How to Arrange Calla Lilies in Trumpet Vases

Fill trumpet vases with cold water to within 2 inches of their rims. Pour half a packet of flower food, also called floral preservative, into each vase. Storing cut bulb flowers such as calla lilies in a dark, cold location such as a shed, garage or basement overnight with their stems in cold water might help the flowers last longer, according to Ohio State University Extension.

Select as many lilies as will fit in the vases. Trim each stem to the desired length by holding the lily next to a trumpet vase to see how long to make the stem needs to display the lily above the vase with at least 4 inches of stem showing. Leave more stem for a taller display.

Use a sharp knife to cut the calla lily stems at a 45-degree angle. A sharp, angled cut provides the lilies with the most water and nutrients. Scissors or any dull tool can crush the tissues and starve the flower.

Make the lily stems different lengths to create volume in the arrangement. For example, choose a large, fully opened lily for the central flower and keep its stem the longest so it will display above the other lilies. Cut the stems of three, five or seven lilies 3 inches or more shorter than the central lily. This will create an array of lilies below the lily that serves as the focal point.

Cut a third of the stems 3 inches shorter than the central lily, the next third 5 inches shorter and the last third 7 inches shorter. Insert the stems into the vase around the central flower, staggering the lilies in height, to create an informal bouquet with dimension. Alternatively, insert the stems around the central flower with the tallest lilies nearest to the central flower and the shortest ones farthest away, at the edges of the vase.