Quite the Arrangement

Grow these easy-care, long-lasting flowers for DIY bouquets

- LUKE MILLER

1 Gladiolus 

GLADIOLUS SPP., ZONES 8 TO 11

This stately flower reaches 2 to 5 feet tall and grows from a corm that can be overwintered in cold climates and replanted each spring. Eye-catching tubular flowers come in many colors, such as yellow, pink, white, purple and more, and sit on elegant spires. To ensure a longer blooming season, sow successive batches of corms 10 to 14 days apart.

Why we love it: A stalk of gladiolus looks majestic in the garden and adds height to bouquets.

2 Allium 

ALLIUM SPP., ZONES 4 TO 9

A garden with alliums, particularly a large cultivar such as the Globemaster, has instant, whimsical appeal. The showstopping flowers are a beautiful sight at peak bloom, then hold their shape to become pretty dried flowers. Some gardeners even spray-paint the dried flower heads to give them a lasting color.

Why we love it: The one-of-a-kind blooms pop in a variety of shades, including burgundy, lilac, yellow and white.

3 Cosmos 

COSMOS BIPINNATUS, ANNUAL

A popular self-seeder, cosmos is easy to sprout-and easy to spot, thanks to a plethora of bright white, yellow, orange, red or pink flowers. The three B's (birds, butterflies and bees) adore the bright blooms too. Cosmos plants range in height from 2 to 6 feet, depending on species, and are tolerant of poor, dry soils.

Why we love it: Ferny foliage adds a textural contrast to the garden and is a fine foil for clusters of flowers.