Every season has its beauties. But spring has to be the most sumptuous of all when it comes to flowers. In March gardens begin to come to life. In April that life bursts forth in a riot of colour. That’s why April can be such a lovely time to buy seasonal flowers. And the best thing about buying seasonally is that you can get fresher blooms without spending an absolute fortune.
So, what should you be looking out for in your local florist this month?
April Flowers
Tulips
An indispensable floristry favourite, tulips are one of the most versatile flowers of April. Available in an assortment of styles, from the wispy, fringed Crispa variety, to the simple singles and the large and showy cabbage-head style blooms of the Double and Parrot, there’s a tulip for every occasion. And for every colourway. From the softest pastels to the boldest and brightest of hues. You can even find black tulips, if you really want them.
Ranunculus
With their blousy ruched petals and bowl-shaped form, there’s something almost rose-like about ranunculus. But they’re actually members of the buttercup family. Rarely scented, they’re a great choice for anyone sensitive to perfumes. And they’re available in a whole host of colours, from pure white to the deepest red.
Waxflower
April is the end of the flowering season for the waxflower (Chamelaucium), but you can still find beautiful blooms to brighten your home until around the end of the month. As well as being extremely easy on the eye, one of the most attractive features of these delicate white and/or pink flowers is that they will last for up to three weeks when cut.
Iris
Bold and beautiful, the iris is the peacock of the floristry world. Depending on size and colour of the bloom, it can stand proud as an exquisite focal point, or provide a gentle backdrop for other complementary flowers. They have a subtle, sweet scent, which can add to their appeal as a cut flower.
Gerbera and germini
The gerbera and germini have to be among the happiest flowers to look at. Resembling a child’s drawing, their perfect daisy-like form is somehow both robust and delicate. And they come in a terrific range of colours from eye-popping zing to the most graceful watercolour shades. Unscented, they’re great to mix in with other flowers to avoid an olfactory clash.
Anemones
With their wide-open petals and dark black centres, anemones are simple yet striking. Another member of the buttercup family, they are only lightly scented and each bloom will last around two weeks once cut. Available in bright red, blue, pink and white, there’s room for an anemone in most spring arrangements.
Flowers are one of life’s pleasures. And it’s always lovely to receive a bouquet. But there’s something really special about receiving seasonal flowers, and the sense of really bringing the outside in.