The long, hot days of summer may have come to an end but, on the plus side, autumn brings beautiful earthy colours that give a warm, cosy glow to any bouquet.
Here are our top 13 flowers and foliage for autumn bouquets.
Sunflowers
Not prepared to say goodbye to summer just yet? We don’t blame you, but you can cling on to that sunshiney, summery feeling a little bit longer by adding sunflowers to your autumn bouquet. Sunflowers are still in season in the autumn, and their bright yellow flowers look simply sensational alongside autumnal reds and oranges.
Plus, it’s a scientific fact* that everyone loves sunflowers, so you can be sure to bring a smile to the recipient’s face.
(*Not actually a scientific fact.)
Goldenrod
There are 100 different species of goldenrod, many of which are said to have healing properties if taken as tea. Goldenrod’s leaves and flowers can even be cooked like spinach, or added to stir-fries, soups and stews. Still, we don’t recommend you get all Gordon Ramsay on your goldenrod but to gaze longingly at its fluffy yellow spikes instead, which add a lovely meadowy feel to our autumn bouquets.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemum season is at its peak in the late summer and autumn, and their striking textured blooms and vibrant colours add whimsy and variety to any bouquet. Their incredibly long vase life – which can be up to 3 or 4 weeks – is just another reason to love them.
According to Greek superstition, the humble chrysanthemum can ward off evil spirits. Whether your recipient needs protection from evil spirits or not, chrysanthemums are always a welcome sight in a bouquet. Another interesting fact about chrysanthemums is that they’re believed to have originated from China. The Chinese love chrysanthemums so much, a chrysanthemum festival is held each year in Tongxiang.
Roses
Roses need no introduction. Roses come in many colours, with many different meanings including, love, friendship and happiness, but their timeless, classic beauty makes them perfect for any bouquet, whatever the occasion. Red, orange, and yellow roses are ideal for adding a pop of fiery colour to any autumn arrangement.
According to the Guinness World Records, the largest bouquet was made from 156,940 roses in September 2006. You don’t have to go that far with your bouquet, something smaller will be fine, but if you do want to beat the world record, we’ll need a bit of notice.
Brassica
You may think of brassicas as being something to eat – you know, cabbages, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, that kind of thing, and wonder if we’ve gone mad, suggesting you put them in a bouquet. Fear not, we’re all quite sane here and ornamental brassicas are a wonderful plant that look stunning in any floral arrangement and bring a touch of the harvest festival to your home. As gorgeous as they are though, they’re not edible, so don’t be tempted to eat them.
Asclepias
If your recipient of an autumn bouquet asks you what the pretty bead-like flowers are and you don’t know how to pronounce asclepias, you can call it by its other name of butterfly weed. Hopefully, your recipient will just admire their beautiful bouquet though and you won’t have to admit to buying them weeds.
(But if you really want to know how to pronounce it, it’s as-cle-pias.)
Carnations
Carnations are one of the most strongly-scented blooms. Their spicy, clove-like fragrance is just perfect for those cooler autumn days. They’re available all year round, but we particularly love deep burgundy carnations for their moody autumnal aesthetic.
Carnations are also the official flower for 1st wedding anniversaries, so make sure to include them if you’re buying a bouquet to celebrate a first wedding anniversary.
Lilies
Another classic flower that needs no introduction is the lily. Red and orange lilies brings a touch of sophistication in autumn with their velvety petals and gorgeous fragrance. Lilies are said to be one of the top ten flowers in the world, making them a popular choice for bouquets. Please remember though that lilies are highly toxic to cats (and not great for dogs either!) – so keep them out of reach from your furry friends.
Hydrangeas
As summer fades into autumn, hydrangeas transform as well, with the bright pink and blue flowers changing to a lush and fresh green. Perfectly capturing the changing colours of the season, the huge and eye-catching flowers are a truly stunning addition to autumn bouquets. Try them paired with crisp white snapdragons, roses, and baby’s breath in our Winter Walks bouquet to bring the feeling of a brisk morning stroll to your home.
Green hydrangeas are said to signify rebirth and renewal, reminding us that although autumn’s cold and dark days might bring us down, it’s also a time of regeneration necessary for new life in the spring.
Hypericum Berries
Hypericum berries are often called coffee berries or beans because of the fruits’ resemblance to coffee beans. But are they buds or blossoms? Well, they’re also both and neither, just to be awkward, but it doesn’t really matter either way as they add a fantastic point of interest to your autumn bouquet. Just don’t try grinding them for your morning pick-me-up.
Amaranth
More commonly known as an edible crop, amaranth can nevertheless make for a striking and unusual addition to your autumn bouquet, with plumes of feathery flowers in ruby reds and burgundies. Reminiscent of freshly harvested fields, amaranthus is said to symbolise immortality, beauty, and eternal love and friendship, as its retains its vibrant colour even when dried. These long lasting flowers bloom throughout the autumn and winter, making now the perfect time to appreciate their unique beauty.
Carthamus
Also adding interest to any autumn bouquet is the carthamus, part of the thistle family, with striking spiky orange flowers. Carthamus gets its name from the Hebrew word ‘kartami’ and the Arabic word ‘kurthum’ which means ‘to dye’. Carthamus has been used for centuries for making crimson and yellow dye for silk and cosmetic rouge.
Oak Leaves
Oak leaves are a wonderful complement to your autumn bouquet, with their deep red leaves adding visual interest along with an earthy touch. The leaves may be falling outside and the evenings getting chillier, but our autumn bouquets will bring warmth to any room.
Warm up this autumn with our vibrant and unique collection of autumn bouquets. Shop today to find the perfect seasonal flowers for any occasion.
