Early spring in typical English style is symbolised by our lengthening sunlight giving nature a spurt of new growth, we see vibrant and cheery pops of colour pushing up out of the grass, blossom appearing on trees and garden borders putting on a bright display of spring bulb flowers. This flourish of growth and colour breaks what seems like the unending phase of the winter brown and grey.
The synonymous colours of spring, yellow, blue, purple, pink and white we see are like jewels amongst the embers of winter the landscape still hold. Using the inspiration of spring gardens and flowers is a wonderful way to style your day, reflecting nature, helping us select colour palettes and choosing the best flowers the season has to offer.
In this article I have chosen seven of my favourite floral choices for floral designs in March and April that echo the availability and cheery delicate essence of spring.
Ranunculus
Symbolism: Charm, attractiveness, and radiance.
Soft and beautiful blooms with a delicate, multifaceted, tissue-paper-like quality to the petals. My favourite alternative to roses if you are not a rose fan.
Available in a wide variety of both pastel and striking bright colours, ranunculus are at their best from October to May, peaking in spring. They work perfectly as a focal flower in all types of floral designs, including smaller arrangements such as buttonholes.
Anemone
Symbolism: Abiding love, protection, and anticipation.
Delicate yet bold, anemones stand out with their striking dark centres, making them a perfect focal flower in bouquets and table centrepieces. They work equally well in both contemporary and traditional styles.
With a colour range spanning from soft whites to vibrant violets, pinks, and reds, they are at their best in winter and spring. I particularly love the violet varieties and enjoy incorporating them into bouquets.
Tulip
Symbolism: Absolute romance, declaration of love, rebirth, and new beginnings.
One of the flowers with the largest range of colours and sizes, from delicate single-layer blooms to big, blousy, multi-layered petals. Available in all colours except blue. Tulips have beautiful stems that can be straight or curved, and they naturally turn towards the light, which adds to their charm.
A fantastic focal flower in all types of bouquets and arrangements, tulips are a much-loved symbol of spring. I particularly adore using them in bridal bouquets and statement designs.
Forget-Me-Nots
Symbolism: Remembrance, memories, love, and faithfulness.
This dainty and pretty spring flower, with its tiny blooms, is perfect for adding texture and a delicate touch to bouquets and smaller arrangements. A well-loved sight in English spring gardens, forget-me-nots are often chosen for their deep symbolic meanings.
They are especially fabulous for garden, vintage, or traditional wedding themes. One of my personal favourites for spring weddings, I’m always delighted when couples choose to incorporate them into their special day.
Fritillaria Meleagris
Symbolism: Perseverance, protection, melancholy, uniqueness, and rarity.
This small flower, with its nodding head, is perfect for adding beautiful movement to bouquets and smaller arrangements.
Available only in spring, its fleeting seasonality makes it an ideal choice for weddings that wish to emphasise a natural, seasonal spring look. Fritillaria meleagris suits both contemporary and vintage floral styles, adding a pretty and unique touch with its distinctive maroon-chequered pattern.
Spiraea
Symbolism: Victory, success, purity, love, and creativity.
One of my favourite spring flowers for adding arching shapes and delicate texture to floral designs, both large and small.
Resembling tiny white blossoms, this spring flower creates a wonderfully seasonal aesthetic. When used alongside bold blooms, spiraea complements both rustic and modern wedding trends, making it a versatile choice for a variety of venues.
Freesia
Symbolism: Friendship, trust, innocence, and fidelity.
Still one of my favourite floral scents, freesias add a beautiful perfume to bouquets and arrangements that never goes unnoticed.
Perfectly suited to traditional-style weddings, they are one of the best flowers for creating elegant, flowing lines in bouquets, small designs, and table centrepieces. With a wide colour range, it is easy to find a variety that complements any palette.
Although available all year round and not typically seen growing in spring, their flower heads closely resemble those of crocuses, always reminding me of the season.
Spring Bouquet Inspiration
The ingredients of these vibrant and colourful spring bridal and bridesmaid bouquets showcase many of the flowers featured in our March and April flower highlight blog.
Featuring ranunculus, anemone, freesia, fritillaria meleagris, spiraea, and tulips, these bouquets are bursting with texture and a beautiful mix of face and focal spring blooms. Together, they perfectly encapsulate the charm and natural beauty of a spring garden border.
