Florists Reveal The 12 "Most Popular" Flowers
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Whether you like to cut flowers from your own garden for a bouquet or pick one up at your local florist, grocery store, or farmers market, fresh flowers are good for the soul. They’re a thoughtful way to celebrate every occasion from birthdays to weddings, and they also make any day feel more special (we totally recommend treating yourself to fresh flowers whenever possible!). If you're gifting an arrangement to someone for Valentine's Day and don't know their birth flower or favorite bloom, it's good to know the most popular flowers for bouquets, so they're sure to be pleased with your selection.
Having fresh flowers around isn’t just about adding color or style to a room. A 2005 study found that a fresh bouquet actually makes people feel happier, boosts mood, and lessens anxiety. Some flower trends come and go, but many types of bouquet flowers, such as the rose, remain popular through the years because of their symbolism or classic beauty. Others come into fashion because of new developments in breeding, such as new colors or forms. While there may be regional preferences in favorite flowers for bouquets, the most popular flowers often tend to be those that have a specific symbolism, are long-lasting, or imbue a sense of nostalgia.
Plan ahead for Valentine's Day and read on to check out the 12 most popular flowers for bouquets.
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Garden Roses
Roses have always been a favorite in bouquets, but garden roses are some of the most popular flowers right now. Garden roses, which are cut in tight buds, have an unmistakably lush, romantic look that’s adaptable to a variety of bouquet styles, whether for table displays or as part of a wedding bouquet. “They can be designed in a way that goes more organic or more modern,” says Zöe P. Gallina, chief creative officer of Botanica Design Studio. Some types of garden roses stand more erect while others have more relaxed stems so that they can be used to achieve various design aesthetics.
Related Story: 11 Rose Colors to Know Before Sending a Bouquet
Double Lilies
Breeding innovations have developed this romantic, multipetaled lily that boasts a double row of flowers and no pollen-covered stamen, so they won't make a mess on tablecloths or garments, says Debra Prinzing, founder and creative director of the Slow Flowers Society and coauthor of The Flower Farmers. Double lilies come in white, cream, and pink and are super long-lasting because the stem usually bears three or more buds that continue to open over the life of the arrangement.
Peonies
Peonies are old-fashioned favorites in bouquets because of their full, sumptuous appearance and heady fragrance. Plus, the different colors have different meanings. For example, the pink peony symbolizes happiness and romance. “It’s a popular choice for gifts and brides because of its beauty, limited availability, seasonality, and symbolism,” says Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising at 1-800-Flowers.com. “This fragrant flower is one of the most searched for at 1-800-Flowers.”
Related Story: How to Grow Peonies and Keep Them Blooming for Years
Ranunculuses
Ranunculus are exquisite flowers with unmatched beauty. They come in an array of shades from blush pink to bright orange, but the Cloony varieties are especially lovely as focal points in bouquets, says Ryan Black, the marketing director of Jet Fresh Flowers. These have extra-large flowers that showcase layers of delicate petals that slowly unfurl from a ball-like center.
Tulips
Tulips are some of the most popular flowers because of their grace and elegance, but parrot tulips are especially eye-catching additions to bouquets. “They have a luxe vibe. The petals are full, ruffled, and usually bicolored or with streaks,” says Prinzing. It's interesting to note that all types of tulips continue to “grow” once cut, so you may need to remove them from the arrangement to trim down the stem before adding them back to your vase.
Read more: How and When to Plant Tulips for Spring Color
Spray Roses
Spray roses are the little sister of larger garden roses or hybrid tea roses. “Bigger isn’t always better in a bouquet,” says Prinzing. The spray rose has multiple blooms on each branching stem, and a few stems can go a long way to infuse elegance, add texture, and complement other blooms in a bouquet. They also last a very long time in the vase.
Carnations
Carnations are some of the most popular flowers because they look great in the vase for a long time and are inexpensive compared to many other flowers, making them a great value, too. “They’re one of our top requested flowers as they are a hardy bloom that can make a lasting impression. If cared for properly, they can last for more than a week and are great as a single bouquet or in mixed arrangements,” says Palomares.
Orchids
Orchids are one of the most popular flowers because they come in so many different varieties, shapes, and colors. They’re also exceptionally long-lasting. Their versatility makes them a go-to for bouquets, says Gallina.
Stock
Stock is one of the most popular flowers to use in bouquets because of its many attributes, says Black. It has a spicy yet delicate perfume, its height adds texture and variety, and it has a long vase life, making it an excellent filler in fresh bouquets.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are breathtakingly lovely shrubs in the garden, and they’re equally attractive as cut flowers, says Black. Their colors can range from pure white to shades of pink to deepest blue, making them perfect for many different kinds of bouquets. They also relay a sense of nostalgia, romance, and old-fashioned charm.
Sunflowers
A sunflower’s cheery, bold petals mimic the sun, making them popular in gift bouquets or for home decor. “They make a big impact visually,” says Palomares. The flower is a symbol of optimism, adoration, loyalty, and friendship. Sunflowers also are available in many different shades beyond the classic yellow or gold.
Snowball Viburnum
This deciduous ornamental shrub produces flowers that are similar to a small, mophead-type hydrangea. This cut stem is now one of the most popular flowers because it offers so many design choices. “The first smaller blooms emerge acid green to pair with spring-flowering bulbs. Later in the season, the blooms progress to larger white ‘snowballs’ ideal for dramatic arrangements,” says Prinzing. “The greenery takes on wine shades in autumn, making it a great source of foliage for fall design.”
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