85 Popular Types of Flowers (With Names, Meanings and Seasons)
There are more than 400,000 flowering plant species on earth, but only a few dozen turn up regularly in British bouquets. This guide covers the 85 types of flowers we work with most often at our Wood Green studio — what each one looks like, what it traditionally means, and when it is at its best in the UK.
Use it to choose confidently, whether you are ordering a birthday bouquet, planning wedding flowers or picking something for a sympathy tribute. Every flower here appears in arrangements across our Online Shop.
Classic Bouquet Flowers (1–15)
1. Rose — The most requested flower in the world. Red means love, pink gratitude, white sincerity, yellow friendship. Available year-round. See our Roses range.
2. Tulip — Elegant cup-shaped spring blooms in almost every colour. Symbolises perfect love. Peak season January to May.
3. Lily — Dramatic, fragrant and long-lasting. Oriental lilies are the scented ones; symbolises purity and devotion.
4. Sunflower — Big, bold and instantly cheerful. Represents adoration and loyalty. Best from July to September.
5. Orchid — Exotic and architectural, often gifted as a plant. Stands for luxury, strength and rare beauty.
6. Carnation — Ruffled, hardy and excellent value. Long vase life makes it a florist favourite. Symbolises fascination.
7. Chrysanthemum — Autumn's workhorse bloom, available in sprays and single-headed blooms. Signifies longevity and, in the UK, remembrance.
8. Peony — Lush, romantic and briefly available (May to June). Represents prosperity and a happy marriage.
9. Gerbera — Cheerful daisy-shaped flowers in vivid tones. The go-to for get-well and congratulations bouquets.
10. Hydrangea — Full, cloud-like heads that fill a bouquet fast. Symbolises heartfelt emotion. Summer to early autumn.
11. Freesia — Small trumpet flowers with an outstanding citrus scent. Means trust and friendship.
12. Alstroemeria — The Peruvian lily. Exceptional vase life, speckled petals, symbolises devotion and mutual support.
13. Lisianthus — Looks like a delicate rose but softer. A wedding staple. Represents appreciation.
14. Gypsophila — Baby's breath. Cloudy white filler that softens any arrangement. Means everlasting love.
15. Ranunculus — Layered, papery petals in sorbet shades. A spring luxury. Symbolises radiant charm.
Spring Flowers (16–30)
16. Daffodil — Britain's spring signal. Bright yellow trumpet, symbolises new beginnings. February to April.
17. Hyacinth — Dense, powerfully scented spikes. Represents sincerity and playfulness.
18. Anemone — Jewel-toned petals with a black centre. Striking in modern bouquets.
19. Iris — Sword-shaped foliage and intricate blooms. Signifies wisdom, hope and courage.
20. Crocus — One of the first flowers through the frost. Symbolises cheerfulness.
21. Snowdrop — Delicate nodding white bell, flowering in January. Represents hope.
22. Primrose — Low-growing pale yellow classic of British hedgerows. Means young love.
23. Bluebell — Carpets UK woodland in late April. Symbolises humility and constancy.
24. Muscari — Grape hyacinth. Tiny blue clusters, brilliant as a bouquet accent.
25. Hellebore — The Christmas or Lenten rose. Flowers through winter into early spring.
26. Camellia — Glossy evergreen shrub with rose-like blooms. Symbolises admiration.
27. Magnolia — Sculptural blossom on bare branches. Represents dignity and perseverance.
28. Sweet Pea — Ruffled, intensely fragrant, short-stemmed. Means blissful pleasure and goodbyes.
29. Wisteria — Cascading lilac racemes, mostly a garden showpiece. Symbolises long life.
30. Pansy — Velvet-faced bedding flower with a wide colour range. Means thoughtfulness.
Summer Flowers (31–45)
31. Dahlia — Geometric, generous and available in dinner-plate sizes. Symbolises commitment and elegance. Explore our Summer Flowers.
32. Delphinium — Tall blue spires that add height to large arrangements. Represents positivity.
33. Gladiolus — Statuesque flower spike, traditional in funeral sheaves. Means strength of character.
34. Snapdragon — Playful spires whose flowers open when squeezed. Symbolises grace.
35. Stock — Clove-scented, ruffled column of flowers. A workhorse of scented bouquets.
36. Cosmos — Airy daisy-like blooms on fine stems. Represents order and harmony.
37. Zinnia — Bright, heat-loving and long-lasting. Means lasting affection.
38. Marigold — Vivid orange and gold, widely used in celebrations worldwide.
39. Lavender — Silvery herb with purple spikes and a calming scent. Symbolises devotion and serenity.
40. Nigella — Love-in-a-mist. Fine feathery foliage and blue star flowers.
41. Scabious — Pincushion flower with charming seed heads. Popular in relaxed, natural bouquets.
42. Phlox — Fragrant clustered heads in pinks and whites. Means harmony and sweet dreams.
43. Larkspur — Annual cousin of delphinium. Signifies an open heart.
44. Lupin — Statement garden spire in strong colours. Represents imagination.
45. Hollyhock — Cottage-garden giant, up to two metres tall. Symbolises ambition.
Autumn and Winter Flowers (46–56)
46. Amaryllis — Enormous winter trumpet flowers on a thick stem. Signifies pride and determination.
47. Poinsettia — The Christmas plant, with scarlet bracts rather than true petals.
48. Cyclamen — Swept-back petals and marbled leaves. Flowers indoors right through winter.
49. Nerine — Sparkling pink spider-like blooms in October and November.
50. Aster — Late-season daisy in purples and pinks. Symbolises patience and elegance.
51. Rudbeckia — Black-eyed Susan. Golden petals with a dark cone, superb in autumn bouquets.
52. Echinacea — Coneflower with a distinctive raised centre. Represents strength and healing.
53. Celosia — Velvety cockscomb or plume forms in fiery shades. Means boldness.
54. Solidago — Golden rod. Fine yellow filler that lifts autumn arrangements.
55. Hypericum — Grown for its glossy berries rather than flowers. Adds texture year-round.
56. Achillea — Yarrow. Flat-topped clusters that dry beautifully. Symbolises healing.
Wedding and Luxury Flowers (57–70)
57. Calla Lily — Sleek, sculptural chalice shape. The signature of modern minimal bridal work. See Weddings.
58. Gardenia — Waxy white bloom with an unmistakable perfume. Means secret love.
59. Stephanotis — Tiny star flowers traditionally wired into bridal bouquets. Symbolises marital happiness.
60. Tuberose — One of the most intensely fragrant flowers used in floristry.
61. Astilbe — Feathery plumes that soften structured designs. Represents patience.
62. Astrantia — Papery pincushion flowers with a vintage feel. A favourite in rustic bouquets.
63. Bouvardia — Clustered star-shaped blooms with excellent longevity.
64. Trachelium — Flat lilac heads that add dense colour blocks.
65. Veronica — Slim tapering spikes, ideal for adding movement.
66. Allium — Ornamental onion. Perfect purple globes on tall stems.
67. Eryngium — Sea holly. Metallic blue thistle texture. Symbolises independence.
68. Craspedia — Billy balls. Bright yellow drumsticks, popular in buttonholes.
69. Waxflower — Fine-leaved Australian native with tiny blooms and a resinous scent.
70. Statice — Papery, long-lasting and excellent dried. Means remembrance.
Tropical and Statement Flowers (71–78)
71. Anthurium — Glossy heart-shaped spathe, often scarlet. Represents hospitality.
72. Bird of Paradise — Beak-shaped orange and blue bloom. Symbolises joy and freedom.
73. Protea — Prehistoric-looking South African flower. Means courage and transformation.
74. Heliconia — Vivid hanging lobster-claw bracts. High-impact in modern designs.
75. Ginger Lily — Torch-like tropical stems with a spicy fragrance.
76. Oriental Lily — The most heavily perfumed lily group, including Stargazer.
77. Asiatic Lily — Unscented, brightly coloured lily — better for hospitals and sensitive noses.
78. Begonia — Ruffled, richly coloured and available year-round as a flowering plant.
Meaningful and Sympathy Flowers (79–85)
79. Chrysanthemum (single-headed) — The traditional British funeral flower, signifying honour and remembrance.
80. White Rose — Reverence and pure remembrance. Central to most Sympathy tributes.
81. Lily (white) — Symbolises the restored innocence of the departed. The classic sympathy bloom.
82. Foxglove — Tall spotted bells. A beautiful wild-style flower, but toxic — keep away from pets and children.
83. Violet — Modest purple flower meaning faithfulness and quiet remembrance.
84. Clematis — Climbing flower symbolising mental beauty and ingenuity.
85. Jasmine — Small white star flowers with a night-time perfume. Means grace and elegance.
How to Choose the Right Flower
Start with the occasion. Bright gerberas and sunflowers suit celebrations; white lilies and chrysanthemums suit sympathy; roses and peonies suit romance.
Then check the season. Seasonal flowers are fresher, last longer and cost less. Our Seasonal collection changes with what is at its best each month.
Finally, think about scent and setting. Lilies, freesias and stock perfume a whole room — lovely at home, less welcome in a hospital ward or small office. Ask us for unscented alternatives if you are unsure.
If you would rather leave it to us, our Luxury Range and Handtied Bouquets are built each morning from the best stems in the market that day.
FAQs: Types of Flowers
What are the most popular types of flowers in the UK?
Roses, tulips, lilies, carnations, chrysanthemums, gerberas and freesias account for most bouquets sold in Britain, largely because they combine good vase life with year-round availability.
Which flowers last the longest in a vase?
Alstroemeria, carnations, chrysanthemums and lisianthus regularly last two weeks or more with fresh water and a re-cut stem every few days.
What flowers are in season right now in the UK?
Spring brings tulips, daffodils and ranunculus; summer brings peonies, dahlias, sweet peas and sunflowers; autumn brings chrysanthemums, asters and nerines; winter brings amaryllis, hellebores and forced hyacinths.
Which flowers are best for a funeral?
White lilies, white roses and chrysanthemums are the traditional choices in the UK, usually arranged as sheaves, wreaths or posies.
Can I get flowers delivered the same day in North London?
Yes — order before 2pm for Same Day Flowers delivery across Wood Green, Enfield, Barnet, Islington, Finchley, Tottenham and surrounding areas, seven days a week.