How can you make flowers last longer in a vase?

[Ethanwalker]

Every time I buy fresh flowers, they wilt within a few days. Does anyone know how can you make flowers last longer in a vase? I’ve heard about adding sugar or cutting stems at an angle—do these really help?

 

[Amelia]

Tubular brightly colored flowers, red and orange in particular are the most appealing to hummingbirds. Top choices include:

• Trumpet Creeper
• Bee Balm (Monarda)
• Salvia
• Columbine
• Bleeding Hearts

These plants are rich in nectar and serve to supply these birds with the high energy that they require and their long bills fit quite well in these plants.