In this guide, we'll explore some of the best flowering shrubs to grow for cut flowers, along with tips on how to make the most of them in your arrangements.
These shrubs offer a unique advantage over traditional cut flowers, as they often produce sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms that can fill your vases for weeks on end.
Caryopteris
Caryopteris, also known as blue beard or blue mist, is a charming shrub that produces clusters of soft to deep blue flowers from late summer to fall.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are a classic choice for cut flowers, thanks to their large, showy blooms that last for several months.
Ninebark
Ninebark is a versatile shrub that offers more than just beautiful flowers for your arrangements. In late spring, it produces clusters of tiny white or pink blooms
Smoke Bush
Smoke bush is prized for its unique foliage as much as its flowers. In late spring to summer, it produces soft clouds of flowers in shades of yellow
Roses
Roses are beloved for their elegance, wide range of colors, long blooming season, and irresistible fragrance, making them a popular choice for cutting.
Gardenia
Gardenias are prized for their white flowers, which bring a delightful fragrance indoors. When cutting gardenias for arrangements, trim the stems to about 4 to 6 inches long
Summersweet
Summersweet, also known as sweet pepperbush, is a densely branched shrub with glossy green leaves and fragrant white or pink flowers that attract pollinators.
Butterfly Bush
As its name suggests, the butterfly bush is a magnet for butterflies in the garden, thanks to its arching stems with clusters of tightly spaced flowers.
Tips for Cutting Flowers
– Water the plant the day before cutting flowers to ensure stems are not limp.
– Use sharp pruners or garden shears to make clean cuts just above a node or lateral branch.
– Collect flowering stems early in the morning before the sun's heat causes them to lose moisture.
– Remove excess leaves below the water level of your vase to prevent wilting.
– Submerge stems in clean water as soon as you cut them to encourage water absorption.
– Make a second clean cut when arranging the flowers to ensure maximum water uptake.