Regardless of what Punxsutawney Phil claims, spring is on its way. How do we know? The blooming buds, of course. Since nothing makes the air feel warmer than seeing this tell-tale sign, we’ve put together a list of the top eight florals for this season – we know you’ve been wondering. So whether you’re picking out a dining table bouquet for your Sammamish, WA home, looking for an easy-to-keep option for your apartment in Ann Arbor, MI, or starting a garden at your rental home in Fort Lauderdale, FL, we’ve got you covered.
1. Peony
A popular flower for a reason, peonies are not only a symbol of spring, but perfect for both gardens and indoor arrangements. “These full, fragrant blooms symbolize prosperity and good fortune, adding a touch of elegance to any space. Their vibrant colors and lush petals capture the essence of spring,” says Stephanie Murdock, owner of Bloom Bar and Co. Plus, if they’re good enough for Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf, they’re good enough for us.
2. Gardenia
“This spring, bring beauty and fragrance into your home and garden with the enchanting gardenia,” suggests Diana Mubarak, owner of Little Shop of Flowers. This flower is known for its creamy white petals, lush green foliage, sweet scent, and is great for both in and out the home. “Thriving in warm, humid climates with partial shade, these flowers add a timeless charm to any space. Whether placed on a windowsill or lining a garden path, gardenias are the ultimate floral choice for the season,” says Diana.
3. Tulip
While we might not be able to enjoy tulips in The Netherlands, we can enjoy this spring flower from the comfort of our homes. “With their bright, cheerful colors, tulips bring energy to any space — and since they’re in season, they’re also more affordable and widely available,” says Ashley Wylie of Fleurs d’Ave Floral Boutique. “Whether for yourself, a loved one, or a special occasion, tulips are a thoughtful way to celebrate the season and since it’s their peak season, they’re also fresher, more vibrant, and longer-lasting,” adds Ashley.
Available in a variety of colors, hyacinths are beautiful clusters of bell-shaped blooms “ideal for enhancing both your outdoor and indoor spaces,” says Jennifer Hansen, owner of Botanical Eden. This flower is relatively easy to grow and care for, although you need to plan ahead as it’s ideal to plant hyacinth bulbs in the fall. Jennifer recommends “keeping them in potted containers that are kept cool over the winter and then bringing them indoors.” Whether you decide to plant them outside or “combine them in floral arrangements, hyacinths are sure to bring joy and vitality to your home and help you celebrate the spirit of spring in a delightful way,” adds Jennifer.
5. Daffodil
“Bringing specialty narcissus [daffodils] into your home is a wonderful way to welcome the season with a burst of color and fragrance,” says Mollie Payne, founder and CEO of Foothill Farm Flowers. “These cheerful flowers, with their soft pastel blooms, brighten up any space and fill the air with a fresh, sweet scent,” continues Mollie.
Since daffodils do well indoors and out, Marisa Chawner of Homey Blue Heron advises us to start inside: “I love buying potted daffodils before they bloom because they last much longer, and they look fabulous in my home decor. The best part of all is that you can plant them outdoors after they have finished blooming, so you can enjoy them year after year.”
Whether you plant daffodils outside or inside “a vase of a single type or a mix of many varieties, narcissus adds a touch of natural beauty, signaling the start of warmer days ahead,” says Mollie.
With a late winter/early spring bloom, seeing hellebore sprout up is a much-welcomed sight after several dreary months – especially with its vibrant colors and patterns. This plant “comes in a variety of colors, including white, pink, yellow, green, blue, maroon, and apricot, and can also have dots, freckles, or a darker band called picotee along the petal edge,” describes Reina Rosales, owner of Crane’s Creations.
For maximum enjoyment, Judi Tsuchida, president of Fena Flowers, recommends “planting hellebore of these between all of your perennials to get the first glance of spring.” While they do an excellent job at delivering early color to your garden, they also “provide year-round color since the plant doesn’t die back during the winter and stays green year-round,” explains Reina. Since these flowers are so beautiful we understand if you want to bring them inside, but they are toxic if ingested, so remember to be cautious when handling them.
7. Lily of the valley
Add lily of the valley to your garden for an elegant magical fairy-like look this spring. These delicate bell-shaped blooms have a sweet fragrance and perfect for shaded, moist environments. Not only does the lily of the valley symbolize purity and humility, but is also a sign of the return to happiness (like spring after a long cold winter) in several cultures.
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Brighten Up Your Bouquet with Ranunculus
Looking to add a vibrant and cheerful touch to your floral arrangement? Ranunculus is the perfect choice. Known for their layered petals and eye-catching colors, these flowers are sure to make a statement. Instead of planting them, floral designer Lesley Frascogna from Tulip Floral suggests placing them in fresh water, giving them a quick trim, and letting the beauty of spring shine through. According to Lesley, bringing fresh-cut spring blooms indoors is the perfect way to embrace the season of fresh beginnings.
10. Snowball Bush for Your Garden
If you’re looking to add some color and life to your outdoor space, consider planting viburnum opulus, also known as the snowball bush. Garden expert Jennifer recommends this durable and lush blooming plant, which can brighten up your yard every spring. Not only do these blooms enhance your outdoor area, but they can also be cut and displayed indoors to bring a touch of spring into your home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
photo courtesy of Natalie Felt Photography
Embrace Spring with Fresh Blooms
As winter fades away, take the time to enjoy the beauty of spring and revel in the scents of the season. Owner of Arden Road Napa Gifting, Sara Moynier, suggests filling your home with vibrant blooms that capture the essence of each season. Whether displayed in a vase on your kitchen windowsill or blooming in your garden, flowers are a wonderful way to celebrate the joys of spring.
