In this post, we’ll explore stunning summer flowers you can incorporate into your bouquets, along with their meanings, care tips, and how to style them in arrangements. Let’s dive into the world of summer blooms!
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are like a little piece of sunshine captured in a bloom. Characterized by their large, bright yellow petals that radiate joy, sunflowers stand tall and proud, making them a natural focal point in any bouquet. They symbolize adoration and loyalty, often used in arrangements to express gratitude or happiness.
When designing a bouquet featuring sunflowers, consider pairing them with darker flowers like burgundy dahlias or purple asters to create a beautiful contrast that highlights their cheerful hue. Sunflowers are also resilient, able to last for a week or more in a vase, especially if you change the water frequently and trim the stems at an angle.
In addition to their beauty, sunflowers can be used in various occasions—from summer weddings to casual gatherings. Their bold appearance makes them equally suitable in rustic-themed bouquets or more refined arrangements. Don’t hesitate to mix in some green foliage, such as eucalyptus or aspidistra leaves, to enhance their sunny look and bring depth to the arrangement.
Zinnias
Zinnias are a florist’s dream, providing bursts of colors as varied as orange, pink, yellow, and burgundy. Not only are these flowers stunning, but they are also remarkably easy to grow, making them a staple in many summer gardens. The meaning behind zinnias is one of endurance and lasting affection, making them an ideal choice for bouquets meant as gifts to friends or loved ones.
When using zinnias in your arrangements, play around with their different shapes and sizes to create visual diversity. Their texture—ranging from the soft, fluffy petals of pom-pom varieties to the strikingly linear petals of the cactus flowers—adds both movement and character to a bouquet.
Zinnias pair beautifully with other summer florals, such as cosmos or marigolds, creating a joyful palette that represents the exuberance of summer days. Moreover, their long-lasting blooms ensure that your arrangements will remain vibrant for an extended period, providing continued enjoyment.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are revered for their lush, luxurious blooms and their ability to fill out bouquets with an abundance of texture. Their spherical flower heads can come in various colors—ranging from soft pinks and whites to deep blues and purples—allowing for versatility in floral design. Symbolizing heartfelt emotions and gratitude, hydrangeas make an excellent choice for special occasions like weddings or milestone celebrations.
One unique characteristic of hydrangeas is their ability to change color based on soil pH, which means you can customize your blooms by altering the soil conditions. Incorporate hydrangeas in mixed bouquets, where their bold shape can help to anchor lighter flowers like sweet peas or lisianthus. This layering of textures can yield captivating arrangements that are full of depth and personality.
To extend the life of your hydrangeas, it’s important to hydrate them thoroughly before arranging them. Cut the stems diagonally and submerge them in water for a few hours or overnight. This helps them absorb moisture and ensures your arrangements stay fresh and lively.
Larkspur
Larkspur brings an ethereal quality to summer bouquets with its long, elegant spikes of blossoms that sway gently in the breeze. Blooming in a spectrum of blues, purples, and whites, larkspur symbolizes love and joy—perfect for celebrations that honor relationships and deep connections.
When incorporating larkspur into your arrangements, use them to create height and vertical interest. Place them in the back or center of a bouquet, allowing other blooms, like garden roses or daisies, to fill in around them for a balanced design. Larkspur’s delicate blooms can also create a lovely draping effect, enhancing the overall movement within an arrangement.
These flowers are best used shortly after they’ve been harvested—you can keep them hydrated by placing them in cool water and ensuring they’re not exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. Creating a stunning larkspur arrangement allows you to evoke a sense of grace and elegance, making every bouquet feel special and thoughtfully crafted.
Cosmos
Cosmos flowers are another delightful addition to summer bouquets with their cheerful, daisy-like appearance. Their slender stems and delicate, open blooms evoke a whimsical and airy feel, perfect for bringing a garden-inspired aesthetic indoors. Blooming in shades of white, pink, and purple, cosmos signify order and harmony, often used to convey feelings of peace and tranquility.
When designing a bouquet featuring cosmos, think about creating a soft, romantic look. Their lightweight structure allows them to dance beautifully within an arrangement, providing both movement and gentle charm. Pair them with heavier textures, like peonies or dahlias, to create a visually striking juxtaposition that draws the eye.
Due to their delicate nature, cosmos should be handled with care. They can last several days in a vase so long as they are kept well-hydrated. Providing ample water and avoiding exposure to heat will extend their life, allowing you to enjoy their cheerful demeanor for longer.
Peonies
With their extravagant blooms and intoxicating scent, peonies are often considered the epitome of romance. These lush flowers come in various colors, including soft pinks, whites, and vibrant reds, making them highly versatile in floral arrangements. Peonies symbolize prosperity, good fortune, and romance, making them a popular choice for weddings and special occasions.
When arranging peonies, their substantial size can be balanced by using smaller, lighter flowers like daisies or sweet peas around them. Their fullness allows them to serve as a stunning focal point, while the surrounding flowers can elevate the entire composition. The lushness of peonies beautifully pairs with greener foliage, adding texture and softness to your design.
To ensure longevity, it’s best to keep peonies in a cool location and to change the water regularly. Be aware that their blooms can open fully based on environmental conditions, so if they have yet to open upon purchase, a little warmth can coax them along—allowing you to enjoy their beauty fully.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are striking flowers characterized by their tall, vertically growing spikes filled with clustered blossoms. Coming in a range of bright hues, snapdragons symbolize strength and grace—a fantastic choice for celebratory bouquets or special occasions.
In bouquet design, snapdragons can create structure and height while also filling in spaces between shorter flowers. Their unique blooms can be positioned either upright or at a slight angle, providing versatility in arrangement styles. Combined with soft, rounded flowers like garden roses or floribunda, snapdragons introduce an exciting contrast while maintaining balance.
To keep snapdragons fresh, make sure to trim the stems twice—once before placing them in water and once every couple of days while refreshing the water in the vase. Snapdragons can last quite a while, making them a perfect choice for those who enjoy longevity in their floral arrangements.
Garden Roses
Garden roses are a classic element in floral arrangements, appreciated for their romantic qualities and rich fragrance. Available in a broad spectrum of colors and sizes, garden roses symbolize love and beauty, making them perfect for wedding bouquets and arrangements meant to express affection.
Arranging garden roses can be satisfying due to their lush, layered petals. Mix them with more delicate blooms such as freesia or stock for contrast, or create a monochromatic bouquet by using varying shades of the same color. The result can be breathtaking and deeply emotional.
To prolong their life, garden roses benefit from regular water changes and trimming the stems at an angle to allow for optimal water absorption. Delicate petals can develop bruises easily, so handling them gently is essential, ensuring your arrangement continues to radiate beauty for days to come.
Marigolds
Marigolds exude a warm, sunny vibe with their striking golden and orange hues. These cheerful flowers symbolize creativity, passion, and positivity, making them an excellent choice for summer bouquets that celebrate life.
Great for rustic-themed arrangements, marigolds can add a touch of playfulness and charm. Pair them with zinnias or black-eyed Susans to create a vibrant bouquet that reflects the essence of summer. Their durability in both garden and vase settings ensures they will last, offering long-term enjoyment.
Marigolds thrive best when kept in abundant water, and they tend to fare well in sunny spots. Incorporating marigolds into bouquets not only brings visual delight but also serves as a delightful reminder of the vibrancy of life and nature.
Dahlias
Dahlias are one of summer’s most stunning flowers, available in a multitude of colors and shapes. Their distinctive pom-pom, dinner plate, or cactus forms can add character and texture to arrangements. Symbolizing inner strength and dignity, dahlias are a wonderful choice for bouquets celebrating personal achievements or milestones.
Pair dahlias with other summer favorites, like cosmos or hydrangeas, for a colorful bouquet that stands out. Their varying shapes create visual interest and depth when layered in arrangements.
These flowers can last up to a week in a vase, provided they are kept cool and hydrated—it’s best to trim the stems and change the water regularly to maximize their vibrancy. Dahlias’ beauty and range make them a favorite among florists and flower enthusiasts alike, allowing for endless creative possibilities.
Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are known for their charming, delicate appearance and intoxicating fragrance. These flowers exude a sense of nostalgia, symbolizing pleasure and bliss. Sweet peas come in soft hues like pale pink, lavender, and white, making them a lovely addition to romantic bouquets.
Due to their light weight, sweet peas are perfect for creating airy and flowing arrangements. They pair beautifully with other soft blooms such as anemones or lisianthus, creating a gentle, dreamy aesthetic. In a summer bouquet, sweet peas add a touch of whimsy and romance, making it perfect for weddings or special occasions.
To prolong the freshness of sweet peas, it’s essential to keep their water clean, as they can wilt quickly without proper hydration. Keep them away from direct sunlight, allowing their sweet scent to linger in the air while they remain vibrant in your arrangement.
Echinacea (Coneflower)
Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, offers a unique look with its spiky centers and vibrant petals, available in purple, pink, and white. Symbolizing strength and healing, these flowers bring an uplifting energy to summer bouquets.
Due to their wildflower appearance, echinacea is perfect for rustic or garden-inspired arrangements. When combined with other summer blooms—like black-eyed Susans or zinnias—they create a sense of harmony and natural beauty. Their hardy nature ensures they remain fresh and vibrant, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
To arrange echinacea, consider using them as both focal points and fillers, allowing their unique appearance to shine. Their durability makes them perfect companions for long-lasting bouquets, capturing the essence of summer’s vitality.
Lisianthus
Lisianthus is an elegant flower that resembles a rose but with a unique flair, characterized by its ruffled petals and cup-like shape. With colors ranging from soft whites to rich purples, lisianthus symbolizes appreciation and charisma—a beautiful floral choice for any celebratory occasion.
These flowers lend a sophisticated air to arrangements and can easily be combined with other summer blooms such as stock or freesia. Their delicate nature can soften more robust blooms, creating a refined, harmonious bouquet.
To ensure that lisianthus remain fresh, trim their stems and provide them with clean water. These blooms can last for several days, making them ideal for event decorations like weddings or parties where longevity is essential.
Gladiolus
Gladiolus boasts stunning spikes adorned with trumpet-shaped flowers, bringing dramatic flair to summer bouquets. Known for their strength and glory, these flowers symbolize integrity and love, making them suitable for bouquets intended to convey grand emotions.
When incorporating gladiolus into arrangements, use their height to your advantage by positioning them at the back or center of a bouquet. They pair wonderfully with smaller blooms, allowing the gladiolus to stand tall without overpowering the arrangement.
Creating a bouquet that features gladiolus requires careful handling to maintain their structure. Regular water changes and trimming the stems can dramatically increase their longevity, allowing you to enjoy their beauty in your arrangements for an extended period.
Black-eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans, with their bright golden-yellow petals and dark centers, bring cheer and warmth to any bouquet. These flowers symbolize encouragement and motivation, making them a perfect choice for summer gatherings or celebrations.
In bouquets, black-eyed Susans can add contrast and vibrancy, working beautifully with zinnias or sunflowers for a sunny arrangement. Their sturdy stems allow them to hold their own against taller flowers, providing balance and unity in floral designs.
To ensure they remain fresh for as long as possible, change their water frequently and keep them in a cool location. Incorporating black-eyed Susans into your bouquets not only enhances their visual appeal but also embodies the essence of summer’s warmth and joy.
Freesias
Freesias are adored for their delicate tubular blooms and enchanting fragrance. Blooming in a range of colors, these flowers are symbols of friendship and trust, making them an excellent addition to bouquets meant to celebrate relationships.
When crafting a bouquet that features freesias, consider their gentle appearance and delightful scent. Pair them with other complementary flowers, such as garden roses or hydrangeas, to create a lovely balance of shapes and textures. Their aromatic quality will also add a sensory layer to your bouquets.
Freesias can last for several days if you keep their water clean and avoid placing them in direct sunlight. Including these blooms in your arrangements will create a fragrant, beautiful bouquet that resonates with those who receive it.
Asters
Asters add a charming pop of color and whimsical flair to summer bouquets with their star-shaped blooms. Available in hues from soft pastels to vibrant shades, asters symbolize love and wisdom—making them a thoughtful addition to any arrangement.
Incorporating asters into your bouquet allows you to play with contrasts and textures. Utilizing their star shape among rounder flowers provides visual interest and can enhance the overall composition. Asters pair beautifully with stately blooms like delphinium or shorter varieties such as snapdragons.
To keep asters fresh and vibrant, remember to change their water regularly and keep them clear of heat sources. The addition of asters to your bouquets will bring not only beauty but depth and character to your designs.
Pansies
Pansies are known for their distinctive, “face-like” patterns and rich colors. These cheerful flowers symbolize thoughtfulness and remembrance, making them an ideal choice for bouquets meant for sentimental occasions.
In arrangements, pansies can be used to create a garden-inspired feel, bringing a playful touch with their unique shapes. Pair them with other charming blooms like sweet peas or daisies for an endearing, whimsical design.
Pansies are best used fresh, so ensure to keep their stems trimmed and give them ample water. Incorporating them into your bouquet can create fond memories and evoke feelings of nostalgia, reminding your recipients of loved moments shared.
Yarrow
Yarrow flowers embody a wildflower charm, adding both texture and a touch of whimsy to summer arrangements. Known for their flat-topped clusters of blossoms, yarrow symbolize healing and protection—a meaningful element when designing bouquets for those in need of comfort or encouragement.
When using yarrow in bouquets, consider their unique flower clusters and feathery foliage. Their linear growth can provide a refreshing contrast to more rounded blooms, adding an unexpected charm to arrangements. Pairing yarrow with softer flowers like cosmos or lisianthus results in a beautiful textural balance.
To preserve their beauty, yarrow should be placed in water as soon as possible and kept cool and hydrated. Including yarrow in your arrangements not only adds a rustic touch but also represents the beauty of nature, reminding everyone of the healing power of flowers.
Scabiosa
Scabiosa, often known as pincushion flower due to its pin-like petals, offers a unique, charming shape that adds a fun element to bouquets. With colors ranging from soft blues and pinks to deep purples, scabiosa symbolizes love and patience—ideal for arrangements celebrating lasting connections.
Their round blooms can create visual interest and texture in bouquets. Use them alongside taller blossoms like gladiolus or sunflowers to create a well-rounded design. Scabiosa’s unique appearance allows them to stand out while harmoniously blending with other flowers.
To extend the life of scabiosa, keep them hydrated and avoid extreme heat conditions. Their distinct shape will enhance your arrangements, giving each bouquet character and charm that your recipients will surely admire.
Bells of Ireland
Bells of Ireland add a refreshing touch to summer bouquets, characterized by their unique, tubular green flowers. Symbolizing good luck and positivity, these flowers are perfect for celebrating milestones and victories.
Incorporating bells of Ireland into your arrangements can bring a layer of texture and interest, especially when paired with colorful flowers like roses or daisies. Their vertical growth allows for dramatic height contrasts, making them ideal for layered bouquet designs.
To keep bells of Ireland fresh, be sure to provide them with ample water and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Their unique appearance and symbolism will not only enhance your floral designs but also bring a sense of joy and good fortune to those who receive them.
Stock Flowers
Stock flowers are renowned for their delightful fragrance and dense clusters of blooms, making them ideal for filling out summer bouquets. Flourishing in a variety of colors, stock symbolizes lasting beauty and a happy life, making them wonderful choices for celebrations and gatherings.
In arrangements, stock flowers create an opulent feel and can serve as both focal points and fillers. Mixing them with romantic blooms like garden roses or sweet peas enhances their lush appearance while offering a pleasing scent that adds depth to your arrangements.
To keep stock fresh, remember to change their water often and keep them in a cool environment. Their enriched scent and visual appeal will create a memorable experience for your bouquet recipients, especially during special occasions.
Carnations
Carnations are perhaps one of the most beloved summer flowers, appreciated for their frilled petals and extensive color palette. Often associated with love and fascination—carnations work well in a wide array of arrangements, from simple bouquets to intricate designs.
When crafting bouquets, consider using carnations as base flowers, providing versatility that complements other blooms. Their durable nature ensures they last longer in arrangements, enabling you to create lasting displays.
To enhance their longevity, trim the stems at an angle and change their water regularly. Their enchanting beauty and durability make them an excellent option for those looking to create stunning floral designs suitable for any occasion.
Ornamental Grass
Incorporating ornamental grasses into your summer bouquets can bring an element of texture and movement, softening floral arrangements and adding a charming, natural aesthetic. Their feathery or elongated forms symbolize simplicity and freedom, enhancing the overall feel of your designs.
Ornamental grasses work beautifully alongside both bold and delicate flowers, offering contrast and grace to arrangements. They can act as fillers to elevate other blooms or be used stand-alone for a more minimalist approach.
To maximize their impact, make sure the grasses are fresh and hydrated. Using them in your bouquets enhances the natural beauty and can evoke a sense of calm and serenity, promoting a connection to the outdoors.
Delphinium
Delphinium flowers feature tall spikes adorned with vibrant blossoms, adding striking colors and a touch of elegance to any bouquet. Known for their symbolism of open-heartedness and warmth, delphiniums are excellent for arrangements meant to express affection and love.
When arranging delphinium, utilize their height for dramatic effect. Position them at the back of a bouquet or cluster them in groups to emphasize their beauty. They create a lovely visual layer, allowing for stunning arrangements filled with life and movement.
To ensure delphinium remain vibrant, provide them with fresh water and avoid heat sources. Their stunning appearance and symbolism of love and warmth make them an unforgettable addition to your summer bouquets, radiating positivity and joy.
