10 Best Vase-Worthy Spring Flowers

Above all other flowers, tulips are the most iconic spring flower. The key to long-lasting cut tulips is choosing those in the bud stage, especially since the blooms are sure to take shape only hours after being placed in a vase. Make your own floral preservative for tulips with two tablespoons of lemon juice, one tablespoon of sugar and one-half teaspoon of household bleach. This homemade solution will prevent bacteria from growing, giving your blooms at least 10 days in a vase.

Ranunculuses come in a variety of colors including white, yellow, orange and pink. Once cut, ranunculuses continue to bloom and can last up to a week in a vase. It's best to place them in vases with extra room around the top to account for additional blooms.

Hydrangeas are delicate blooms that add an instant touch of whimsy to a room. To extend their vase life, remove all the leaves from the stems, and cut each stem under water. Hydrangeas have woody stems, so make water absorption easier by poking a few holes into the stem with a sewing needle. Re-cut the stems and change the water every two to three days. On average, fresh-cut hydrangeas will last four to seven days.

Blue irises have short life spans once cut, so it's best to choose bunches in the bud stage. Once the irises are cut and placed in a vase, their blooms will quickly take shape. Keep fresh-cut irises out of direct sunlight and make sure the vase is full of water each day. To extend their vase life, add a preservative solution to the water every three days.