Seasonal Flowers For Spring

Spring is an amazing time of renewal and growth as flowers bloom and nature comes to life. But what flowers are available at this time of year? Here’s our guide to some of our favourite seasonal spring flowers.

There’s been a lot of coverage in the press recently about the growing trend for the use of British seasonal flowers and foliage. Confusingly, these articles are often accompanied by pictures of Mother’s day bouquets containing roses, which are definitely not in season in March.

Our most abundant flowers can be seen popping up everywhere at this time of the year: drifts of daffodils along verges; fluffy catkins bursting from trees; primroses, celandines and bluebells starting to carpet wooded areas. Spotting the first of these shoots and flowers heralds the end of winter, and the increased daylight and warmer temperatures start to bring all of us blinking into the sunshine.

Far from slim pickings, there is a huge range of flowers, foliage and blossom around in spring. Even better, much of it is scented and its slightly more brief availability makes it just that little bit more special.

What Flowers Bloom In Spring?

Tulips

Tulips are available in pretty much any colour you can think of. Parrot and frilly varieties add additional texture, and the fact they continue to grow after they’ve been picked means they can create beautiful organic curves in an arrangement.

Narcissi / Daffodils

These delicate, highly scented flowers are the epitome of spring with their yellow, white and orange trumpets.

Snowdrops

These tough little flowers can often be seen popping up before the last snow of winter has melted. Spotting them is a true sign that spring is round the corner! Recognisable by their tiny nodding heads, snowdrops are great for naturalising an arrangement.

Hyacinth

These highly scented flowers have a real presence and are usually found in blue, pink or white. I really love these because their fragrance is wonderful. My mum always used to grow some of these to have in the house after Christmas, and the scent always reminds me of the emergence of spring.

Anemone

Anemones have single (simple and elegant) and double (more ‘frilly’) varieties available. They have a fragile elegance but are actually pretty robust. Anemones come in white, pink, purple and blue varieties - they’re a lovely option for bouquets and arrangements.

Ranunculus

The rose of spring! These are perfect to use either when they’re still in their tight little buds or in full bloom. They also come in a rainbow of colours. Ranunculus are part of the buttercup family - but on steroids!

Pussy Willow

The soft fur-like buds have a coating of hairs which acts as insulation to protect these early bloomers from cold temperatures. I like using these in designs as they’re fantastic for adding height and architectural form.

Hellebore

Hellebores are available as early as December (they’re also known as the Christmas rose) and although they won’t last long in an arrangement, they bring a delicate elegance that shouldn't be overlooked.

Muscari

These are also known as the ‘grape hyacinth’ because they look like miniature bunches of grapes. Although they’re most commonly blue, pink and white varieties are also available. I think these look lovely in small posies and arrangements.

Daphne

It’s not always about the flowers - Daphne work wonderfully as a foliage option (that said, in spring the Daphne also has amazing scented balls of flowers) They’re a real show stopper in a large urn or pedestal arrangement.

Later Spring Flower Options

Fritillaries

There are many types of fritillaries. Probably the most well-known is the snake's head fritillary: delicate purple nodding heads top slightly wild and beautifully shaping foliage. Look closely at the geometric patterning on the petals.

Magnolia

These are a fantastic statement option for larger pieces - with white, cream or pink saucer-like flowers that really pack a punch.

Forsythia

Although a pretty nondescript shrub for the rest of the year, the bright yellow flowers of the forsythia in spring cannot be overlooked. I especially like these in bouquets and arrangements.

Cherry blossom

Delicate branches of pink or white blossom can be used on its own in large urns or vases, or add a single branch to a smaller arrangement to make a statement.

Bluebells

Clusters of blue (or white) bells on fleshy stems, bluebells are quintessentially English and perfect for a natural style.

Aquilegia

Nodding heads in blue, purple, white, pink and almost black - the long graceful stems offer a delicate option and lend a lovely sense of movement to a design.

Peony

The star of the show! Tight round, almost ball-like buds, open up to the most amazing central flowers. A spring wedding would not be complete without them.

Spring Weddings

For those planning to get married in the spring, the lack of roses doesn't mean you’re having to make any kind of compromise. Beautiful branches of romantic blossom and magnolia can be used to decorate your venue or church, and peonies, ranunculus and hellebore amongst other things can be used to create truly beautiful and unique bouquets and table decorations.

For more information on how Twigg Floral Design can help make your wedding extra special please get in touch for a chat. We’d love to find out more about your big day.