Whether you’re a keen gardener or simply a lover of flowers, it can be helpful to know what flowers are in season in the UK throughout the year.
You’ll find the likes of roses, lilies and orchids year-round, but otherwise many of our favourites – we’re looking at you, peonies – are only in bloom at certain times throughout the year.
Our guide to the best cut flowers for every season in the UK will help you decide which bouquets to choose (and ensure you don’t miss your favourites!) or perhaps inspire you to grow your own blooms.
Spring: March-May
As the world starts to wake from its winter slumber, some of the most joyful flowers start to appear.
Daffodils
Expect to see daffodils, the epitome of springtime and a symbol of rebirth and renewal, in bouquets throughout the season.
Hyacinths
Hyacinths are also popular in spring bouquets. The bell-shaped flowers come in a variety of colours, from vibrant blue to deep purple and bridal white. Like with most flowers, each colour has its own special meaning.
While pastel pink is seen as a symbol of joy, purple is thought to mean deep regret – so be careful which colour you choose…
Tulips
Of course, it wouldn’t be spring without tulips. The beloved flower appears in April and May – and when it does, it quickly becomes a mainstay in spring flower displays. The seasonal favourite is instantly recognisable, whether alone or paired with complimentary flowers in a bouquet. They come in a wide variety of colours too (expect blue) so there’s something for every taste.
Summer: June-August
Summer’s the time to be bright and beautiful, with the warmer weather bringing with it some of the most popular and eye-catching blooms.
Peonies
Summer signifies that peony season has begun – and what a beautiful season it is. These full, layered blooms not only look pretty, but they smell divine too. Choose a bouquet of red peonies to tell your partner you love them, or opt for pink peonies as a gift for a cherished friend.
Sunflowers
Nothing screams joy like a bouquet of sunflowers, another favourite in the summertime. They look fabulous standing tall in a glass vase, or paired with the other flowers like roses, lilies, and goldenrod. Simply beautiful!
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas also make an appearance in the summer months, ready to add a statement touch to seasonal bouquets. These giant blooms with lace-like petals feature in many floral arrangements, from weddings to anniversaries.
Baby pink hydrangeas are a symbol of love and sincerity, and like in our Candy Clouds bouquet they pair beautifully with pastel coloured roses. On the other hand blue hydrangeas are seen as a sign of forgiveness, so if you need to apologise to someone in the summer months, consider giving them our blue hydrangea plant to make amends.
Autumn: September-November
Easing into the colder, autumnal months, thankfully you’ll still see plenty of summer species flowering throughout September and beyond if the weather remains mild. Think universal favourites: dahlias, sunflowers, roses, and hydrangeas.
Hesperantha
Hesperantha flowers late summer into autumn, but can even last into early winter if there’s no frost in sight. Its statement cup-shaped flowers and array of vibrant colours add interest to late-season bouquets and pair well with foliage or other seasonal blooms.
Dahlias
With so many different types of dahlias, you’ll see lots of variation in autumn bouquets throughout the season, from big pom-pom-like blooms to flowers that look a little more star-shaped and mini varieties with dainty, delicate petals. There’s plenty of different colours too, all with their own special meaning. Although in general, dahlias are thought to represent inner strength. A great gift for any new students heading off to university in September, or those embarking on a new life chapter.
Cosmos
Cosmos, another popular autumn flower, fare well in the milder October and November weather. Part of the Asteraceae family along with the likes of daisies, they are available in a range of colours from white and pink to red and orange, and thanks to the feathery foliage, they add both colour and texture to autumnal bouquets.
Winter: December – February
The hardy flowers that bloom throughout the winter make the colder months just a little more bearable, because nothing brightens our mood like a vase full of seasonal flowers.
Snowdrops
Snowdrops, a winter classic, may look dainty and delicate but they are rather strong and can withstand frosty conditions. You may start to notice them around November, and they’ll stick around throughout the cold weather well into February.
Add a handful or two to a glass jar for a minimalist look, or look for bouquets of snowdrops paired with white roses and foliage for a winter-ready centrepiece. They’re also perfect for winter weddings.
Pansies
Pansies, with their short stems, look lovely in small jars or vases in the winter months and make a beautiful addition to a winter tablescape. A symbol of love and affection, when these pretty flowers will bloom will depend on when you plant them. They thrive in cooler conditions, and if planted late-summer or in the autumn, you can expect to see them bloom late winter.
