Florist's Guide to Seasonal Flower Varieties
This Ellerman Flowers’ guide provides an overview of popular flower varieties available by season, helping florists plan arrangements and advise customers on the freshest, most vibrant blooms for their needs. Each season offers unique flowers that thrive in specific conditions, ensuring optimal beauty and longevity.
Spring (March - May)
Spring brings a burst of color with flowers that symbolize renewal and growth. These blooms are ideal for weddings, Easter arrangements, and Mother’s Day bouquets.
Tulips: Available in a wide range of colors like red, yellow, pink, and white. Known for their elegant, cup-shaped blooms. Best used in simple vases or mixed arrangements.
Daffodils: Bright yellow or white trumpet-shaped flowers. Perfect for cheerful spring displays but avoid mixing with other flowers due to their sap, which can be toxic to other blooms.
Hyacinths: Fragrant, star-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, blue, and white. Ideal for compact, scented arrangements or garden-inspired designs.
Peonies: Lush, full blooms in pink, white, coral, and red. A favorite for romantic bouquets and centerpieces, available late spring.
Lilacs: Fragrant clusters in purple, white, or pink. Best for rustic or vintage arrangements, though they have a short vase life.
Tips: Spring flowers prefer cooler temperatures. Keep arrangements away from direct sunlight and change water frequently to extend vase life.
Summer (June - August)
Summer offers vibrant, heat-tolerant flowers perfect for bold arrangements, outdoor weddings, and festive events.
Sunflowers: Large, cheerful blooms in yellow or red. Ideal for rustic or farmhouse-style arrangements. Their sturdy stems make them versatile for large displays.
Roses: Available year-round but peak in summer with vibrant colors like red, pink, orange, and yellow. Perfect for any arrangement, from classic bouquets to modern designs.
Zinnias: Bright, daisy-like flowers in nearly every color. Long-lasting and great for mixed bouquets or cutting gardens.
Lavender: Fragrant purple spikes, ideal for dried arrangements or as filler in fresh bouquets. Adds a calming scent to displays.
Dahlias: Bold, intricate blooms in various shapes and colors, from soft pastels to deep reds. Excellent for statement pieces or event decor.
Tips: Summer flowers are hardy but can wilt in extreme heat. Use floral preservatives and keep arrangements hydrated, especially for outdoor events.
Fall (September - November)
Fall flowers feature rich, warm tones that complement autumnal themes, perfect for Thanksgiving centerpieces and cozy arrangements.
Chrysanthemums: Available in shades like orange, yellow, red, and bronze. Versatile for bouquets, wreaths, or potted displays.
Marigolds: Bright orange and yellow blooms with a spicy scent. Ideal for seasonal displays or cultural celebrations like Día de los Muertos.
Asters: Star-shaped flowers in purple, pink, or white. Great as fillers or standalone in delicate arrangements.
Celosia (Cockscomb): Feathery flower heads in red, pink, yellow, or orange. Adds texture to fall bouquets or dried arrangements.
Cosmos: Airy, daisy-like flowers in pink, white, or burgundy. Perfect for whimsical or garden-style designs.
Tips: Fall flowers often have longer vase lives. Pair with seasonal foliage like eucalyptus or oak leaves for a cohesive autumn look.
Winter (December - February)
Winter flowers are hardy and elegant, ideal for holiday arrangements, winter weddings, or cozy indoor displays.
Amaryllis: Large, trumpet-shaped blooms in red, white, or pink. Perfect for dramatic holiday centerpieces or as potted gifts.
Poinsettias: Iconic red, white, or pink bracts (not true flowers). Best as potted plants or incorporated into festive arrangements.
Hellebores (Winter Rose): Subtle, nodding blooms in white, pink, or purple. Ideal for understated, elegant bouquets.
Camellias: Glossy, rose-like blooms in red, pink, or white. Excellent for winter weddings or formal arrangements.
Anemones: Delicate flowers with dark centers, available in white, red, or purple. Great for modern or minimalist designs.
Tips: Winter flowers thrive in cooler conditions. Avoid placing arrangements near heat sources like fireplaces to prevent wilting.
Year-Round Favorites
Some flowers are available consistently due to greenhouse cultivation or global sourcing, making them reliable choices for any season.
Carnations: Long-lasting blooms in nearly every color. Affordable and versatile for bouquets, boutonnieres, or corsages.
Gerbera Daisies: Bright, cheerful flowers in bold colors like pink, orange, and red. Great for playful or vibrant arrangements.
Orchids: Exotic blooms in white, purple, or pink. Ideal for upscale arrangements or as standalone focal points.
Lilies: Fragrant and elegant in white, pink, or orange. Perfect for formal events or sympathy arrangements.
Tips: Year-round flowers benefit from regular water changes and stem trims to maximize freshness. Check for seasonal price fluctuations due to demand.
General Florist Tips
Sourcing: Work with local growers for seasonal blooms to ensure freshness and support sustainability. For off-season flowers, rely on trusted wholesalers.
Storage: Store flowers at appropriate temperatures (typically 35-40°F for most blooms) and avoid ethylene-producing fruits like apples, which can cause wilting.
Design: Combine seasonal flowers with complementary foliage, berries, or branches to enhance texture and highlight the season’s aesthetic.
Customer Advice: Educate clients on seasonal availability to manage expectations and suggest alternatives for out-of-season requests.
This Ellermann Flower Boutique guide can help florists create stunning, season-appropriate arrangements while ensuring customer satisfaction and cost-effective sourcing.
