Lilacs symbolize first love, and after one whiff of their heavenly aroma, it’s easy to see why. But these romantic flowers never last as long as we would hope after being cut (3-5 days). Check below to read about ways to enhance their beauty and lengthen their life indoors.
- If lilacs are cut before the buds are open, they will likely not open at all. Cut them when the panicle (entire cluster of flowers) is one-quarter to one-half open.
- Do not crush the stem with a hammer as your grandmother may have taught you. Instead, cut a few inches vertically up from the bottom of the stem with a sharp set of clippers.
- Rather than arranging the flowers immediately after cutting, remove most of the leaves and immerse the branches to the neck of the blossoms in cool water. Let them stand overnight and arrange the following day. Display them in a deep vase filled with cool water, and never allow cut lilacs to stand in the sun.
- Lilacs last longer (and we think look more beautiful) if they are not mixed with other flowers. They are stunning in opulently tall bunches or equally lovely as simple, single blossoms.
- Finally, take a deep whiff of their heavenly scent at every opportunity. Their gorgeous smell is always guaranteed to lift the spirits.