Lilies- the wilt-free focal flower

We know that lilies are considered a “wilt-free” flower- which is one of the many reasons we love them.

Why are lilies considered a “wilt-free” flower? I wanted to find out! Turns out there are a few reasons.

What Do We Mean by “Wilt-Free”?

Let me be clear- lilies are not some sort of magical flower- they will eventually wilt. However, unlike many other flowers- they are incredibly hardy and can withstand a certain degree of abuse before they’re negatively impacted.

When I bring fresh-cut lilies into my home, I can expect them to last at least 10-14 days in a vase.

When we harvest them in the correct colored bud stage, I’ve seen them retain their freshness for a month in the floral cooler.

Lilies are a great focal flower for event work where providing a water source for the flowers may be difficult. They can tolerate the abuse of a water-free arbor installation without showing wear.

A Strong Rigid Stem

Lilies have a strong rigid stem. The stem promotes healthy water uptake to promote optimal hydration. The rigidity of the stem helps prevent the flowers from drooping and allows them to stay upright.

The Waxy Cuticle

There is a coating on the outside of the leaves, petals and other parts of some plants called the waxy cuticle. The waxy cuticle is a substance comprised of organic compounds that coat the plant (like wax) and prevent water loss through the petals and leaves. This form of water loss is called transpiration. When transpiration is kept to a minimum, the vase life of the flower is extended. Like many succulents and heat-loving plants, lilies have a waxy cuticle that prevents transpiration.

If you’re interested in reading up on the chemistry behind the waxy cuticle of lilies, specifically, I’d recommend checking out this study. Variation in Petal and Leaf Wax Deposition Affects Cuticular Transpiration in Cut Lily Flowers - Cheng, Wang, Wu, et al.

The aforementioned study also stresses the importance of the proper harvest stage for the longevity of the cut flower. It states that lilies harvested before the optimal stage may not have had an opportunity to fully develop the waxy cuticle, which may be detrimental to vase life.

You can see the shine of the waxy cuticle on the petals of this 'Eyeliner’ lily.

Photo by Linda D’Arco

Ethylene Resistance-

Lilies fall into a group of flowers that are considered to be partially ethylene-resistant. This helps them stay fresh in conditions where other flowers with ethylene-sensitivities may be prone to wilting.

Not sure what ethylene resistance means?- Check out this notebook entry for a quick explanation

Have any questions or comments about the wilt-free nature of lilies? Be sure to share them in the comments below!
-Karissa