the water every day. …
- Re-trim the stems every three to four days to ensure they continue to absorb water efficiently.
- Remove any wilted or dead flowers promptly to prevent them from affecting the remaining healthy blooms.
How to make chrysanthemum flowers last longer?
Cool Location: Keep your chrysanthemum bouquet away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heat sources. They prefer a cool, slightly shaded spot.
How long do chrysanthemums last in a vase?
Cut flowers have an average life expectancy of 7-14 days, so they’re a great choice as a gift or to enliven your home. Whatever the variety, these expert tips for knowing how to take care of chrysanthemums in a vase will ensure they stay looking lovely for longer. 1. Trim the stems at an angle
Can chrysanthemums be arranged in a vase?
Chrysanthemums are beautiful and vibrant flowers that make a lovely addition to any floral arrangement. However, properly preparing them for vase arrangements is essential to ensure their longevity and the overall aesthetic of the display. Here is a step-by-step guide on the best way to prepare chrysanthemums for arranging in a vase.
How long does a chrysanthemum last?
You should start seeing rapid new growth. Of course, not every plant, even if it’s a perennial, manages to make it through the winter. The chrysanthemum lifespan is only three to four years and while it could last longer than that, it will get more susceptible to winter damage with each passing year.
Do chrysanthemums reseal?
1. Trim the stems at an angle Once cut, chrysanthemum stems will reseal, so it’s important to give them a quick snip before plunging them into water. Trimming the stems helps to feed the bloom.
Should chrysanthemum flowers be cut at an angle?
‘Cutting the stems at an angle will help the blooms absorb more water and nutrients from their flower food, so they’ll last longer.’ ‘Fortunately, chrysanthemum are naturally, long lasting, flowers and this is common across all varieties,’ says Gary Wallis, co-founder at British and New York-based florist, Jane Packer.
Do chrysanthemums have soggy leaves?
Chrysanthemums have a lot of leaves along the length of the stems – and soggy leaves become smelly pretty quickly. So trim off leaves on the part of the stems that will be submerged in water. They have long stems, which makes them one of the best flowers for a tall vase and an impactful display.