Once May rolls around, lilac bushes start bursting with those gorgeous, sweet-smelling blooms we all love. It’s hard to resist the urge to bring that amazing fragrance indoors, right? Snapping off a few branches for a vase is the quickest way to brighten up your home.
Add a Fresh Touch to Your Home
Now, I’ll be honest—lilacs aren’t exactly known for being the longest-lasting cut flowers. They can be a bit finicky! But there are a few tricks you can use before you even make the first cut to keep them looking fresh. Things like the time of day you harvest, how you transport them, and how you trim the stems make a huge difference. If you want the full scoop on keeping them perky, check out our guide on how to make lilacs last in a vase.
Lilacs aren’t just for vases, though; they look stunning woven into wreaths too! Depending on the color of your lilacs, you can mix in other plants to create a beautiful, natural palette. For those vibrant purple varieties, try pairing them with yellow buttercups, bird vetch, or even some barley and ornamental grasses for a pop of green. Columbine or geraniums also look fantastic when tucked in with some greenery and lilac stems.
Of course, you can always go for a “lilac-only” look by mixing different lilac varieties and shades. If you’re going for pure lilac vibes, a cylinder or trumpet vase helps the branches look even more lush and full. And if you want to get a little creative, try using everyday household items as a “vase” to create a unique focal point. Think outside the box with:
- A vintage watering can
- Soup tureens or ceramic pots
- Cake stands (for short clusters)
- Mason jars or decorative glassware
- Baskets (with a hidden water container inside)
Pro Tips for Cut Lilacs
Once you’ve got your arrangement looking just right, it’s time to keep it happy. You can give the water a little boost with a teaspoon of sugar or some store-bought flower food. Keep a close eye on the vase over the next few days—if the water starts looking cloudy, swap it out for fresh water immediately. Cloudy water means bacteria and rot are moving in, which is the fastest way to kill your bouquet.
Every time you change the water, give the stems a fresh trim to keep the “plumbing” working properly. Also, try to keep your lilacs in a cool spot (around 68°F) away from drafts and direct sunlight. If you put them in a sunny window, they’ll wilt before you know it!
One final tip: Please, don’t smash or hammer the ends of the stems! There’s an old myth that “bruising” the stems helps them drink, but it actually does the opposite. It destroys the plant cells they need to soak up water, causing them to fade even faster. Just a clean, sharp diagonal cut is all they need!
