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About Spring Flowers: Ultimate Flower Guide

Spring is the perfect time of year to fill your home and garden with beautiful flowers. With so much choice, it can be hard to know what to get. That's why we've selected some of the most popular for their colours, beauty and fragrance in this list below. Come and be inspired!

Early Spring Flowers

Tulips

Said to signal the arrival of spring, it's no wonder that tulips are at the top of our list. The tulip (scientific name: Tulipa) is said to mean 'perfect love'.

Meaning

Pink tulips symbolise happiness, good wishes and an attachment to someone.

Colour Range

Most commonly pink or red but other colours - blue, purple, yellow and white - are available.

Availability

February-September (depending on the variety).

Vase life

Approx. 7-10 days

Tulip Care Tips

Cut the stems under cold running water so the tulips don't dry out. Change the water every few days and re-cut the stems. Place in a cool area away from direct heat to maximise vase life, and add a 1p or 2p coin to the vase to keep them standing up straight.

Hyacinths

Hyacinths smell beautiful which is why they're often used in perfumes. Each colour smells a little different.

Meaning

Pink hyacinths mean 'playful joy' which really reflects the essence of spring.

Colour range

Cerise, pink, pure white, cream, salmon, china blue, deep blue, light blue and lilac.

Availability

These early spring flowers bloom from November-May.

Vase life

Approx. 7-10 days

Hyacinth Care Tips

Stand in fresh, shallow water and change every few days. Use flower food and mist occasionally to make them last longer. Don't forget to use gloves when planting hyacinths as the bulbs can irritate the skin.

Daffodil (Narcissus)

Daffodil is the common name for the narcissus plant. As an early spring flower they symbolise new beginnings and rebirth.

Meaning

The gift of daffodils means 'you are the only one' and is believed to bring happiness.

Colour range

Pure white, buttercream, pale yellow, bright yellow, gold and two-toned.

Availability

November-May, peaks January-March

Vase life

Approx. 5-7 days

Daffodil Care Tips

Narcissi sap is toxic to other flowers so stand them alone for 24 hours before adding to the rest of the bunch. Don’t use flower food as it encourages the sap to flow, and change the water every few days.

Pansy

The name pansy comes from the French verb 'penser' meaning 'to think', which is why it symbolises remembrance, love or admiration for another.

Meaning

Yellow pansies represent happiness or a bright disposition which is ideal for spring.

Colour range

Pansies come in a range of colours from yellow through to violet. They can be solid, bi-coloured or tri-coloured.

Availability

Early spring / summer.

Vase life

Approx. 7-10 days

Pansy Care Tips

They are mainly seen as potted flowers. They like to be in the full sun but won't thrive if it's too hot - this shouldn't be a problem if you're planting in the UK. Once grown make sure you deadhead them often so they last as long as possible.

Primrose

The primrose (scientific name: Primula Vulgaris) is the signal that spring has begun. It naturally grows in woodlands but would be equally at home in your garden.

Meaning

The primrose symbolises not being able to live without a partner, and is usually related to young love.

Colour range

Most commonly yellow but can also be found in white, purple, red or pink.

Availability

These early spring flowers bloom from March-May.

Vase life

Approx. 7-10 days

Primrose Care Tips

They are mainly seen as potted flowers or in soil outdoor. Keep your primroses looking their best by pruning dead leaves regularly.

Iris

These regal flowers have been linked to the monarchy since medieval times - the French monarchy in particular - which is why their national symbol is the fleur-de-lis, which means faith, hope, wisdom and valour.

Meaning

Royalty, faith, hope, wisdom

Colour range

Traditionally purple or blue, but also found in yellow, white, pink, red, brown and almost black.

Availability

Peaks January-May, but commercially available all year round.

Vase life

Approx. 3-6 days

Iris Care Tips

To maximise vase life try to purchase irises in the bud stage. Remove any stem foliage that will be under the water and trim about an inch off the stems. Be careful not to let the stems dry out and use flower food if available. Place in a cool area out of the sun.

Snowdrops

The snowdrop (scientific name: Galanthus nivalis) is a hardy little plant and a very early spring flower. In fact, they are one of the first indicators that spring is upon us, often working their way through the snow to bloom.

Meaning

Hope, rebirth, purity and consolation.

Colour range

As the name suggests snowdrops only come in one colour - white.

Availability

January-March.

Vase life

Unfortunately, snowdrops can't be placed in a vase but still look lovely in the garden

Snowdrop Care Tips

Plant them in the shade under deciduous shrubs, or along the front of herbaceous plant borders. They prefer well-drained soil, but if you only have heavy soil add some sand or grit to the hole before you plant for better drainage.

Anemones

The name of this perennial flower is derived from the Greek word 'anemos,'which means 'the wind'. The anemone genus consists of around 200 species and belongs to the Ranunculaceae family.

Meaning

White anemones symbolise sincerity and were a favourite of impressionist painters - you'll see them in works by Matisse and Monet.

Colour range

The most common colour is white but you'll also find scarlet, crimson, blue and purple.

Availability

October-May

Vase life

Approx. 2-3 days

Anemone Care Tips

Diagonally trim the stems and add to cold water to lengthen the time it takes the buds to open up. Change the water every few days and keep away from direct heat and sunlight.

Crocus

Crocuses are one of the first early spring flowers to emerge. It is often called ‘the light bulb’ flower because of its shape until it fully blooms. Saffron comes from the crocus flower which is used as a spice for cooking, an antioxidant and a fragrance in perfumes.

Meaning

Youthfulness, cheerfulness.

Colour range

White, yellow and purple.

Availability

February-April

Vase life

Approx. 2-3 days

Crocus Care Tips

Crocus are mainly seen in gardens. Plant your bulbs in well-drained soil in a fairly sunny spot. Watch out for squirrels that like to dig up and eat the bulbs and for deer that graze on the shoots. Cover with wire mesh to prevent squirrels, and use deer repellents to protect the shoots.

Late Spring Flowers

Allium

Allium (from the Latin word for garlic) comes in hundreds of spices and most of them have a distinctive round shaped head. In recent years it has become quite popular as an ornamental flowers in interior design and wedding arrangements.

Meaning

Allium means unity and patience, and is often given to someone who is seen as flawless and elegant, making it the ideal choice for brides-to-be.

Colour range

Purple, lavender, blue, pink, pale green and white.

Availability

These are late spring flowers, but are often available all year round.

Vase life

Approx. 5-10 days

Allium Care Tips

Allium can be toxic to cats and dogs so don't put them anywhere that pets can chew them. Change the water regularly as hollow stemmed flowers need clean water or they clog up and wilt.

Lilacs

The name 'lilac' simply refers to the light purple colour of these pretty blooms. They are an early spring flower with one of the shortest bloom times - only lasting for 3 weeks at the beginning of spring.

Meaning

Lilacs symbolise renewal and confidence which is why they are often given as graduation gifts.

Colour range

Lilac, magenta, violet, blue and white.

Availability

February-November. Commercially grown lilacs are available all year round.

Vase life

Approx. 3-7 days

Lilac Care Tips

Like daffodils, the sap that comes from freshly cut lilac stems can reduce the vase life of other flowers. To avoid this, put them in a separate vase of cool water for a few hours before adding to the rest of the bouquet. To extend vase life remove any dead or faded florets, mist the flowers and keep out of direct sunlight

Bluebell

The bluebell (scientific name: Hyacinthoides non-scripta), is often found covering woodland in a beautiful carpet of blue.

Meaning

It is said to mean humility or gratitude. They can also represent everlasting love. It is believed that you can use a bluebell to call fairies, and you should not pick them because it brings bad luck to your home. Bluebells are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act, so they can't be picked with the purpose of selling them.

Colour range

Mostly commonly white but also come in grey, pale blue, lilac and dark cobalt.

Availability

April-June

Vase life

Unfortunately, Bluebells can't be placed in vases but they still look lovely in the garden

Bluebell Care Tips

English bluebells thrive in damp conditions and can handle both sun and shade. Make sure you water them regularly.

Freesia

Freesias originate from Africa, but are a staple of flower shops all over the world. This spring flower favourite is named after Friedrich Heinrich Theodor Freese - a 19th century German physician.

Meaning

Trust and innocence.

Colour range

Most commonly yellow and white but can be also be found in red, purple, orange and pink.

Availability

April-November but are usually available all year round.

Vase life

Approx. 7-10 days

Freesia Care Tips

Diagonally cut the stems and remove any foliage that will be below the water line. Your freesias will last longer if you change the water every few days and re-trim the stems.

Peony

Peonies are native to China and are highly valued, which is why they're often referred to as the 'king of flowers'.

Meaning

Happy marriage, prosperity, good fortune, honour and compassion.

Colour range

The most common colour is pink, but you might also come across red and white varieties. Coral/peach is quite popular too.

Availability

They bloom in late spring from April-June.

Vase life

Approx. 5-7 days

Peony Care Tips

Peonies are quite thirsty flowers so make sure you top them up regularly. Change the water and cut the stems every few days. Keep them in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

Azalea

As one of the more delicate flowers in our list, it's no surprise that azaleas stand for love, gentleness, femininity and fragile passion that is still developing. They are part of the rhododendron family.

Meaning

They are known to symbolise missing your home and wishing to return.

Colour range

Most commonly pink or red but other colours - blue, purple, yellow and white - are available.

Availability

February-September (depending on the variety).

Vase life

Approx. 7-10 days

Azalea Care Tips

Trim the stems and strip any leaves that will be underwater. Replace the water every few days and throw away any dead flowers. Don’t place in direct sunlight and try to move them somewhere cool overnight.

Pink Spring Flowers

These beautiful spring blooms are available in a range of pinks - from a dusky soft pink through to peach and bright fuchsia. Some types come in a few other colours too for a full vibrant display.

Yellow Spring Flowers

Nothing says spring like the vibrancy of yellow. These spring flowers are guaranteed to add life and joy to any home, garden or wedding.

White Spring Flowers

White makes us think of purity, innocence and serenity which is why it's very popular in wedding arrangements. As white goes well with any colour, these blooms will also look great at home.

Blue & Purple Spring Flowers

These blooms are perfect for those looking for something more distinctive due to the fact that blue and purple are not very popular colours to find in nature. From delicate, pastel shades of sky-blue to dramatic royal blue and deep purple, these flowers are sure to stand out in any arrangement!

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