Here's How Long To Expect Your Cut Flowers To Survive Without Water

A gift of fresh-cut flowers is such a lovely surprise. They'll always brighten up a room or a face. Though, if you're out on a date and can't put them in water, they can lose their freshness quickly. So, just how quickly do they lose that brilliant out-of-the-garden brightness? Do you have to make it a fast dinner? We asked Kim Zimmerman, Owner of Rowdy Poppy in Denver, Colorado, for some answers. The main answer is that it depends. 

In an exclusive interview with House Digest, Zimmerman said, "Generally speaking, most cut flowers will last only minutes to a few hours with no water source. The length of time truly depends on the flower you select." A few of the flowers that can last longer without water include chrysanthemums, roses, dianthus, gladiolas, and lisianthus, she added. 

Those heartier flowers may be able to withstand being away from water for hours or even a couple of days, Zimmerman explained. However, in dry climates like Colorado, some flowers are prone to wilt in minutes, she said. She also mentioned that some varieties that are more water-needy include hydrangea, snapdragons, dahlias, and feverfew.

In addition to getting cut blooms into water, plant expert Kim Zimmerman told us that there are a handful of ways to keep cut flowers fresh for longer. For example, she suggested misting them with water as much as possible since their petals absorb water, too. 

"Related to this, it is a great idea to hydrate them very well prior to using them out of water," Zimmerman said in an exclusive interview with House Digest. "Consider creating a hydration chamber: an airtight container (think, plastic storage bin) lined with damp paper towels where you rest your blooms between layers of additional damp paper towels. Close the container and place it in a very cool spot overnight." She advised a cooler or refrigerator is best so long as they don't freeze. This will boost the hydration of the stems, Zimmerman added.  

If creating a hydration chamber is out of the question, there is another method you can try. Zimmerman explained that placing a bag over the flowers in a vase can also keep moisture in. It's also wise to keep them out of direct sun and keep them cool, she added. 

Speaking exclusively with House Digest, Kim Zimmerman emphasized the importance of taking care of flowers right away, especially when cutting stems. She said it is crucial for newly cut blooms to be placed in fresh water as soon as the stems are trimmed. "Some florists even cut stems under water to ensure no air is trapped that might block water uptake," she added. If you accidentally cut the stems too short, consider using reusable water tubes or this plastic straw hack to give them a boost. You could also add sugar to your water to help the flowers keep longer.

Zimmerman also advised anyone preparing cut flowers to be aware that their local environment makes a difference in how they thrive — or don't. Whether or not these plants can survive without water depends on the climate, she said. "I encourage folks to test flowers if they aren't sure," Zimmerman explained. "Having the confidence to work with flowers in this way is essential to successful designs wherever you live. And if you must use certain flowers in a design that won't hold up, consider using reusable water tubes on those stems."