Types of Flowers: An A-Z Guide to Popular Bouquet Flowers

Read time - 6 mins

favicon-180x180
Interflora

A team of flower, style and design experts and enthusiasts. We love sharing advice on all things floral and offering top tips on expressing yourself and your emotions.

A team of flower, style and design experts and enthusiasts. We love sharing advice on all things floral and offering top tips on expressing yourself and your emotions.

Flowers come in more colours, shapes, and sizes than we could ever squeeze onto one page - isn’t Mother Nature amazing!

So, rather than wandering off into the world of garden plants, this guide focuses on the types of flowers you’re more likely to meet in a beautiful bouquet. These are the blooms our florists know and love, from familiar roses and tulips to striking agapanthus and delicate astrantia.

Use this guide to brush up on your flower names, identify a mystery bloom, or discover flowers by season, colour, meaning, and more.

Different types of flowers for bouquets

A florist rarely looks at a flower in isolation. They work with different blooms every day, choosing each one for what it brings to the finished bouquet. Some add height, while others bring softness, movement, texture or a beautiful focal point.

Different combinations create very different looks, from neat, rounded bouquets to looser, meadow-inspired designs. Here are a few popular bouquet styles, along with the flowers that help bring each one to life.

Fancy having a go yourself? Our ultimate guide to flower arranging has plenty of tips to get you started.

PinkSprayRose
  • Compact and rounded
Full, rounded flowers naturally sit beautifully together, creating a polished, generous bouquet. Roses can take centre stage, while spray roses and lisianthus add softness around them. Hydrangeas bring plenty of volume too, making this style perfect when you want something classic with a luxurious feel.
cerise-sweet-peas
  • Loose and wild
For a meadow-inspired bouquet, florists play with height, spacing and texture. Delphiniums, snapdragons, astrantia, veronica, scabiosa and sweet peas bring movement, while airier flowers and foliage soften the outline. The result feels relaxed and wonderfully untamed, with just the right amount of wildness.
Single_red_rose_with_buds
  • Single flower
Sometimes one flower is all you need. Roses, tulips, peonies, hydrangeas and sunflowers can each carry a bouquet beautifully, creating impact through repeated shape and colour. Think a relaxed bunch of tulips, armfuls of peonies or, for a romantic classic, a dozen red roses.
Hydrangea-purple-flower
  • Monochromatic
One colour. Plenty of possibilities. A monochromatic bouquet mixes different types of flowers within one colour family, combining shapes and textures for extra interest. White roses, lilies, lisianthus, stocks, hydrangeas and carnations, for example, create a beautifully layered look without straying from the palette.

A-Z guide to common types of flowers

This A-Z focuses on common types of flowers used in bouquets and floristry. Browse the list to identify different flowers and discover what makes each one special, then head to our individual flower guides for the full story.

Flower Types: A

      Flower Types: C

      pink-carnation

      Carnations

      Forget any idea that carnations are simply there to fill a gap. Those ruffled petals, broad colour range and excellent staying power make them incredibly useful bouquet flowers. Group several together for soft volume or let individual carnations add frilly little bursts of colour throughout a design.

      Chrysanthemums_1

      Chrysanthemums

      Chrysanthemums come in an amazing variety of forms, from neat pompons to loose, daisy-like flowers. That flexibility makes them a florist favourite. They can bring colour, texture and fullness to all sorts of bouquets, with warm varieties looking particularly at home as autumn rolls around.

      pink-carnation

      Carnations

      Forget any idea that carnations are simply there to fill a gap. Those ruffled petals, broad colour range and excellent staying power make them incredibly useful bouquet flowers. Group several together for soft volume or let individual carnations add frilly little bursts of colour throughout a design.

      Chrysanthemums_1

      Chrysanthemums

      Chrysanthemums come in an amazing variety of forms, from neat pompons to loose, daisy-like flowers. That flexibility makes them a florist favourite. They can bring colour, texture and fullness to all sorts of bouquets, with warm varieties looking particularly at home as autumn rolls around.

      Flower Types: D

      Daffodils-yellow-fresh

      Daffodils

      Few flowers say spring quite as loudly as a bunch of sunny daffodils. Their trumpet-shaped centres and bright petals instantly lift a bouquet. Yellow is the colour everyone knows, although white, cream and orange-centred varieties give florists plenty more to play with.

      dahlia-pink-field-flowers

      Dahlias

      Dahlias are gloriously showy. Some form tidy little pompons, while others open into huge heads packed with layers of petals. Their incredible variety gives florists plenty of creative freedom, especially from late summer into autumn, when their richer colours really come into their own.

      Delphiniums-blue-flowers

      Delphiniums

      Tall spires covered in individual flowers make delphiniums brilliant for adding height to a bouquet. Their blue varieties are particularly treasured because true blue is relatively unusual in the flower world. They suit loose, garden-inspired designs where their upright shape creates a gorgeous sense of movement.

      Daffodils-yellow-fresh

      Daffodils

      Few flowers say spring quite as loudly as a bunch of sunny daffodils. Their trumpet-shaped centres and bright petals instantly lift a bouquet. Yellow is the colour everyone knows, although white, cream and orange-centred varieties give florists plenty more to play with.

      dahlia-pink-field-flowers

      Dahlias

      Dahlias are gloriously showy. Some form tidy little pompons, while others open into huge heads packed with layers of petals. Their incredible variety gives florists plenty of creative freedom, especially from late summer into autumn, when their richer colours really come into their own.

      Delphiniums-blue-flowers

      Delphiniums

      Tall spires covered in individual flowers make delphiniums brilliant for adding height to a bouquet. Their blue varieties are particularly treasured because true blue is relatively unusual in the flower world. They suit loose, garden-inspired designs where their upright shape creates a gorgeous sense of movement.

      Flower Types: G

      Gerberas

      Imagine a daisy turned up to full volume and you’re somewhere close to a gerbera. Their large, open faces and punchy colours give bouquets instant energy. You’ll find them in everything from sunny yellows and oranges to softer pinks, creams and deeper shades.

      Flower Types: H

      Holly-red-bush

      Holly

      Holly may technically be a shrub or tree, but florists know exactly how to make it shine in winter. Its glossy leaves and bright berries add colour, texture and unmistakable festive charm to Christmas bouquets, wreaths and seasonal designs.

      Untitled-design-45-Hyacinth

      Hyacinths

      You may smell a hyacinth before you properly notice it. Their dense spikes are packed with small, star-shaped flowers and come with a strong, sweet fragrance. Pink, purple, blue and white varieties can bring a lovely dose of spring colour to a bouquet.

      hydrangea-purple-flowers

      Hydrangea

      One hydrangea flower head can make a bouquet feel instantly fuller. What looks like one enormous bloom is actually made up of masses of smaller flowers gathered together, creating generous clouds of colour. Pink, blue, white, green and purple varieties are all favourites with florists.

      Holly-red-bush

      Holly

      Holly may technically be a shrub or tree, but florists know exactly how to make it shine in winter. Its glossy leaves and bright berries add colour, texture and unmistakable festive charm to Christmas bouquets, wreaths and seasonal designs.

      Untitled-design-45-Hyacinth

      Hyacinths

      You may smell a hyacinth before you properly notice it. Their dense spikes are packed with small, star-shaped flowers and come with a strong, sweet fragrance. Pink, purple, blue and white varieties can bring a lovely dose of spring colour to a bouquet.

      hydrangea-purple-flowers

      Hydrangea

      One hydrangea flower head can make a bouquet feel instantly fuller. What looks like one enormous bloom is actually made up of masses of smaller flowers gathered together, creating generous clouds of colour. Pink, blue, white, green and purple varieties are all favourites with florists.

      Flower Types: I

      Iris

      With distinctive petals that curl upwards and fall gracefully downwards, irises bring an elegant shape to bouquets. Purple and blue varieties are especially familiar, often set off by flashes of yellow. They’re ideal when a florist wants to introduce height without using a very heavy flower.

      Flower Types: L

          Flower Types: M

          Mistletoe

          Mistletoe needs little introduction once December arrives. Its green leaves and pearly white berries have been part of festive traditions for centuries. Florists use it to add a seasonal touch to Christmas flowers, and, of course, it comes with one very familiar romantic festive tradition.

          Flower Types: O

          Orchids

          Sculptural, elegant and wonderfully distinctive, orchids make it very clear when they’ve entered the room. Different varieties bring different shapes to a bouquet, from arching phalaenopsis to colourful cymbidiums. A few carefully placed orchid flowers can make the whole design feel special.

          Flower Types: P

              Flower Types: R

              Roses

              There’s a reason roses have held onto their place among the world’s favourite bouquet flowers. Their layered petals, enormous choice of colours and long history of symbolism mean there’s a rose for almost every message. Romantic? Absolutely. But roses can say friendship, thanks, congratulations, and plenty more besides.

              Flower Types: S

                  Flower Types: T

                  Tulips

                  Simple shape, fabulous colour, endless charm. Tulips are one of spring’s great pleasures and come in far more varieties than the classic cup-shaped flower you might picture. Parrot, fringed and double tulips all bring something different, and they continue to grow and move after they’ve been cut.

                  Flower Types: V

                  Veronica

                  Veronica brings slender spires of tiny flowers to bouquets, adding height, texture and gentle movement. Often seen in purple, blue, pink or white, its elegant shape works beautifully in loose, garden-inspired designs and helps balance fuller, rounder blooms.

                  Discover flowers by season

                  Nature treats us to gorgeous flowers throughout the year, from daffodils in spring to dreamy peonies in summer and chrysanthemums as autumn rolls into winter. Our community of florists loves working with the very best of each season. Here are a few favourites to look out for.

                  Spring Flowers

                  Spring really knows how to put on a show. Daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and plenty more bring fresh colour and beautiful fragrance after the darker winter months. Discover what’s blooming in our guide to our favourite spring flowers. 

                  I love spring! I think for many, spring flowers signal the start of new beginnings. There’s nothing quite as uplifting as receiving a bouquet filled with springtime stems. Steve Betts - Urban Design

                  Summer Flowers

                  When the (not-so-great) British weather lets us down, there’s sunshine in a vase. Think joyful sunflowers, dreamy dahlias and flowers bursting with colour. Explore our favourite summer flowers, or if you want to get real tropical, check out our exotic flowers guide. 

                  Autumn Flowers

                  The nights might be drawing in, but flower season is far from over. From striking proteas to delicate, star-shaped asters, autumn brings gorgeous colours, interesting textures and plenty of personality. Meet more of the season’s standouts in our autumn flowers guide

                  Winter Flowers

                  The weather outside is frightful, but the blooms are still delightful! Whether it’s rich green holly or the delicate Christmas rose, winter has its own floral charms — we’ve rounded up our top 10 winter flowers to see you through the season.

                  And seasons aren’t the only way to find a flower with a special connection. Every month has its own birth flower, complete with its own meaning and story. Find yours, or theirs, in our full birth flower guide. 

                  Discover flowers by colour

                  Colour can completely change the feeling of a bouquet. Red flowers feel bold and romantic, yellow brings instant cheer, blues and purples can feel wonderfully calming, and white flowers suit everything from celebrations to quieter, more thoughtful moments.

                  The language of flowers

                  Did you know that every flower comes with its own special meaning? It’s known as floriography, or the language of flowers. One flower might signify love, while another symbolises sadness. These meanings might come from the flower’s colour or variety, or from its history. Sometimes the meaning even changes according to the number of flowers! For instance, one red rose means love at first sight, whereas a dozen is an apology. Confused? Don’t worry, we’ve got a guide to help. Soon you’ll be fluent.

                  Explore our flower meanings guide

                  Flowers for every kind of home

                  A beautiful bouquet should feel right at home. If allergies or curious pets are part of the picture, a little extra care when choosing flowers can make all the difference.

                  Got an allergy to flowers?

                  Love flowers, less keen on the sniffles? It’s worth being a little selective.

                  Some blooms release more airborne pollen than others, while roses, hydrangeas, peonies and orchids may be easier for some people with pollen sensitivities. Everyone’s allergies are different, so check what affects them and let your florist know before ordering.

                  Find hay fever-friendly flowers

                  Sharing your home with pets?

                  Sending flowers to a home with curious cats or dogs? Some familiar blooms can be harmful if eaten, and lilies are especially dangerous for cats. If there’s a four-legged flower inspector at home, choose carefully, tell your florist and keep the bouquet safely out of reach.

                  Learn more about pet-friendly flowers

                  How to choose the right type of flower

                  You don’t need to know your astrantia from your alstroemeria to send a brilliant bouquet.

                  Start with the person. Think about the colours they wear, the flowers they already have at home, or the sort of style that feels most like them. Do they love soft pastels and romantic flowers? Bright colours? Something loose and natural? A clean, classic bunch?

                  Then think about the message you want to send. A birthday might call for their favourite colour, while an anniversary could inspire flowers tied to a special memory, perhaps the ones from your wedding day, or blooms traditionally associated with love and romance. And sometimes there’s no occasion at all. “Saw these and thought of you” is a pretty good reason in our book.

                  After that, trust your florist. They can take the season, available flowers, and your chosen style into account, bringing everything together into a bouquet made with real skill and care.

                  See our full range of flower arrangements

                  Types of Flowers FAQs

                  There are hundreds of thousands of flowering plant species around the world, so naming them all would be quite the challenge. For bouquets, the list is much more manageable, with florists working across familiar favourites, seasonal blooms and more unusual flowers depending on what’s available.

                  Roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, lilies, tulips and alstroemeria are among the flowers you’ll often spot in bouquets. Hydrangeas, lisianthus and gerberas are popular too. The exact mix depends on the season, bouquet style and what’s looking especially lovely when your florist is choosing the flowers.

                  There’s no perfect number. A single-flower bouquet can make a gorgeous statement, while a loose, garden-inspired design might mix several different varieties. Florists focus on how flowers work together, balancing shape, colour, height and texture to create a bouquet that feels beautifully considered.

                  Carnations, chrysanthemums and alstroemeria are known for their impressive vase life, while orchids and lisianthus can last well too. How long flowers stay fresh also depends on their condition and care. A clean vase, fresh water and following the florist’s care advice will help you enjoy them for longer.

                  Start with the clues in front of you. Look at the flower’s shape, petals, leaves and colour, then use our A-Z guide above to find a possible match. Still drawing a blank? Take a photo and ask your local florist. When you work with flowers every day, you get pretty good at identifying even the rarest ones.

                  More flower inspiration

                  There’s always more to discover in the world of flowers. From keeping your bouquet looking its best to exploring exotic blooms and finding your zodiac flower, we’ve got plenty more inspiration waiting for you.

                  SHOPS_051223-00472

                  How to care for your flowers

                  A little care goes a long way when it comes to keeping your bouquet fresh, happy, and looking gorgeous for longer.

                  roses-pink-exotic-flowers

                  Fancy something a little more exotic?

                  From sculptural orchids to bold tropical blooms, exotic flowers are perfect when you want something that feels a little out of the ordinary.

                  phlox-subulata-purple-flower

                  Find the flower written in the stars

                  Each zodiac sign has flowers traditionally associated with its personality and traits, making them a fun place to start when choosing something with a little extra meaning.

                  SHOPS_051223-00472

                  How to care for your flowers

                  A little care goes a long way when it comes to keeping your bouquet fresh, happy, and looking gorgeous for longer.

                  roses-pink-exotic-flowers

                  Fancy something a little more exotic?

                  From sculptural orchids to bold tropical blooms, exotic flowers are perfect when you want something that feels a little out of the ordinary.

                  phlox-subulata-purple-flower

                  Find the flower written in the stars

                  Each zodiac sign has flowers traditionally associated with its personality and traits, making them a fun place to start when choosing something with a little extra meaning.