Spring is the most abundant season for flowers. Florists' stalls overflow with color, and bouquets become more voluminous, more romantic, and more vibrant. But between peonies, ranunculus, anemones, and tulips, it's not always clear what to choose, or how to combine them to create a truly beautiful result.
This guide is for you. Here's everything you need to know about the essential spring flowers.
The Peony: The Queen of Spring
The peony is probably the most desired spring flower. Its full and generous form, its petals that slowly open over several days, its shades from pearly white to deep pink: everything about it is spectacular.
When to find it? From mid-April to the end of June. Its season is short, which makes it all the more precious.
How to choose it? In a tight bud, slightly soft to the touch. It will open at home in 2 to 5 days.
How to combine it? With baby's breath, eucalyptus leaves, or tulips in complementary shades. It also stands beautifully on its own in a simple vase.
The Ranunculus: The Peony's Little Sister
The same layers of tight petals, the same voluminous roundness, in a smaller, more affordable format, and available earlier in the season.
When to find it? From January to May.
How to choose it? In bud. It can last 7 to 10 days in a clean vase with regularly changed water.
How to combine it? With tulips, muscari, cherry branches, or ivy leaves. Ideal for lush, textured bouquets.
The Anemone: The Graphic Flower of Spring
Its deep black center surrounded by delicate petals in white, pink, purple, or red. Simple and striking, just one is enough to give character to a bouquet.
When to find it? From October to April, with a peak in winter and early spring.
How to choose it? Barely open buds, with a clearly visible center. Lasts 5 to 7 days.
How to combine it? With ranunculus or white tulips for a romantic and assertive bouquet.
The Tulip: The Icon of Spring
Simple, elegant, available in an almost infinite palette of colors, from bright yellow to velvety black. The most versatile flower of the season.
When to find it? From January to May, with maximum abundance in March-April.
How to choose it? Straight, firm stems, closed bud. Tulips continue to grow in the vase, sometimes by several centimeters.
How to combine it? Alone in a tall vase: minimalist and chic. With ranunculus: romantic. In a colorful monobouquet: festive.
Lily of the Valley: The Flower of May 1st
Discreet yet with an incomparable olfactory power. Traditionally offered on May 1st, it brings a delicate fragrance and a touch of poetry to any bouquet.
Note: Lily of the valley is toxic: keep out of reach of children and pets.
To go further
Once you know your flowers, you still need to know how to arrange them. Two resources can help you:
How to make a flower bouquet: the complete guide details step-by-step our florist's method for composing a balanced bouquet, from choosing the stems to the final knot.
If you're a beginner, the basics of floral arrangement will give you the essential techniques to never fail a homemade bouquet again.
Want to create your spring bouquet?
Every weekend, My Flower Class offers floral arrangement workshops in Levallois-Perret with fresh seasonal flowers. In spring: peonies, ranunculus, anemones, exactly the flowers from this guide, in your hands.
🌸 Book a spring floral workshop →
Frequently Asked Questions
Which spring flower lasts longest in a vase?
Ranunculus and tulips last 7 to 10 days if the water is changed regularly. Peonies are more ephemeral (5 to 7 days) but so spectacular that everything is forgiven.
Can peonies and tulips be mixed in the same bouquet?
Absolutely. It's one of the most successful spring combinations. Tulips bring lightness and height, while peonies add volume and roundness. Choose similar shades for a harmonious result.
How can I make my spring flowers last longer?
Recut the stems diagonally each time you change the water, change the water every two days, and keep the bouquet away from heat and fruit (which release ethylene).