# Floreboard (芳华绘)

> Floreboard is an AI design and operations assistant for florists and floral studios. It designs arrangements from a shop's real inventory, reviews every design against professional rules (style schools, cultural taboos, vase life, season, pet safety, holiday pricing), tracks cost and margin, deducts stock, and remembers repeat clients. Web app in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French and Spanish.

The pages below are static, factual references generated from the same knowledge base the product uses. Values are typical trade ranges, reviewed 2026-10-06 (knowledge base 2026-10-06.3). Every page has a Markdown copy at its URL plus `index.md`, and a Chinese edition under `/zh/`. Japanese (`/ja/`) and Korean (`/ko/`) editions cover the flower guide and most guides.

## Product
- [Floreboard overview](https://floreboard.com/en/): Design arrangements from your stock with AI, with automatic school and cultural review, pet-safety checks, cost and margin, inventory deduction and client memory.
- [How Floreboard works](https://floreboard.com/en/features/): How florists use Floreboard: enter stock, describe the order, generate a costed design, have it reviewed automatically, share it with the client and make it from a production sheet that deducts inventory.
- [Pricing](https://floreboard.com/en/pricing/): 30 free credits on sign-up; a design costs 1 credit and a preview image 5. Credit packs from $4.99; Pro plans $9.90 / $89.00.
- [Floreboard FAQ](https://floreboard.com/en/faq/): Answers to 16 common questions about Floreboard, the AI design and operations assistant for florists: what it does, how designs are reviewed, credits and pricing, languages and data.
- [Open the app](https://floreboard.com/): sign up free (30 credits; a design costs 1 credit, a preview image 5)

## Flower guide
- [Flower guide (110 flowers)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/): Quick reference for 110 cut flowers, branches and foliage: botanical name, role, vase life, season, fragrance and pet toxicity — the same data Floreboard uses to review arrangements.
- One page per flower at https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/{slug}/ — botanical name, family, role, vase life, season, fragrance, colours, meaning, handling, suitability, substitutes and holiday price surges. Slugs: rose, sunflower, hydrangea, lily, tulip, carnation, gerbera, lisianthus, gypsophila, chamomile, strelitzia, orchid, peony, herbaceous-peony, chrysanthemum, narcissus, plum, cherry, peach, crabapple, camellia, iris, delphinium, anemone, eucalyptus, monstera, bamboo, pine, maple, redbean, calla, freesia, hyacinth, lilyvalley, stock, gomphrena, statice, gardenia, jasmine, lavender, zinnia, dahlia, anthurium, celosia, dendrobium, lotus, waterlily, craspedia, queenannes, protea, waxflower, clematis, lupin, snapdragon, poppy, salvia, daisy, cosmos, calendula, marigold, cornflower, aster, magnolia, wisteria, forsythia, willow, pussywillow, dogwood, azalea, spiraea, osmanthus, lotuspod, asparagus, palm, ivy, fatsia, dustymiller, holly, cotton, wheat, ranunculus, trachelium, alstroemeria, gladiolus, sweetpea, scabiosa, hellebore, agapanthus, allium, astilbe, eryngium, leucospermum, kangaroopaw, heliconia, tuberose, solidago, ornithogalum, muscari, bouvardia, veronica, leucadendron, banksia, lilac, viburnum, hypericum, salal, leatherleaf, aspidistra, pittosporum, myrtle

## Guides: Seasons, stock and price
- [Seasonal flower chart](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/): Which cut flowers, branches and foliage are in season in spring, summer, autumn and winter, plus year-round staples — for seasonal buying and design.
- [Holiday flower price calendar](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holiday-flower-prices/): A florist's stocking calendar: which flowers rise in price before each holiday, typical surges and how far ahead to stock up, with 2026–2028 dates.
- [How florists price arrangements: cost, markup and margin](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/florist-pricing-and-margin/): How to price a flower arrangement: the four numbers that matter, a markup-to-margin table, two checks to run on every quote, and a worked example of what a holiday price surge does to your margin.
- [Flower arrangement checklist before delivery](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/arrangement-checklist/): 23 checks professional florists run before delivery: balance, vase life, season, cultural taboos, pet safety, style rules, stock and margin — the same rules Floreboard applies automatically.

## Guides: Choosing flowers
- [Cut flower vase life chart](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-vase-life/): Common cut flowers ranked by vase life, to help florists combine stems and plan delivery times.
- [Longest-lasting cut flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/long-lasting-flowers/): 18 cut flowers that typically last ten days or more in a vase, with season, fragrance and pet safety — for weekly contract flowers, gifts that travel and bouquets meant to last.
- [Fragrant cut flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/fragrant-flowers/): 15 strongly scented cut flowers and branches with their seasons and vase life, the lightly scented alternatives, and where fragrance is welcome or best avoided.
- [Unscented and low-pollen flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/unscented-flowers/): 43 cut flowers with little or no scent and no heavy pollen — for scent-sensitive clients, dining tables and hospitals — with vase life, season and pet safety, plus what to avoid.
- [Flowers by colour](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/): Find cut flowers by colour. 72 flowers sorted into eight colour families, each with season, vase life, fragrance and pet safety.
- [Foliage and branches for arrangements](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/foliage-and-branches/): 12 foliages and 19 branches used in floristry, with vase life, season, pet safety and a handling note for each — plus how to split, force and deliver flowering branches.
- [Flowers that dry well](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-for-drying/): 27 cut flowers, branches and textures that keep their shape and colour when dried, with three drying methods and the flowers that do not dry at all.
- [Commonly confused flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/commonly-confused-flowers/): Peony or ranunculus? Calla or lily? Stock or violet? The flowers florists and clients most often mix up, how to tell them apart, and why the difference matters for pets, taboos and vase life.

## Guides: Occasions and customs
- [Flowers by occasion](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-occasion/): A one-page reference for choosing flowers by occasion — romance, Mother's Day, birthdays, weddings, openings, graduation, hospital visits, sympathy and Lunar New Year — with what to avoid for each.
- [Wedding flowers by season](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/wedding-flowers/): Choosing wedding and bridal flowers: long-lasting, pollen-free choices by season, stems that need extra care, and taboos for Chinese, Japanese and Korean weddings.
- [Birthday flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/birthday-flowers/): Choosing birthday flowers: long-lasting focal flowers for each season, birth month flowers, and the pet, scent and cultural checks to run before designing.
- [Flowers for a business opening](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/business-opening-flowers/): What to send for a shop or business opening: auspicious flowers and colours in Chinese practice, long-lasting stems for opening stands, and the taboos to avoid.
- [Flowers for a hospital visit: what to send and avoid](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/hospital-flowers/): What to send to a patient and what to avoid: strong scents, heavy pollen, potted plants in Chinese custom, chrysanthemum and number taboos, and good choices.
- [Funeral and sympathy flowers: customs by culture](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/funeral-flowers/): Which flowers and colours suit funerals and condolences in China, Japan, Korea, Europe and North America — and what to avoid.
- [How many flowers to give: meanings and taboos by culture](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-numbers/): What 1, 3, 9, 11, 12 or 99 flowers mean, and number taboos across cultures: 4 in East Asia, 9 in Japan, even numbers in Russia and Eastern Europe.
- [Flower colour meanings across cultures](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-color-meanings/): What flower colours mean in Western, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and other traditions — and the colours to avoid for weddings, funerals, hospital visits and gifts abroad.
- [Flower meanings: the language of flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-meanings/): The popular meanings of 69 cut flowers and branches — Western flower language alongside Chinese and Japanese symbolism — with season and colours for each.
- [Birth month flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/birth-month-flowers/): The birth flowers for all twelve months in the British and American tradition, with each flower's season, pet safety and tips for working it into a birthday bouquet.
- [Wedding anniversary flowers by year](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/anniversary-flowers/): The traditional flower for each wedding anniversary from the 1st to the 50th, with season, vase life and pet safety, and what to do when the flower is out of season.

## Guides: Craft and safety
- [Cut flower care and conditioning guide](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/cut-flower-care/): How florists condition cut flowers so they last: seven steps for every stem, plus the flowers that need shallow water, searing, splitting, no fridge or no fruit nearby.
- [Pet-safe flowers for cats and dogs](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/pet-safe-flowers/): Before sending flowers to a home with pets: common cut flowers that are highly toxic to cats or mildly toxic to cats and dogs, and what florists can do.
- [Floral design styles compared](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/floral-design-styles/): Key traits of the main Japanese, Chinese and European floral design styles, and the typical stem counts and number of materials for each.
- [Floristry glossary](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/floristry-glossary/): 31 floristry terms explained in plain language, each with its Chinese equivalent: design roles, ikebana vocabulary, mechanics, conditioning and pricing.

## By season, holiday and colour
- [Spring flowers in season](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/spring/)
- [Summer flowers in season](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/summer/)
- [Autumn flowers in season](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/autumn/)
- [Winter flowers in season](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/winter/)
- [Valentine's Day: florist stocking guide (Worldwide; 2–3× wholesale, stock up 21 days ahead)](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/valentines-day/)
- [Chinese New Year: florist stocking guide (Chinese mainland; 1.5–3× wholesale, stock up 30 days ahead)](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/chinese-new-year/)
- [Women's Day: florist stocking guide (Chinese mainland; 1.2–1.5× wholesale, stock up 14 days ahead)](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/womens-day/)
- [White Day: florist stocking guide (Japan, Korea; 1.2–1.5× wholesale, stock up 14 days ahead)](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/white-day/)
- [Qingming: florist stocking guide (Chinese mainland; 1.5–2× wholesale, stock up 14 days ahead)](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/qingming/)
- [Mother's Day: florist stocking guide (Chinese mainland, United States, Japan; 1.5–2.5× wholesale, stock up 21 days ahead)](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/mothers-day/)
- [Parents' Day: florist stocking guide (Korea; 1.5–2.5× wholesale, stock up 21 days ahead)](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/korean-parents-day/)
- [520 (May 20): florist stocking guide (Chinese mainland; 1.5–2× wholesale, stock up 14 days ahead)](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/520/)
- [Qixi: florist stocking guide (Chinese mainland; 1.5–2.5× wholesale, stock up 21 days ahead)](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/qixi/)
- [Teachers' Day: florist stocking guide (Chinese mainland; 1.2–1.5× wholesale, stock up 14 days ahead)](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/chinese-teachers-day/)
- [Christmas: florist stocking guide (Worldwide; 1.2–1.6× wholesale, stock up 30 days ahead)](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/christmas/)
- [Red flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/red/)
- [Pink flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/pink/)
- [White flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/white/)
- [Yellow flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/yellow/)
- [Orange flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/orange/)
- [Purple flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/purple/)
- [Blue flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/blue/)
- [Green flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/green/)

## Data
- [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/): Where the Floreboard flower guide gets its figures, what each one means and where it stops being reliable — plus downloadable data for 110 flowers and 11 holidays.
- [flowers.csv](https://floreboard.com/data/flowers.csv) · [flowers.json](https://floreboard.com/data/flowers.json): the full flower table
- [holidays.json](https://floreboard.com/data/holidays.json): holiday dates, affected flowers, price multiples and lead times
- [Everything in one file](https://floreboard.com/llms-full.txt)

## Optional
- [Chinese edition (中文版)](https://floreboard.com/zh/)
- [Japanese flower guide (花材図鑑)](https://floreboard.com/ja/flowers/)
- [Korean flower guide (꽃 도감)](https://floreboard.com/ko/flowers/)
- [Privacy](https://floreboard.com/privacy) · [Terms](https://floreboard.com/terms) · [Refund policy](https://floreboard.com/refund)

## Flower data (reviewed 2026-10-06)

Typical values from trade practice; actual results vary by variety, origin and conditioning. Pet toxicity follows the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants list; "not flagged" does not mean safe. Colours are natural hues only. Meanings are popular conventions and vary by culture.

| Flower | 中文 | Botanical name | Family | Role | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Colours | Pets | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rose | 玫瑰 | Rosa × hybrida | Rosaceae | Focal flower | 5–7 days | year-round | light | red, pink, white, yellow, orange, purple, green | ASPCA: non-toxic to cats and dogs (Rosa species) | Love and romance | dries well |
| Sunflower | 向日葵 | Helianthus annuus | Asteraceae | Focal flower | 6–10 days | summer | none | yellow, orange | ASPCA: non-toxic to cats and dogs (Helianthus) | Adoration, loyalty and optimism | — |
| Hydrangea | 绣球 | Hydrangea macrophylla | Hydrangeaceae | Focal flower | 5–7 days | summer | none | blue, pink, white, purple, green | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Gratitude and abundance | dries well |
| Lily | 百合 | Lilium | Liliaceae | Focal flower | 7–10 days | year-round | strong | white, pink, yellow, orange, red | highly toxic to cats | Purity; in Chinese weddings, "a hundred years of harmony" | heavy pollen: remove anthers; ethylene-sensitive |
| Tulip | 郁金香 | Tulipa | Liliaceae | Focal flower | 4–7 days | winter, spring | none | red, pink, white, yellow, orange, purple | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | A declaration of love | — |
| Carnation | 康乃馨 | Dianthus caryophyllus | Caryophyllaceae | Focal flower | 10–14 days | year-round | light | red, pink, white, yellow, orange, purple, green | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | A mother's love and gratitude | ethylene-sensitive |
| Gerbera daisy | 非洲菊（扶郎花） | Gerbera jamesonii | Asteraceae | Focal flower | 6–10 days | year-round | none | red, pink, white, yellow, orange | ASPCA: non-toxic to cats and dogs (Gerbera jamesonii) | Cheerfulness | — |
| Lisianthus | 洋桔梗 | Eustoma grandiflorum | Gentianaceae | Focal flower | 7–14 days | year-round | none | white, pink, purple, green | not flagged | Appreciation and sincere, unchanging love | — |
| Baby's breath | 满天星 | Gypsophila paniculata | Caryophyllaceae | Filler flower | 7–10 days | year-round | light | white, pink | not flagged | Innocence and everlasting love | ethylene-sensitive; dries well |
| Chamomile | 洋甘菊 | Matricaria chamomilla | Asteraceae | Filler flower | 5–7 days | spring, summer | light | white | not flagged | Energy in adversity | — |
| Bird of paradise | 天堂鸟（鹤望兰） | Strelitzia reginae | Strelitziaceae | Focal flower | 10–14 days | year-round | none | orange | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Freedom and joy | — |
| Orchids (cut) | 兰花（切花） | Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, Oncidium | Orchidaceae | Focal flower | 10–21 days | year-round | light | white, pink, purple, yellow, green | ASPCA: non-toxic to cats and dogs (Phalaenopsis sp.) | Refinement and elegance | ethylene-sensitive |
| Tree peony | 牡丹 | Paeonia × suffruticosa | Paeoniaceae | Focal flower | 3–5 days | spring | light | pink, red, white, yellow, purple | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Wealth and honour — the "king of flowers" in China | — |
| Peony (herbaceous) | 芍药 | Paeonia lactiflora | Paeoniaceae | Focal flower | 5–7 days | spring | light | pink, white, red | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Romance and a happy marriage | — |
| Chrysanthemum | 菊花 | Chrysanthemum × morifolium | Asteraceae | Focal flower | 10–14 days | autumn | light | white, yellow, pink, purple, red, orange, green | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Longevity and nobility in East Asia; white and yellow are also flowers of mourning | — |
| Narcissus (daffodil) | 水仙 | Narcissus | Amaryllidaceae | Focal flower | 4–7 days | winter | strong | yellow, white | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | New beginnings; good fortune at Lunar New Year in China | sap harms other stems: condition alone 12–24h |
| Plum blossom | 梅花 | Prunus mume | Rosaceae | Branch | 7–10 days | winter | light | pink, white, red | not flagged | Resilience — one of the "three friends of winter" | — |
| Cherry blossom | 樱花 | Prunus serrulata | Rosaceae | Branch | 5–7 days | spring | light | pink, white | not flagged | The beauty of things that pass | — |
| Peach blossom | 桃花 | Prunus persica | Rosaceae | Branch | 5–10 days | spring | light | pink, white, red | not flagged | Luck in love and prosperity — a Lunar New Year staple in southern China | — |
| Crabapple blossom | 海棠 | Malus spectabilis | Rosaceae | Branch | 5–7 days | spring | light | pink, white | not flagged | Prosperity for the household, in Chinese tradition | — |
| Camellia | 山茶 | Camellia japonica | Theaceae | Focal flower | 3–5 days | winter | none | red, pink, white | ASPCA: non-toxic to cats and dogs (Camellia japonica) | Admiration and understated elegance | — |
| Iris | 鸢尾 | Iris × hollandica | Iridaceae | Focal flower | 4–6 days | spring, summer | light | blue, purple, white, yellow | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Faith, hope and good news | — |
| Delphinium | 飞燕草 | Delphinium elatum | Ranunculaceae | Line flower | 5–8 days | spring, summer | none | blue, purple, white, pink | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Lightness and an open heart | ethylene-sensitive; dries well |
| Anemone | 银莲花 | Anemone coronaria | Ranunculaceae | Focal flower | 3–6 days | winter, spring | none | red, white, purple, pink, blue | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Anticipation | — |
| Eucalyptus | 尤加利 | Eucalyptus cinerea, E. gunnii | Myrtaceae | Foliage | 10–14 days | year-round | light | green, silver-grey | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | — | dries well |
| Monstera leaf | 龟背竹 | Monstera deliciosa | Araceae | Foliage | 10–14 days | year-round | none | green | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | — | — |
| Bamboo | 竹 | Phyllostachys | Poaceae | Branch | 14–30 days | year-round | none | green | not flagged | Integrity and resilience; "bamboo brings news of peace" | — |
| Pine | 松枝 | Pinus | Pinaceae | Branch | 14–30 days | year-round | light | green | not flagged | Longevity and steadfastness | — |
| Maple branches | 枫枝 | Acer palmatum | Sapindaceae | Branch | 7–14 days | autumn | none | red, orange, green | not flagged | — | — |
| Winterberry | 红豆（北美冬青） | Ilex verticillata | Aquifoliaceae | Accent / texture | 14–30 days | autumn, winter | none | red, orange | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Longing and remembrance; good fortune at Chinese New Year | dries well |
| Calla lily | 马蹄莲 | Zantedeschia | Araceae | Focal flower | 7–10 days | year-round | none | white, yellow, pink, purple, orange | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Purity and devotion | — |
| Freesia | 小苍兰 | Freesia × hybrida | Iridaceae | Filler flower | 5–8 days | winter, spring | strong | white, yellow, pink, purple, red | not flagged | Innocence and friendship | ethylene-sensitive |
| Hyacinth | 风信子 | Hyacinthus orientalis | Asparagaceae | Focal flower | 5–7 days | winter, spring | strong | blue, purple, pink, white | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Constancy and rebirth | — |
| Lily of the valley | 铃兰 | Convallaria majalis | Asparagaceae | Filler flower | 4–7 days | spring | strong | white | highly toxic to cats | The return of happiness | — |
| Stock (Matthiola) | 紫罗兰（Matthiola） | Matthiola incana | Brassicaceae | Line flower | 7–10 days | winter, spring | strong | white, pink, purple, yellow | not flagged | Lasting beauty and bonds of affection | ethylene-sensitive |
| Globe amaranth | 千日红 | Gomphrena globosa | Amaranthaceae | Filler flower | 10–14 days | summer, autumn | none | purple, pink, white, red | not flagged | Unfading love | dries well |
| Statice | 星辰花（补血草） | Limonium sinuatum | Plumbaginaceae | Filler flower | 10–14 days | year-round | none | purple, blue, pink, white, yellow | not flagged | Remembrance | dries well |
| Gardenia | 栀子花 | Gardenia jasminoides | Rubiaceae | Focal flower | 3–5 days | summer | strong | white | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Purity and secret love | — |
| Jasmine | 茉莉 | Jasminum sambac | Oleaceae | Filler flower | 3–5 days | summer | strong | white | not flagged | Sweetness, purity and fidelity | — |
| Lavender | 薰衣草 | Lavandula angustifolia | Lamiaceae | Filler flower | 7–10 days | summer | strong | purple | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Calm and devotion | dries well |
| Zinnia | 百日菊 | Zinnia elegans | Asteraceae | Focal flower | 5–7 days | summer, autumn | none | red, pink, orange, yellow, white, green, purple | ASPCA: non-toxic to cats and dogs (Zinnia species) | Thoughts of absent friends | — |
| Dahlia | 大丽花 | Dahlia | Asteraceae | Focal flower | 4–6 days | summer, autumn | none | red, pink, orange, yellow, white, purple | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Elegance and dignity | — |
| Anthurium | 红掌 | Anthurium andraeanum | Araceae | Focal flower | 14–21 days | year-round | none | red, pink, white, green | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Hospitality | — |
| Celosia | 鸡冠花 | Celosia argentea | Amaranthaceae | Focal flower | 7–10 days | summer, autumn | none | red, orange, yellow, pink | ASPCA: non-toxic to cats and dogs (Celosia spicata) | Unfading affection | dries well |
| Dendrobium orchid | 石斛兰 | Dendrobium | Orchidaceae | Line flower | 10–14 days | year-round | none | white, purple, pink, green | not flagged | Fatherly love and strength — a Father's Day flower in some regions | ethylene-sensitive |
| Lotus | 荷花 | Nelumbo nucifera | Nelumbonaceae | Focal flower | 3–4 days | summer | light | pink, white | not flagged | Purity — rising unstained from the mud | — |
| Water lily | 睡莲 | Nymphaea | Nymphaeaceae | Focal flower | 2–4 days | summer | light | white, pink, yellow, purple, blue | not flagged | Purity | — |
| Craspedia (billy buttons) | 黄金球（金槌花） | Pycnosorus globosus | Asteraceae | Filler flower | 10–14 days | year-round | none | yellow | not flagged | — | dries well |
| Queen Anne's lace (Ammi) | 蕾丝花（阿米芹） | Ammi majus | Apiaceae | Filler flower | 5–7 days | spring, summer | none | white, green | not flagged | — | — |
| Protea | 帝王花 | Protea cynaroides | Proteaceae | Focal flower | 10–14 days | winter, spring | none | pink, white, red | not flagged | Courage and transformation | dries well |
| Waxflower | 澳洲蜡花 | Chamelaucium uncinatum | Myrtaceae | Filler flower | 10–14 days | winter, spring | light | white, pink, purple | not flagged | — | ethylene-sensitive |
| Clematis | 铁线莲 | Clematis | Ranunculaceae | Filler flower | 4–6 days | spring, summer | none | purple, blue, white, pink | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | — | — |
| Lupin | 羽扇豆 | Lupinus polyphyllus | Fabaceae | Line flower | 5–7 days | spring, summer | none | purple, blue, pink, white, yellow | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | — | — |
| Snapdragon | 金鱼草 | Antirrhinum majus | Plantaginaceae | Line flower | 7–10 days | spring | none | white, pink, yellow, orange, red | ASPCA: non-toxic to cats and dogs (Antirrhinum majus) | Graciousness; in southern China, "gold to spare" at New Year | ethylene-sensitive |
| Poppy | 虞美人 | Papaver nudicaule, P. rhoeas | Papaveraceae | Focal flower | 2–4 days | spring | none | red, orange, yellow, white, pink | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Remembrance and consolation | — |
| Salvia | 鼠尾草 | Salvia farinacea, S. leucantha | Lamiaceae | Line flower | 5–8 days | summer | light | blue, purple | not flagged | — | dries well |
| Daisy (marguerite) | 雏菊（玛格丽特） | Argyranthemum frutescens | Asteraceae | Filler flower | 5–7 days | spring, summer | none | white, yellow, pink | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Innocence | — |
| Cosmos | 波斯菊 | Cosmos bipinnatus | Asteraceae | Filler flower | 5–7 days | summer, autumn | none | pink, white, red | not flagged | Harmony and modesty | — |
| Calendula | 金盏菊 | Calendula officinalis | Asteraceae | Filler flower | 5–7 days | spring, summer | light | orange, yellow | not flagged | — | — |
| Marigold | 万寿菊 | Tagetes erecta | Asteraceae | Focal flower | 7–10 days | summer, autumn | strong | orange, yellow | not flagged | Longevity in China; the flower of Día de los Muertos in Mexico and of festival garlands in India | — |
| Cornflower | 矢车菊 | Centaurea cyanus | Asteraceae | Filler flower | 5–7 days | spring, summer | none | blue, pink, white | not flagged | Delicacy and meeting happiness | dries well |
| China aster | 翠菊 | Callistephus chinensis | Asteraceae | Filler flower | 7–10 days | summer, autumn | none | purple, pink, white, blue, red | ASPCA: non-toxic to cats and dogs (Callistephus chinensis) | Patience and remembrance | — |
| Magnolia | 玉兰 | Magnolia denudata | Magnoliaceae | Branch | 3–5 days | spring | light | white, pink, purple | not flagged | Nobility and purity | — |
| Wisteria | 紫藤 | Wisteria sinensis | Fabaceae | Branch | 2–4 days | spring | strong | purple, white | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Welcome and long life | — |
| Forsythia | 连翘 | Forsythia × intermedia | Oleaceae | Branch | 7–10 days | spring | none | yellow | not flagged | Anticipation | — |
| Willow | 柳枝 | Salix babylonica, S. matsudana | Salicaceae | Branch | 10–14 days | spring | none | green | not flagged | — | — |
| Pussy willow | 银柳 | Salix gracilistyla | Salicaceae | Branch | 14–30 days | winter, spring | none | silver-grey | not flagged | "Silver stays": money kept in the household, a Lunar New Year wish | dries well |
| Red-twig dogwood | 红瑞木 | Cornus alba | Cornaceae | Branch | 14–30 days | winter | none | red | not flagged | — | dries well |
| Azalea | 杜鹃 | Rhododendron | Ericaceae | Branch | 5–7 days | spring | none | pink, red, white, purple | highly toxic to cats | — | — |
| Spiraea | 雪柳（绣线菊） | Spiraea thunbergii | Rosaceae | Branch | 5–8 days | spring | none | white | not flagged | — | — |
| Osmanthus | 桂花 | Osmanthus fragrans | Oleaceae | Branch | 3–5 days | autumn | strong | yellow, orange, white | not flagged | Honour and success; the scent of the Mid-Autumn Festival | — |
| Lotus pod | 莲蓬 | Nelumbo nucifera | Nelumbonaceae | Accent / texture | 14–30 days | summer, autumn | none | green | not flagged | Many children and blessings | dries well |
| Asparagus fern | 文竹（蓬莱松） | Asparagus setaceus | Asparagaceae | Foliage | 10–14 days | year-round | none | green | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | — | — |
| Palm leaves | 散尾葵 | Dypsis lutescens | Arecaceae | Foliage | 14–21 days | year-round | none | green | not flagged | — | dries well |
| Ivy | 常春藤 | Hedera helix | Araliaceae | Foliage | 10–14 days | year-round | none | green | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Fidelity — a traditional wedding foliage | — |
| Fatsia | 八角金盘 | Fatsia japonica | Araliaceae | Foliage | 10–14 days | year-round | none | green | not flagged | — | — |
| Dusty miller | 银叶菊 | Jacobaea maritima | Asteraceae | Foliage | 10–14 days | year-round | none | silver-grey | not flagged | — | — |
| Holly | 冬青 | Ilex aquifolium | Aquifoliaceae | Branch | 14–30 days | winter | none | red, green | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Christmas, protection and good luck | — |
| Cotton stems | 棉花 | Gossypium hirsutum | Malvaceae | Accent / texture | 14–30 days | autumn | none | white | not flagged | Cherish the people beside you | dries well |
| Wheat ears | 麦穗 | Triticum aestivum | Poaceae | Accent / texture | 14–30 days | summer | none | yellow | not flagged | Harvest and prosperity — a good-luck stem in Chinese shop-opening gifts | dries well |
| Ranunculus | 洋牡丹（花毛茛） | Ranunculus asiaticus | Ranunculaceae | Focal flower | 5–8 days | winter, spring | none | pink, white, yellow, orange, red, purple | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Radiant charm | — |
| Trachelium | 夕雾（疗喉草） | Trachelium caeruleum | Campanulaceae | Filler flower | 7–10 days | summer | none | purple, white, pink | not flagged | — | — |
| Alstroemeria | 六出花（水仙百合） | Alstroemeria | Alstroemeriaceae | Filler flower | 10–14 days | year-round | none | pink, white, yellow, orange, red, purple | ASPCA: non-toxic to cats and dogs (Alstroemeria) | Friendship and devotion | ethylene-sensitive |
| Gladiolus | 唐菖蒲（剑兰） | Gladiolus | Iridaceae | Line flower | 7–10 days | summer, autumn | none | red, pink, white, yellow, orange, purple, green | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Strength of character; "rising step by step" in Chinese | — |
| Sweet pea | 香豌豆 | Lathyrus odoratus | Fabaceae | Filler flower | 4–7 days | spring | strong | pink, purple, white, red | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | Blissful pleasure and a fond goodbye | ethylene-sensitive |
| Scabiosa | 松虫草 | Scabiosa atropurpurea, S. caucasica | Caprifoliaceae | Filler flower | 5–7 days | summer | none | purple, white, pink, blue | not flagged | — | — |
| Hellebore | 铁筷子（圣诞玫瑰） | Helleborus orientalis | Ranunculaceae | Filler flower | 7–10 days | winter, spring | none | white, green, pink, purple | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | — | — |
| Agapanthus | 百子莲 | Agapanthus praecox | Amaryllidaceae | Focal flower | 7–10 days | summer | none | blue, white | not flagged | Love letters — the "flower of love" | ethylene-sensitive |
| Allium | 大花葱 | Allium giganteum | Amaryllidaceae | Focal flower | 10–14 days | spring, summer | light | purple, white | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | — | dries well |
| Astilbe | 落新妇 | Astilbe × arendsii | Saxifragaceae | Filler flower | 5–7 days | summer | none | pink, white, red | not flagged | — | dries well |
| Eryngium (sea holly) | 刺芹 | Eryngium planum | Apiaceae | Filler flower | 10–14 days | summer | none | blue, silver-grey | not flagged | — | dries well |
| Pincushion protea | 针垫花 | Leucospermum cordifolium | Proteaceae | Focal flower | 10–14 days | winter, spring | none | orange, yellow, red | not flagged | — | — |
| Kangaroo paw | 袋鼠爪 | Anigozanthos | Haemodoraceae | Line flower | 10–14 days | spring, summer | none | red, yellow, orange, green | not flagged | — | dries well |
| Heliconia | 蝎尾蕉 | Heliconia | Heliconiaceae | Focal flower | 10–14 days | year-round | none | red, orange, yellow | not flagged | — | — |
| Tuberose | 晚香玉 | Agave amica | Asparagaceae | Line flower | 5–7 days | summer | strong | white | not flagged | — | — |
| Solidago (goldenrod) | 一枝黄花 | Solidago | Asteraceae | Filler flower | 7–10 days | summer, autumn | none | yellow | not flagged | — | dries well |
| Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum) | 伯利恒之星 | Ornithogalum thyrsoides, O. dubium | Asparagaceae | Line flower | 14–21 days | year-round | none | white, orange, yellow | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | — | — |
| Grape hyacinth (Muscari) | 葡萄风信子 | Muscari armeniacum | Asparagaceae | Filler flower | 4–7 days | spring | light | blue, white | not flagged | — | — |
| Bouvardia | 寒丁子 | Bouvardia | Rubiaceae | Filler flower | 7–10 days | year-round | light | white, pink, red | not flagged | — | ethylene-sensitive |
| Veronica | 穗花婆婆纳 | Veronica longifolia | Plantaginaceae | Line flower | 5–7 days | summer | none | blue, purple, pink, white | not flagged | — | — |
| Leucadendron | 木百合 | Leucadendron | Proteaceae | Accent / texture | 14–21 days | year-round | none | red, green, yellow | not flagged | — | dries well |
| Banksia | 佛塔花 | Banksia | Proteaceae | Accent / texture | 14–21 days | year-round | none | orange, yellow, red | not flagged | — | dries well |
| Lilac | 丁香 | Syringa vulgaris | Oleaceae | Branch | 3–5 days | spring | strong | purple, white, pink | not flagged | First love | — |
| Viburnum (snowball) | 绣球荚蒾（雪球） | Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' | Viburnaceae | Branch | 5–7 days | spring | none | green, white | not flagged | — | — |
| Hypericum berries | 金丝桃果 | Hypericum androsaemum, H. × inodorum | Hypericaceae | Accent / texture | 10–14 days | year-round | none | red, pink, green, white | mildly toxic to cats and dogs | — | — |
| Salal | 沙巴叶 | Gaultheria shallon | Ericaceae | Foliage | 14–21 days | year-round | none | green | not flagged | — | — |
| Leatherleaf fern | 高山羊齿 | Rumohra adiantiformis | Dryopteridaceae | Foliage | 10–14 days | year-round | none | green | not flagged | — | — |
| Aspidistra | 一叶兰 | Aspidistra elatior | Asparagaceae | Foliage | 14–21 days | year-round | none | green | not flagged | — | — |
| Pittosporum | 海桐 | Pittosporum tenuifolium, P. tobira | Pittosporaceae | Foliage | 10–14 days | year-round | none | green | not flagged | — | — |
| Myrtle | 香桃木 | Myrtus communis | Myrtaceae | Foliage | 10–14 days | year-round | light | green | not flagged | Love and marriage — a traditional sprig in royal wedding bouquets | — |

## Handling notes by flower

- **Rose**: Recut 2–3 cm under water and strip leaves and thorns below the waterline. A drooping "bent neck" usually means an air block: recut and stand the stems deep in warm water for an hour. Peel off only the bruised outer guard petals.
- **Sunflower**: A heavy drinker: use a tall, clean vase and top it up daily. Strip most of the leaves — they wilt long before the head — and support the heavy heads in transport.
- **Hydrangea**: Wilts fast when short of water. Recut, stand deep, and mist the heads; a collapsed head usually revives after 30–60 minutes fully submerged in cool water. Mature "antique" heads dry well in the vase.
- **Lily**: Buy in bud with the first flower showing colour — buds open one after another over a week. Pull off the anthers as each bloom opens, before the pollen ripens; brush spilled pollen off dry, never with water.
- **Tulip**: Tulips keep growing after cutting — often several centimetres — and bend toward light, so leave room in the design. Use shallow, cool water; to straighten floppy stems, wrap the bunch tightly in paper and stand it in water for a few hours.
- **Carnation**: Cut between the swollen nodes, not through them — nodes take up water poorly. Very sensitive to ethylene: keep away from ripening fruit and fading flowers, or the petals curl in ("sleepiness").
- **Gerbera daisy**: Stand in only a few centimetres of very clean water: the hairy stems rot quickly when submerged. Heads droop if the stem bends — support with a wire, a straw sleeve or a grid until the stems firm up.
- **Lisianthus**: Strip foliage below the waterline and pinch out spent blooms; the smallest green buds rarely open. Keep the petals dry — water droplets cause brown botrytis spots.
- **Baby's breath**: Loosen the bunch and give it air — tight, damp bunches go mouldy. Sensitive to ethylene, and it has a noticeable smell in a closed room. Air-dries well.
- **Chamomile**: Strip the lower foliage — it fouls the water quickly — and change the water daily. Florists also sell feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) under this name; care is the same.
- **Bird of paradise**: A tropical flower: keep above about 10 °C. When the first floret fades, the next ones can be eased out of the boat-shaped sheath by hand.
- **Orchids (cut)**: Extremely sensitive to ethylene — keep well away from fruit and fading flowers — and to cold draughts. Cut stems usually arrive in water tubes: keep the tubes topped up.
- **Tree peony**: Buy in soft bud and keep cool; open blooms are short-lived and the petals bruise at a touch, so deliver quickly and handle by the stem.
- **Peony (herbaceous)**: Buy at the "marshmallow" stage — the bud gives when squeezed. Rock-hard buds may never open; wiping off the sticky nectar with warm water helps. Buds hold dry in cold storage for several days.
- **Chrysanthemum**: Strip the leaves — they yellow and decay well before the flowers do — and recut every few days. One of the longest-lasting cut flowers.
- **Narcissus (daffodil)**: Freshly cut stems leak a sap that clogs other flowers. Condition them alone for 12–24 hours, then add to the mixed vase without recutting.
- **Plum blossom**: Cut in tight bud and split or crush the woody ends. Buds open indoors in warmth within days; mist them so they do not dry out.
- **Cherry blossom**: Deliver in bud: once open, the petals fall within days. Split the woody ends and stand in deep water.
- **Peach blossom**: Sold in bud for Lunar New Year. Split the stems, and hold in a cool place to slow opening or a warm one to speed it up.
- **Crabapple blossom**: Cut in bud and split the woody ends; the flowers open in a warm room and last about a week.
- **Camellia**: Blooms bruise easily and drop whole, so handle by the stem and never touch the petals. In Japan camellias are avoided for the sick precisely because the whole flower falls at once.
- **Iris**: Buy at the "pencil" stage with a line of colour showing. Each bloom lasts about three days; keep the water cool and the flowers away from heat.
- **Delphinium**: Very sensitive to ethylene: florets shatter near fruit or exhaust fumes. The stems are hollow and snap easily, so handle gently and keep upright. Dries well.
- **Anemone**: Opens in light and warmth and closes at night. The stems keep lengthening and bend toward light; use shallow, cool water and top it up — anemones are thirsty.
- **Eucalyptus**: Strip the lower leaves. The resin is sticky — clean snips with alcohol afterwards. Dries beautifully, keeping its scent and colour.
- **Monstera leaf**: Wipe the leaves clean; a single leaf lasts weeks in water. The sap can irritate skin.
- **Bamboo**: The culms last for weeks, but cut leaves curl within a day or two unless the hollow culm is filled with water; mist often. "Lucky bamboo" sold in shops is a Dracaena, not true bamboo.
- **Pine**: Lasts for weeks with very little water. Resin gums up blades — clean them with alcohol. A New Year staple in both China and Japan.
- **Maple branches**: Split the woody ends, condition in deep water and mist the leaves; they crisp quickly in dry, heated rooms.
- **Winterberry**: Sold as bare branches covered in berries. Recut and stand in a little water, or use dry: the berries hold for weeks either way. Keep cool, because warmth makes them shrivel and drop. Handle gently, since knocked berries fall off, and remind clients that the berries are not edible.
- **Calla lily**: Use shallow water: the fleshy stems turn mushy and split when submerged. Stems can be curved gently by warming them in your hands. Despite the name it is not a true lily.
- **Freesia**: Florets open in sequence along the comb: pinch off the spent ones and use flower food so the top buds open. Sensitive to ethylene.
- **Hyacinth**: Leave the white base of the stem on — it lasts longer that way. The heavy heads topple, so support them; the sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves when handling many.
- **Lily of the valley**: Often sold with roots attached: keep them moist and it lasts longer. Delicate and expensive, mostly used in bridal work. Every part is poisonous, vase water included — wash your hands.
- **Stock (Matthiola)**: Fouls the water faster than almost any other flower: strip every leaf below the waterline, cut off the white woody base and change the water daily.
- **Globe amaranth**: Holds its colour for months when dried: hang small bunches upside down in a dark, airy place.
- **Statice**: The papery flowers keep their colour dried. In water the stems rot and smell, so change it often and strip the winged leaves.
- **Gardenia**: Petals brown wherever they are touched: handle with damp hands, by the leaves only, and mist lightly. Often floated in a bowl or used in corsages.
- **Jasmine**: Each flower lasts a day or two while new buds keep opening. Keep cool and misted; traditionally strung into garlands.
- **Lavender**: Keeps better dry than wet. If used fresh, give it very little water and change it often; otherwise hang it upside down to dry.
- **Zinnia**: Do the "wiggle test": the stem below the head should be stiff, not floppy. Change the water often; the stems foul it quickly.
- **Dahlia**: Buds do not open after cutting, so buy nearly fully open. Stand the freshly cut ends in hot water and let it cool to extend life, and change the water daily.
- **Anthurium**: Tropical: never store below about 13 °C or the spathe turns blue-black. Mist the spathe; one of the longest-lasting cut flowers.
- **Celosia**: Strip all the leaves — they wilt first — and keep the dense head dry, as it moulds easily. Dries well, holding its colour.
- **Dendrobium orchid**: Arrives in water tubes: keep them filled. Tropical and ethylene-sensitive, so no cold storage and no fruit nearby; the top buds often do not open.
- **Lotus**: Cut lotus closes at night and seldom reopens, so use it in bud and display the same day. Traditional practice injects water into the stem, and the outer petals are often folded back by hand.
- **Water lily**: Opens by day and closes at night. Float it in a shallow bowl; a drop of melted wax at the base of the petals is the traditional trick for keeping it open.
- **Craspedia (billy buttons)**: Needs almost no care and dries perfectly in the vase. Keep the water shallow and clean — the stems rot if they sit deep.
- **Queen Anne's lace (Ammi)**: Buy when about half the florets are open. The sap can make skin sensitive to sunlight — wear gloves — and older heads shed tiny florets.
- **Protea**: The leaves blacken long before the flower head does, so strip them. Give it clean water and plenty of light; it dries well and keeps its shape.
- **Waxflower**: Shake the bunch before buying: fresh stems do not shed. Ethylene makes the flowers drop. The needle-like leaves smell of citrus when crushed.
- **Clematis**: Wilts easily. Sear the cut ends or dip them in hot water, then condition in deep water overnight before arranging.
- **Lupin**: Tips curve upward if laid flat, so keep the spikes upright. The stems are hollow: handle gently, and expect the lowest florets to drop first.
- **Snapdragon**: Geotropic: tips bend upward within hours if the spikes lie flat, so store and transport upright. Sensitive to ethylene; pinch off faded lower florets.
- **Poppy**: Seal the milky sap: sear the cut end with a flame or dip it in boiling water for 10–20 seconds. Buy in cracked bud with colour showing.
- **Salvia**: Strip the leaves and keep well watered — the spikes wilt quickly when dry. Several kinds dry well.
- **Daisy (marguerite)**: Thirsty stems with foliage that fouls the water: strip the leaves below the waterline and top up daily.
- **Cosmos**: Cut or buy when the petals are just unfolding. Delicate and quick to drop petals — best for same-day or next-day work.
- **Calendula**: The stems are sticky and the foliage fouls the water: strip the leaves and change the water daily. Flowers close in the dark.
- **Marigold**: Strip the pungent leaves, which rot quickly underwater. The hollow stems kink easily, so support them in the bunch.
- **Cornflower**: One of the few truly blue cut flowers. Buy half open; dries holding its blue.
- **China aster**: The leaves wilt before the flowers: strip them and change the water regularly.
- **Magnolia**: Cut in furry bud and split the stems. The petals bruise brown at a touch, so place the branch once and leave it.
- **Wisteria**: Notoriously hard to hydrate. Ikebana practice dips the cut end in alcohol or sears it; even so, use it the same day.
- **Forsythia**: The easiest branch to force: cut in bud in late winter, bring into a warm room, and it flowers in one to two weeks.
- **Willow**: In water it roots and leafs out. For structure that stays as it is, keep the stems dry; curly willow can be bent while fresh.
- **Pussy willow**: Keep it dry — no water — and the catkins hold for months. In water they flower, shed pollen and the stems root.
- **Red-twig dogwood**: Bare red winter stems for colour and structure. They last for weeks with or without water and can be bent into shapes while fresh.
- **Azalea**: Split the woody ends and condition in deep water. The flowers bruise easily, so position the branch before the buds open fully.
- **Spiraea**: Supple arching lines, much used in ikebana and Japanese-style bridal work. The tiny petals shower as it ages, so use it for events rather than long-lasting vases.
- **Osmanthus**: Valued for scent rather than show — one sprig perfumes a room. The florets drop within days; mist to slow it.
- **Lotus pod**: Fresh green pods brown within days. Most are used dried, and then last for years.
- **Asparagus fern**: Sheds its fine needles when old or dry: mist it and keep it away from heat. Mind the small thorns on the stems.
- **Palm leaves**: Fronds can be trimmed into shapes with scissors. Tips brown in dry air; dried and bleached palm is also widely used.
- **Ivy**: Condition by submerging whole trails in water for half an hour. Holds up well out of water, which makes it useful for wired and trailing work.
- **Fatsia**: Large glossy leaves for collars and for covering mechanics. Wipe them clean before use.
- **Dusty miller**: Wilts easily: dip the cut ends in hot water or sear them, then hydrate overnight before using. Keep the felted leaves dry.
- **Holly**: Berries drop in warm rooms: keep cool and mist. The berries are toxic if eaten and the leaves are spiny — wear gloves.
- **Cotton stems**: A dried material: keep it out of water, because wet bolls go mouldy.
- **Wheat ears**: A dried material: keep it dry and away from damp foam.
- **Ranunculus**: The hollow, soft stems rot easily: use shallow, clean water and change it daily. Heads are heavy and stems bend toward light, so give support; buds showing colour will open.
- **Trachelium**: Strip the leaves, which yellow quickly, and keep it well watered.
- **Alstroemeria**: The leaves yellow long before the flowers fade: strip most of them. Pull out spent florets and the next buds open. The sap can irritate skin.
- **Gladiolus**: Geotropic — keep the spikes upright or the tips bend. Pinch out the top two or three buds so the lower florets open evenly, and remove faded florets from the bottom up.
- **Sweet pea**: Extremely sensitive to ethylene and naturally short-lived. Keep cool, in shallow water, and never wet the petals.
- **Scabiosa**: Buy when the outer ring of florets has opened. The thin stems kink easily; the seed heads are also used dried.
- **Hellebore**: Young blooms wilt within hours. Choose mature flowers whose stamens have dropped and seed pods have formed — or score the stem lengthwise and give it a hot-water dip.
- **Agapanthus**: Florets drop when exposed to ethylene: shake the head gently before use and keep away from fruit.
- **Allium**: Gives the water an onion smell: change it often and add a drop of bleach. The seed heads dry well.
- **Astilbe**: The plume tips shrivel quickly out of water. Condition in hot water and keep deeply hydrated; otherwise use it dried.
- **Eryngium (sea holly)**: Spiny — wear gloves. Holds its steel-blue colour when dried.
- **Pincushion protea**: The leaves blacken — strip them — and the heads snap off easily at the neck. Needs clean water and good light.
- **Kangaroo paw**: The fine hairs can irritate skin and eyes — do not rub your eyes while working. Keep well hydrated or the tips dry out; it also dries well.
- **Heliconia**: Does not open further after cutting, so buy at the stage you need. Never refrigerate. The stems are heavy — use a weighty container — and rinse the bracts, which hold stale water.
- **Tuberose**: Florets open from the bottom up and the top buds often fail; remove spent ones. The scent intensifies at night, so use sparingly indoors.
- **Solidago (goldenrod)**: Buy a third to half open and strip the leaves, which decay quickly. Dries well.
- **Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum)**: Exceptionally long-lasting: florets open from the bottom over weeks. Tips bend toward light; remove faded lower florets.
- **Grape hyacinth (Muscari)**: Tiny, short stems for small posies and bridal detail. Use shallow, cool water; the stems lengthen a little after cutting.
- **Bouvardia**: Wilts readily: strip the foliage, recut, and keep in deep water with flower food. Sensitive to ethylene.
- **Veronica**: Tips droop when thirsty and recover after a recut and a deep drink. Strip the leaves.
- **Leucadendron**: The colour comes from bracts, not petals. Woody, undemanding, lasts for weeks and dries in place.
- **Banksia**: Cut the woody stems with secateurs. It drinks heavily at first, then dries in the vase while keeping its form.
- **Lilac**: Strip nearly all the leaves — they take the water first — split the woody ends and condition in deep warm water overnight.
- **Viburnum (snowball)**: Strip the leaves and split the stems. Heads start lime green and turn white; a wilted head revives when submerged in cool water.
- **Hypericum berries**: Used for its berries, not its flowers. The leaves blacken first — strip them — and the berries then last well.
- **Salal**: Sold as "lemon leaf". Sturdy and long-lasting; wipe the leaves for a clean shine.
- **Leatherleaf fern**: The classic base foliage for foam work. Mist it — the fronds crisp in hot, dry rooms.
- **Aspidistra**: The staple leaf for manipulation: it can be folded, looped, rolled or split, and lasts for weeks.
- **Pittosporum**: Woody stems: strip the lower leaves and recut. Variegated forms brighten dark designs.
- **Myrtle**: Aromatic, woody and long-lasting: split the stem ends and strip the lower leaves.

## Holiday price calendar

| Holiday | Market | Dates | Flowers affected | Typical wholesale price vs normal | Stock up ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valentine's Day | Worldwide | 2026-02-14, 2027-02-14, 2028-02-14 | Rose | 2–3× | 21 days |
| Chinese New Year | Chinese mainland | 2026-02-17, 2027-02-06, 2028-01-26 | Orchids (cut), Pussy willow, Peach blossom, Lily, Bamboo | 1.5–3× | 30 days |
| Women's Day | Chinese mainland | 2026-03-08, 2027-03-08, 2028-03-08 | Rose, Carnation, Lily | 1.2–1.5× | 14 days |
| White Day | Japan, Korea | 2026-03-14, 2027-03-14, 2028-03-14 | Rose | 1.2–1.5× | 14 days |
| Qingming | Chinese mainland | 2026-04-05, 2027-04-05, 2028-04-04 | Chrysanthemum, Lily | 1.5–2× | 14 days |
| Mother's Day | Chinese mainland, United States, Japan | 2026-05-10, 2027-05-09, 2028-05-14 | Carnation, Lily, Rose | 1.5–2.5× | 21 days |
| Parents' Day | Korea | 2026-05-08, 2027-05-08, 2028-05-08 | Carnation | 1.5–2.5× | 21 days |
| 520 (May 20) | Chinese mainland | 2026-05-20, 2027-05-20, 2028-05-20 | Rose | 1.5–2× | 14 days |
| Qixi | Chinese mainland | 2026-08-19, 2027-08-08, 2028-08-26 | Rose | 1.5–2.5× | 21 days |
| Teachers' Day | Chinese mainland | 2026-09-10, 2027-09-10, 2028-09-10 | Carnation, Sunflower | 1.2–1.5× | 14 days |
| Christmas | Worldwide | 2026-12-25, 2027-12-25, 2028-12-25 | Pine, Holly, nandina | 1.2–1.6× | 30 days |

## Full text of guides and product pages

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/features/ -->

# How Floreboard works

How florists use Floreboard: enter stock, describe the order, generate a costed design, have it reviewed automatically, share it with the client and make it from a production sheet that deducts inventory.

## Key facts

- Designs use only the flowers in your inventory.
- Every design is checked for style, taboos, vase life, season, pet safety and holiday prices.
- Free to start: 30 credits on sign-up, 1 credit per design.

## From order to finished piece in six steps

- **Enter your stock** — Record what you have: flower, quantity, unit cost and retail price. Every design then uses only flowers you actually hold.
- **Describe the order** — Pick the occasion, recipient, style, palette, format (bouquet, vase, box or basket) and budget — or upload a reference photo and design from that. Pro mode lets you choose a style school and technique.
- **Generate the design** — The AI returns a recipe (stems of each flower), cost and margin, steps and copy for 1 credit. For the client, add a preview image (5 credits) in one of six visual styles with six optional creative effects.
- **Automatic review** — Each design is checked against style rules, cultural taboos, vase life, season, pet safety and holiday pricing. Serious issues are corrected automatically; the rest are listed as suggestions. Reviews cost no credits.
- **Send it to the client** — Create a share link and send it by message. The client needs no account to see the image, flowers and copy, and can approve or ask for changes. Cost and profit never appear on the shared page.
- **Make it from the production sheet** — The sheet lists container, mechanics, stem lengths and assembly order, and checks stock, budget and balance first. Confirming it deducts the stems from inventory.

## What else it does

### Client profiles

Keep each regular's pets, sensitivities, flowers to avoid, favourites and colours. They are applied to every later design, and preferences are learned from designs rated four or five stars.

### Price insights

Alerts ahead of holidays for the stock that will be affected and, once you enter costs, how your purchase prices and the platform's (at least three shops, aggregated) have moved. Only ratios are compared — no shop's actual prices are shared.

### Cost and margin

Every design shows price, material cost, profit and margin, with a warning when margin drops below 35% or cost exceeds the budget.

### Six languages

English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French and Spanish. Cultural taboo checks follow the interface language.

### Every device

Data lives in the cloud, so phone, tablet and desktop show the same inventory and designs; it can be added to an iPhone or iPad home screen and run full-screen.

## What the review checks

The rules are deterministic, not AI guesses, and they are published in full: [Flower arrangement checklist before delivery](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/arrangement-checklist/) · [Floral design styles compared](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/floral-design-styles/) · [Pet-safe flowers for cats and dogs](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/pet-safe-flowers/) · [Holiday flower price calendar](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holiday-flower-prices/)

[Try Floreboard free](https://floreboard.com/) · [Pricing](https://floreboard.com/en/pricing/) · [Floreboard FAQ](https://floreboard.com/en/faq/)

## FAQ

### Does Floreboard invent flowers I do not have?

It designs from your inventory. If the AI ever suggests a flower you do not hold, the production sheet marks it as "not in inventory" so you can confirm you can source it.

### Can clients see my costs?

No. The shared page shows only the image, flowers and quantities, the copy and your shop name — and the price if you choose to show it. Shared pages are not indexed by search engines, and a link can be revoked at any time.

### Which design styles does it know?

Ikenobo, Ohara and Sogetsu from Japan; Chinese literati and Zen styles; Biedermeier and English garden from Europe; and a free "fusion" mode.

### How much does it cost?

Sign-up is free with 30 credits. A design costs 1 credit and a preview image 5; credit packs start at $4.99.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/pricing/ -->

# Floreboard pricing

30 free credits on sign-up; a design costs 1 credit and a preview image 5. Credit packs from $4.99; Pro plans $9.90 / $89.00.

## What credits buy

- **On sign-up:** 30 credits

- **Design from a brief:** 1 credit

- **Design from a reference photo:** 1 credit

- **Preview image:** 5 credits

- **Review, inventory and client profiles:** free

## Plans

| Plan | Price (USD) | Credits | Roughly |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 100-credit pack | $4.99 one-time | 100 credits | about 100 designs, or 20 preview images |
| 300-credit pack | $12.99 one-time | 300 credits | about 300 designs, or 60 preview images |
| Pro monthly | $9.90 per month | 300 credits each month | about 300 designs, or 60 preview images |
| Pro yearly | $89.00 per year | 4000 credits | about 4000 designs, or 800 preview images |

Payments are processed by Waffo as Merchant of Record. [Refund and cancellation policy](https://floreboard.com/refund)

[Buy in the app](https://floreboard.com/#/pricing)

## FAQ

### Is Floreboard free?

Sign-up is free and new shops get 30 credits — about 30 designs. After that, buy credit packs or subscribe to Pro.

### How much does one design cost?

A design costs 1 credit and a preview image 5 credits. With the smallest 100-credit pack ($4.99) that is about $0.05 per design.

### Do credits expire?

No. Credits from packs and subscriptions stay on your shop account.

### Can I get a refund?

See the refund and cancellation policy.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/faq/ -->

# Floreboard FAQ

Answers to 16 common questions about Floreboard, the AI design and operations assistant for florists: what it does, how designs are reviewed, credits and pricing, languages and data.

## The product

### What is Floreboard?

Floreboard (芳华绘) is an AI design and operations assistant for florists and floral studios. It designs arrangements from a shop's real inventory, reviews each one against professional rules, tracks cost and margin, deducts stock and remembers repeat clients.

### Who is it for?

Independent flower shops, floral studios and event florists who quote and design to order.

### Is it a consumer flower-delivery site?

No. Floreboard does not sell or deliver flowers; it is a working tool for the people who do.

### Which languages does it support?

English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French and Spanish.

### Do I need to install anything?

No. It runs in the browser on phone, tablet and desktop, and can be added to the home screen on iPhone and iPad.

## Designs and review

### What does a generated design include?

A recipe with stem counts, cost and margin, making steps and copy for the client. A preview image can be added.

### What does the design review check?

Balance of focal, filler and foliage; vase-life mismatches; season; cultural taboos such as chrysanthemums and the numbers 4 and 9; pet toxicity; scent and pollen for sensitive clients; style-school rules; and upcoming holiday price surges.

### Is the review done by AI?

No. The review is a fixed set of rules, so the same design always gets the same result. The rules are published on this site.

### Can I design from a photo?

Yes. Upload a reference image — a dress, a venue, a painting — and the design is matched to its palette and mood from your stock, for 1 credit.

## Pricing and credits

### Is Floreboard free?

Sign-up is free and includes 30 credits — about 30 designs.

### What do credits cost?

100 credits for $4.99; 300 credits for $12.99. Pro: $9.90 per month for 300 credits; $89.00 per year for 4000 credits.

### What uses credits?

A design from a brief or a photo costs 1 credit and a preview image 5. Reviews, inventory, client profiles and sharing are free.

### Do credits expire?

No. Credits from packs and subscriptions stay on your shop account.

## Data and privacy

### Where is my data stored?

In the cloud, so every device you sign in on shows the same inventory, clients and designs.

### Are other shops able to see my prices?

No. Platform price trends are aggregated from at least three shops and compare only percentage changes, never actual prices.

### Where do the flower facts come from?

From common trade reference values, with pet toxicity following the ASPCA list. See "About our data" for sources and limits.

[How Floreboard works](https://floreboard.com/en/features/) · [Pricing](https://floreboard.com/en/pricing/) · [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/) · [Privacy](https://floreboard.com/privacy) · [Refund policy](https://floreboard.com/refund)

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/about/ -->

# About our data

Where the Floreboard flower guide gets its figures, what each one means and where it stops being reliable — plus downloadable data for 110 flowers and 11 holidays.

## Key facts

- Figures are typical trade reference values, not guarantees.
- Pet toxicity follows the ASPCA list; 38 of 110 entries are flagged, and "not flagged" does not mean safe.
- The public pages and the in-app review read the same knowledge base.

## One knowledge base, two uses

These pages are generated from the same knowledge base that Floreboard uses to review designs inside the product: 110 cut flowers, branches and foliage, 11 holidays, and the cultural and style rules. When a value is corrected, the public page and the in-app review change together.

## What each figure means, and its limits

| Data | What it is | Limits |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Vase life** | A typical range in days from common trade references, assuming a clean vase, a fresh cut and flower food. | Variety, origin, time in transit and conditioning move it by days in either direction. |
| **Season** | When supply is plentiful and quality steady, by Northern Hemisphere season. | Greenhouse and imported stems are sold outside these seasons, usually at a higher price. |
| **Fragrance** | Three levels — none, light, strong — for the common commercial forms. | Varieties differ; garden roses, for example, are far more scented than standard cut roses. |
| **Pet toxicity** | Flags follow the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants list: "highly toxic to cats" or "mildly toxic to cats and dogs". | "Not flagged" does not mean safe. Check the exact species, or ask a vet. |
| **Holiday prices** | Typical wholesale price multiples before each holiday, with suggested lead times. | Ranges for planning, not quotes. Local markets and individual years vary. |
| **Customs and meanings** | Widely documented conventions: number and colour taboos, funeral and hospital customs, flower language. | They vary by family, generation and region. Ask the client when unsure. |
| **Botanical names, roles, colours, handling** | Editorial notes written for these pages from standard horticultural and floristry practice. | Colours list natural hues only; handling notes are general and may not suit every variety. |

## Download the data

- [flowers.csv](https://floreboard.com/data/flowers.csv) · [flowers.json](https://floreboard.com/data/flowers.json) — 110 flowers: names in English and Chinese, botanical name, family, role, vase life, season, fragrance, colours, pet toxicity

- [holidays.json](https://floreboard.com/data/holidays.json) — 11 holidays: market, dates, flowers affected, typical price multiple, lead time

- [llms.txt](https://floreboard.com/llms.txt) · [llms-full.txt](https://floreboard.com/llms-full.txt) — an index and a single-file edition for AI assistants; every page also has a Markdown copy at its address plus index.md

## Who publishes this

Floreboard (芳华绘) builds an AI design and operations assistant for florists. Contact: corlin@qq.com. [How Floreboard works](https://floreboard.com/en/features/) · [Floreboard FAQ](https://floreboard.com/en/faq/)

## FAQ

### Can I cite or quote these pages?

Yes. Please credit "Floreboard" and link to the page you used. The figures are reference values, so quote them as typical ranges rather than guarantees.

### How often is the data reviewed?

Each page shows a "last reviewed" date. The current knowledge base version is 2026-10-06.3.

### I found a mistake. How do I report it?

Email corlin@qq.com with the page address and the correction. Corrections go into the knowledge base, so they reach both these pages and the product.

### Is this veterinary or medical advice?

No. If a pet has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a poison-control line straight away.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/ -->

# Seasonal flower chart

Which cut flowers, branches and foliage are in season in spring, summer, autumn and winter, plus year-round staples — for seasonal buying and design.

## [Spring](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/spring/)

[Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/), [Chamomile](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chamomile/), [Tree peony](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peony/), [Peony (herbaceous)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/herbaceous-peony/), [Iris](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/iris/), [Delphinium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/delphinium/), [Anemone](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anemone/), [Freesia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/freesia/), [Hyacinth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hyacinth/), [Lily of the valley](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilyvalley/), [Stock (Matthiola)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/stock/), [Queen Anne's lace (Ammi)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/queenannes/), [Protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/protea/), [Waxflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waxflower/), [Clematis](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/clematis/), [Lupin](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lupin/), [Snapdragon](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/snapdragon/), [Poppy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/poppy/), [Daisy (marguerite)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/daisy/), [Calendula](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calendula/), [Cornflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cornflower/), [Ranunculus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ranunculus/), [Sweet pea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sweetpea/), [Hellebore](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hellebore/), [Allium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/allium/), [Pincushion protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/leucospermum/), [Kangaroo paw](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/kangaroopaw/), [Grape hyacinth (Muscari)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/muscari/)

## [Summer](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/summer/)

[Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/), [Hydrangea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hydrangea/), [Chamomile](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chamomile/), [Iris](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/iris/), [Delphinium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/delphinium/), [Globe amaranth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gomphrena/), [Gardenia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gardenia/), [Jasmine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/jasmine/), [Lavender](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lavender/), [Zinnia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/zinnia/), [Dahlia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dahlia/), [Celosia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/celosia/), [Lotus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lotus/), [Water lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waterlily/), [Queen Anne's lace (Ammi)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/queenannes/), [Clematis](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/clematis/), [Lupin](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lupin/), [Salvia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/salvia/), [Daisy (marguerite)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/daisy/), [Cosmos](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cosmos/), [Calendula](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calendula/), [Marigold](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/marigold/), [Cornflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cornflower/), [China aster](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/aster/), [Trachelium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/trachelium/), [Gladiolus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gladiolus/), [Scabiosa](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/scabiosa/), [Agapanthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/agapanthus/), [Allium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/allium/), [Astilbe](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/astilbe/), [Eryngium (sea holly)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/eryngium/), [Kangaroo paw](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/kangaroopaw/), [Tuberose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tuberose/), [Solidago (goldenrod)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/solidago/), [Veronica](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/veronica/)

## [Autumn](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/autumn/)

[Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/), [Globe amaranth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gomphrena/), [Zinnia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/zinnia/), [Dahlia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dahlia/), [Celosia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/celosia/), [Cosmos](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cosmos/), [Marigold](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/marigold/), [China aster](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/aster/), [Gladiolus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gladiolus/), [Solidago (goldenrod)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/solidago/)

## [Winter](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/winter/)

[Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/), [Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/), [Camellia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/camellia/), [Anemone](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anemone/), [Freesia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/freesia/), [Hyacinth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hyacinth/), [Stock (Matthiola)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/stock/), [Protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/protea/), [Waxflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waxflower/), [Ranunculus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ranunculus/), [Hellebore](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hellebore/), [Pincushion protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/leucospermum/)

## Year-round

[Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) · [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) · [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) · [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/) · [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/) · [Baby's breath](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gypsophila/) · [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/) · [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/) · [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) · [Statice](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/statice/) · [Anthurium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anthurium/) · [Dendrobium orchid](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dendrobium/) · [Craspedia (billy buttons)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/craspedia/) · [Alstroemeria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/alstroemeria/) · [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/) · [Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ornithogalum/) · [Bouvardia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bouvardia/)

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Seasons are for the Northern Hemisphere.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holiday-flower-prices/ -->

# Holiday flower price calendar

A florist's stocking calendar: which flowers rise in price before each holiday, typical surges and how far ahead to stock up, with 2026–2028 dates.

| Holiday | Market | Dates (2026–2028) | Flowers affected | Typical price | Stock up |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Valentine's Day | Worldwide | 2026-02-14, 2027-02-14, 2028-02-14 | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | 2–3× | 21 days |
| Chinese New Year | Chinese mainland | 2026-02-17, 2027-02-06, 2028-01-26 | [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/), [Pussy willow](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pussywillow/), [Peach blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peach/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Bamboo](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bamboo/) | 1.5–3× | 30 days |
| Women's Day | Chinese mainland | 2026-03-08, 2027-03-08, 2028-03-08 | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) | 1.2–1.5× | 14 days |
| White Day | Japan, Korea | 2026-03-14, 2027-03-14, 2028-03-14 | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | 1.2–1.5× | 14 days |
| Qingming | Chinese mainland | 2026-04-05, 2027-04-05, 2028-04-04 | [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) | 1.5–2× | 14 days |
| Mother's Day | Chinese mainland, United States, Japan | 2026-05-10, 2027-05-09, 2028-05-14 | [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | 1.5–2.5× | 21 days |
| Parents' Day | Korea | 2026-05-08, 2027-05-08, 2028-05-08 | [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) | 1.5–2.5× | 21 days |
| 520 (May 20) | Chinese mainland | 2026-05-20, 2027-05-20, 2028-05-20 | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | 1.5–2× | 14 days |
| Qixi | Chinese mainland | 2026-08-19, 2027-08-08, 2028-08-26 | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | 1.5–2.5× | 21 days |
| Teachers' Day | Chinese mainland | 2026-09-10, 2027-09-10, 2028-09-10 | [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/) | 1.2–1.5× | 14 days |
| Christmas | Worldwide | 2026-12-25, 2027-12-25, 2028-12-25 | [Pine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pine/), [Holly](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/holly/) | 1.2–1.6× | 30 days |

Surges are typical ranges of wholesale prices versus normal, for stocking and quoting; local markets vary. Floreboard alerts you about affected stock ahead of each holiday and flags it in design reviews.

## FAQ

### How much do roses cost before Valentine's Day?

Rose wholesale prices typically run 2–3× normal before Valentine's Day; lock in stock about three weeks ahead and quote at holiday prices.

### When is Mother's Day?

In the US, Chinese mainland and Japan it is the second Sunday of May (May 10, 2026; May 9, 2027). Korea celebrates Parents' Day on May 8.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/florist-pricing-and-margin/ -->

# How florists price arrangements: cost, markup and margin

How to price a flower arrangement: the four numbers that matter, a markup-to-margin table, two checks to run on every quote, and a worked example of what a holiday price surge does to your margin.

## Key facts

- Margin = (price − cost) ÷ price. A 3× markup is a 67% margin.
- Below 35% margin is too thin; materials under 30% of the price means room to upgrade.
- At 3× rose prices, the example bouquet's margin falls from 60% to 12% unless the price changes.

## The four numbers

- **Price:** The client's budget, or the sum of each stem's retail price when there is no budget.

- **Cost:** Unit cost × number of stems, summed over the recipe.

- **Profit:** Price − cost. It can be negative.

- **Margin:** Profit ÷ price.

## Markup to margin

| Markup on cost | Margin | Cost as share of price |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1.5× | 33% | 67% |
| 2× | 50% | 50% |
| 2.5× | 60% | 40% |
| 3× | 67% | 33% |
| 3.5× | 71% | 29% |
| 4× | 75% | 25% |
| 5× | 80% | 20% |

## Two checks worth running on every quote

- Margin below 35% of the price: too thin once labour, rent and waste are counted.

- Material cost below 30% of the price: there is room to upgrade the flowers or add stems.

That leaves a healthy band where materials are between 30% and 65% of the price.

## What a holiday does to a quote

Take a bouquet that normally costs 20 in materials — 12 of it roses — and sells for 50: a 60% margin. Before Valentine's Day, rose wholesale prices typically run 2–3× normal.

| Rose price | Material cost | Margin at the old price of 50 | Price needed to keep 60% |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Normal | 20 | 60% | 50 |
| 2× | 32 | 36% | 80 |
| 3× | 44 | 12% | 110 |

Surges and lead times for every holiday: [Holiday flower price calendar](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holiday-flower-prices/)

[Flower arrangement checklist before delivery](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/arrangement-checklist/) · [Floreboard pricing](https://floreboard.com/en/pricing/) · [How Floreboard works](https://floreboard.com/en/features/)

## FAQ

### What is the difference between markup and margin?

Markup is price divided by cost; margin is profit divided by price. A 3× markup is a 67% margin, and a 2× markup is a 50% margin.

### How much should a florist mark up flowers?

There is no single right number. Many shops start from two to three times wholesale cost on fresh flowers and adjust for labour, rent, waste and local competition. Check the result as a margin: Floreboard flags a quote when margin falls below 35%, or when materials are under 30% of the price.

### What margin is too low?

Floreboard warns when profit falls below 35% of the selling price, because labour, rent, delivery and waste still have to come out of it.

### How should florists price for Valentine's Day?

Rose wholesale prices typically run 2–3× normal. Quote at holiday prices, lock in stock about 21 days ahead, and offer designs that lean on flowers whose price has not moved.

### Should the price be based on the client's budget or on the stems?

Both ways work. Given a budget, design to a material cost that leaves your margin. Without one, price each stem at retail and add them up. Floreboard supports both and shows cost, profit and margin either way.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Figures in the example are illustrative; currency does not matter. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/arrangement-checklist/ -->

# Flower arrangement checklist before delivery

23 checks professional florists run before delivery: balance, vase life, season, cultural taboos, pet safety, style rules, stock and margin — the same rules Floreboard applies automatically.

## Key facts

- Three focal flowers at most; support them with filler and foliage.
- Keep vase lives within about five days of each other.
- Check pets, scent, pollen, colour and number taboos for the recipient.
- Margin of at least 35% of the selling price.

## Balance and structure

- No more than three kinds of focal flower. More than that and they compete; make the rest filler or foliage.
- A design of eight or more stems has some filler or foliage to support and finish the shape.
- A design of ten or more stems includes foliage to frame it.
- There is at least one focal flower, and filler plus foliage are not more than three quarters of the stems.
- The palette stays within two or three colour families; five or more looks cluttered.

## Vase life and season

- No flower lasts four days or less while the others last at least five days longer. If one does, deliver the same or next day and tell the client.
- Focal flowers are in season. Out-of-season stems cost more and vary in quality.
- Daffodils and other narcissus were conditioned alone for 12–24 hours before going in with other flowers.

## Culture and occasion

- No white or yellow chrysanthemums for a joyful occasion.
- No strongly scented flowers for hospital visits or condolences.
- No four stems, in total or of one focal flower, for Chinese, Japanese and Korean recipients — and no nine for Japanese recipients.
- For weddings, lily anthers are removed so pollen cannot stain the gown.

## The client

- Cats at home: no lilies, lily of the valley or azalea. Other flagged flowers come with a reminder to keep them out of reach.
- Nothing the client has said they dislike.
- Scent-sensitive clients get no strongly scented flowers; pollen-sensitive clients get no heavy-pollen flowers, or the anthers are removed.

## Style

- Ikenobo: 3–30 stems. Ohara: no more than 35.
- Chinese literati style: ideally no more than 15 stems and three kinds of material. Chinese zen style: ideally 5 stems or fewer, never more than 10, and two kinds.
- Biedermeier: at least 10 stems, ideally 15 or more, no more than three focal flowers, with a foliage collar. English garden style: at least three kinds of material, with foliage.

## Stock, price and margin

- Every stem in the recipe is in stock, in the quantity needed.
- Material cost does not exceed the client's budget.
- Margin is at least 35% of the selling price.
- Material cost is not below 30% of the price — if it is, there is room to upgrade the flowers.
- If a holiday is coming, affected flowers are quoted at holiday prices.

These are the thresholds Floreboard uses in its design review. They come from common trade practice and are prompts, not rules: a good designer breaks them on purpose.

[Floral design styles compared](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/floral-design-styles/) · [How florists price arrangements: cost, markup and margin](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/florist-pricing-and-margin/) · [Cut flower care and conditioning guide](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/cut-flower-care/) · [How many flowers to give: meanings and taboos by culture](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-numbers/) · [How Floreboard works](https://floreboard.com/en/features/)

## FAQ

### How many kinds of flower should an arrangement have?

Up to three focal flowers, plus filler and foliage. Minimal styles use far fewer: two kinds for a Zen arrangement, three for a literati one.

### What profit margin should a florist aim for?

Floreboard warns below 35% of the selling price. Many shops aim higher on materials, because labour, rent and waste come out of the same margin.

### Does Floreboard run these checks automatically?

Yes. Every design is reviewed against these rules; serious problems, such as flowers toxic to a client's cat, trigger an automatic correction, and the rest are shown as suggestions.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-vase-life/ -->

# Cut flower vase life chart

Common cut flowers ranked by vase life, to help florists combine stems and plan delivery times.

| Flower | Vase life | In season |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Anthurium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anthurium/) | 14–21 days | Year-round |
| [Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ornithogalum/) | 14–21 days | Year-round |
| [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/) | 10–21 days | Year-round |
| [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) | 10–14 days | Year-round |
| [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/) | 10–14 days | Year-round |
| [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/) | 10–14 days | Autumn |
| [Globe amaranth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gomphrena/) | 10–14 days | Summer, Autumn |
| [Statice](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/statice/) | 10–14 days | Year-round |
| [Dendrobium orchid](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dendrobium/) | 10–14 days | Year-round |
| [Craspedia (billy buttons)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/craspedia/) | 10–14 days | Year-round |
| [Protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/protea/) | 10–14 days | Winter, Spring |
| [Waxflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waxflower/) | 10–14 days | Winter, Spring |
| [Alstroemeria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/alstroemeria/) | 10–14 days | Year-round |
| [Allium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/allium/) | 10–14 days | Spring, Summer |
| [Eryngium (sea holly)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/eryngium/) | 10–14 days | Summer |
| [Pincushion protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/leucospermum/) | 10–14 days | Winter, Spring |
| [Kangaroo paw](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/kangaroopaw/) | 10–14 days | Spring, Summer |
| [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/) | 10–14 days | Year-round |
| [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/) | 7–14 days | Year-round |
| [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) | 7–10 days | Year-round |
| [Baby's breath](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gypsophila/) | 7–10 days | Year-round |
| [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) | 7–10 days | Year-round |
| [Stock (Matthiola)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/stock/) | 7–10 days | Winter, Spring |
| [Lavender](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lavender/) | 7–10 days | Summer |
| [Celosia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/celosia/) | 7–10 days | Summer, Autumn |
| [Snapdragon](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/snapdragon/) | 7–10 days | Spring |
| [Marigold](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/marigold/) | 7–10 days | Summer, Autumn |
| [China aster](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/aster/) | 7–10 days | Summer, Autumn |
| [Trachelium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/trachelium/) | 7–10 days | Summer |
| [Gladiolus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gladiolus/) | 7–10 days | Summer, Autumn |
| [Hellebore](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hellebore/) | 7–10 days | Winter, Spring |
| [Agapanthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/agapanthus/) | 7–10 days | Summer |
| [Solidago (goldenrod)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/solidago/) | 7–10 days | Summer, Autumn |
| [Bouvardia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bouvardia/) | 7–10 days | Year-round |
| [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/) | 6–10 days | Summer |
| [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/) | 6–10 days | Year-round |
| [Delphinium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/delphinium/) | 5–8 days | Spring, Summer |
| [Freesia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/freesia/) | 5–8 days | Winter, Spring |
| [Salvia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/salvia/) | 5–8 days | Summer |
| [Ranunculus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ranunculus/) | 5–8 days | Winter, Spring |
| [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | 5–7 days | Year-round |
| [Hydrangea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hydrangea/) | 5–7 days | Summer |
| [Chamomile](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chamomile/) | 5–7 days | Spring, Summer |
| [Peony (herbaceous)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/herbaceous-peony/) | 5–7 days | Spring |
| [Hyacinth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hyacinth/) | 5–7 days | Winter, Spring |
| [Zinnia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/zinnia/) | 5–7 days | Summer, Autumn |
| [Queen Anne's lace (Ammi)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/queenannes/) | 5–7 days | Spring, Summer |
| [Lupin](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lupin/) | 5–7 days | Spring, Summer |
| [Daisy (marguerite)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/daisy/) | 5–7 days | Spring, Summer |
| [Cosmos](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cosmos/) | 5–7 days | Summer, Autumn |
| [Calendula](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calendula/) | 5–7 days | Spring, Summer |
| [Cornflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cornflower/) | 5–7 days | Spring, Summer |
| [Scabiosa](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/scabiosa/) | 5–7 days | Summer |
| [Astilbe](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/astilbe/) | 5–7 days | Summer |
| [Tuberose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tuberose/) | 5–7 days | Summer |
| [Veronica](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/veronica/) | 5–7 days | Summer |
| [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/) | 4–7 days | Winter, Spring |
| [Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/) | 4–7 days | Winter |
| [Lily of the valley](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilyvalley/) | 4–7 days | Spring |
| [Sweet pea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sweetpea/) | 4–7 days | Spring |
| [Grape hyacinth (Muscari)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/muscari/) | 4–7 days | Spring |
| [Iris](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/iris/) | 4–6 days | Spring, Summer |
| [Dahlia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dahlia/) | 4–6 days | Summer, Autumn |
| [Clematis](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/clematis/) | 4–6 days | Spring, Summer |
| [Anemone](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anemone/) | 3–6 days | Winter, Spring |
| [Tree peony](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peony/) | 3–5 days | Spring |
| [Camellia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/camellia/) | 3–5 days | Winter |
| [Gardenia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gardenia/) | 3–5 days | Summer |
| [Jasmine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/jasmine/) | 3–5 days | Summer |
| [Lotus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lotus/) | 3–4 days | Summer |
| [Water lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waterlily/) | 2–4 days | Summer |
| [Poppy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/poppy/) | 2–4 days | Spring |

## FAQ

### Which cut flowers last the longest?

In this chart: Anthurium, Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum), Carnation.

### Which cut flowers fade fastest?

In this chart: Water lily, Poppy, Tree peony — when mixing them with long-lasting stems, deliver the same or next day.

### Can daffodils go in a vase with other flowers?

Yes, but condition them alone for 12–24 hours first; their sap otherwise shortens the life of the other flowers.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Reference values from common trade practice. Real results vary with variety, origin and conditioning.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/long-lasting-flowers/ -->

# Longest-lasting cut flowers

18 cut flowers that typically last ten days or more in a vase, with season, fragrance and pet safety — for weekly contract flowers, gifts that travel and bouquets meant to last.

## Key facts

- Longest in our data: Anthurium (14–21 days), Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum) (14–21 days), Orchids (cut) (10–21 days).
- 10 of the 18 are available year-round.
- A bouquet only lasts as long as its shortest-lived flower looks good.

## Ten days or more

| Flower | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Anthurium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anthurium/) | 14–21 days | Year-round | None | mildly toxic |
| [Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ornithogalum/) | 14–21 days | Year-round | None | mildly toxic |
| [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/) | 10–21 days | Year-round | Light | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | Light | mildly toxic |
| [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | None | mildly toxic |
| [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/) | 10–14 days | Autumn | Light | mildly toxic |
| [Globe amaranth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gomphrena/) | 10–14 days | Summer, Autumn | None | — |
| [Statice](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/statice/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | None | — |
| [Dendrobium orchid](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dendrobium/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | None | — |
| [Craspedia (billy buttons)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/craspedia/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | None | — |
| [Protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/protea/) | 10–14 days | Winter, Spring | None | — |
| [Waxflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waxflower/) | 10–14 days | Winter, Spring | Light | — |
| [Alstroemeria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/alstroemeria/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | None | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Allium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/allium/) | 10–14 days | Spring, Summer | Light | mildly toxic |
| [Eryngium (sea holly)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/eryngium/) | 10–14 days | Summer | None | — |
| [Pincushion protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/leucospermum/) | 10–14 days | Winter, Spring | None | — |
| [Kangaroo paw](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/kangaroopaw/) | 10–14 days | Spring, Summer | None | — |
| [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | None | — |

## A week or more

[Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) · [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/) · [Baby's breath](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gypsophila/) · [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) · [Stock (Matthiola)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/stock/) · [Lavender](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lavender/) · [Celosia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/celosia/) · [Snapdragon](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/snapdragon/) · [Marigold](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/marigold/) · [China aster](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/aster/) · [Trachelium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/trachelium/) · [Gladiolus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gladiolus/) · [Hellebore](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hellebore/) · [Agapanthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/agapanthus/) · [Solidago (goldenrod)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/solidago/) · [Bouvardia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bouvardia/)

## How to use this list

- Weekly contract flowers for offices, hotels and restaurants: build the recipe from the ten-day list so it still looks fresh on day seven.

- Mixed bouquets: keep the vase lives close together. Floreboard flags a design when one flower lasts four days or less and at least five days less than the rest.

- Gifts that will travel or sit before being opened: choose from this list and skip the short-lived flowers.

[Cut flower vase life chart](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-vase-life/) · [Cut flower care and conditioning guide](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/cut-flower-care/) · [Flowers that dry well](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-for-drying/)

## FAQ

### Which cut flowers last the longest?

In our data: anthurium (14–21 days), star of bethlehem (ornithogalum) (14–21 days), orchids (cut) (10–21 days), carnation (10–14 days), bird of paradise (10–14 days), chrysanthemum (10–14 days).

### Which long-lasting flowers are available all year?

Anthurium, Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum), Orchids (cut), Carnation, Bird of paradise, Statice, Dendrobium orchid, Craspedia (billy buttons), Alstroemeria, Heliconia.

### Which flowers last two weeks in a vase?

Those with a typical range reaching 14 days or more: anthurium, star of bethlehem (ornithogalum), orchids (cut), carnation, bird of paradise, chrysanthemum, globe amaranth, statice, dendrobium orchid, craspedia (billy buttons), protea, waxflower, alstroemeria, allium, eryngium (sea holly), pincushion protea, kangaroo paw, heliconia.

### Which flowers should I avoid if I want a long-lasting bouquet?

The shortest-lived: tulip, tree peony, narcissus (daffodil), camellia, iris, anemone, lily of the valley, gardenia, jasmine, dahlia, lotus, water lily, clematis, poppy, sweet pea, grape hyacinth (muscari). One short-lived stem makes the whole bouquet look tired early.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Reference values from common trade practice. Real results vary with variety, origin and conditioning. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/fragrant-flowers/ -->

# Fragrant cut flowers

15 strongly scented cut flowers and branches with their seasons and vase life, the lightly scented alternatives, and where fragrance is welcome or best avoided.

## Key facts

- Strongest: lily, narcissus (daffodil), freesia, hyacinth, lily of the valley, stock (matthiola) and 9 more.
- Avoid strong scent for hospital visits, condolences and dining tables.

## Strongly scented

| Flower | Vase life | In season | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) | 7–10 days | Year-round | ⚠ toxic to cats |
| [Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/) | 4–7 days | Winter | mildly toxic |
| [Freesia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/freesia/) | 5–8 days | Winter, Spring | — |
| [Hyacinth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hyacinth/) | 5–7 days | Winter, Spring | mildly toxic |
| [Lily of the valley](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilyvalley/) | 4–7 days | Spring | ⚠ toxic to cats |
| [Stock (Matthiola)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/stock/) | 7–10 days | Winter, Spring | — |
| [Gardenia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gardenia/) | 3–5 days | Summer | mildly toxic |
| [Jasmine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/jasmine/) | 3–5 days | Summer | — |
| [Lavender](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lavender/) | 7–10 days | Summer | mildly toxic |
| [Marigold](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/marigold/) | 7–10 days | Summer, Autumn | — |
| [Wisteria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/wisteria/) | 2–4 days | Spring | mildly toxic |
| [Osmanthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/osmanthus/) | 3–5 days | Autumn | — |
| [Sweet pea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sweetpea/) | 4–7 days | Spring | mildly toxic |
| [Tuberose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tuberose/) | 5–7 days | Summer | — |
| [Lilac](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilac/) | 3–5 days | Spring | — |

## Lightly scented

[Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) · [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) · [Baby's breath](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gypsophila/) · [Chamomile](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chamomile/) · [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/) · [Tree peony](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peony/) · [Peony (herbaceous)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/herbaceous-peony/) · [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/) · [Iris](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/iris/) · [Lotus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lotus/) · [Water lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waterlily/) · [Waxflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waxflower/) · [Salvia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/salvia/) · [Calendula](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calendula/) · [Allium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/allium/) · [Grape hyacinth (Muscari)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/muscari/) · [Bouvardia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bouvardia/)

## Using scent well

- One scented element is usually enough. Two strong scents in one design tend to fight.

- Warm rooms intensify fragrance, and some flowers, such as tuberose, smell stronger at night.

- Ask before you send: fragrance is the most common reason a client wants a flower left out.

[Unscented and low-pollen flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/unscented-flowers/) · [Flowers for a hospital visit: what to send and avoid](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/hospital-flowers/)

## FAQ

### Which cut flowers have the strongest scent?

Lily, Narcissus (daffodil), Freesia, Hyacinth, Lily of the valley, Stock (Matthiola), Gardenia, Jasmine, Lavender, Marigold, Wisteria, Osmanthus, Sweet pea, Tuberose, Lilac.

### Which fragrant flowers are in season in each season?

Spring: freesia, hyacinth, lily of the valley, stock (matthiola), wisteria, sweet pea, lilac; Summer: gardenia, jasmine, lavender, marigold, tuberose; Autumn: marigold, osmanthus; Winter: narcissus (daffodil), freesia, hyacinth, stock (matthiola).

### When should strongly scented flowers be avoided?

Hospital visits and condolences, dining tables and restaurants, small or closed rooms, and anyone who is sensitive to fragrance.

### Do roses smell?

Most commercial cut roses are only lightly scented; they are bred for vase life and shape. Garden-type varieties are the fragrant exception.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Reference values from common trade practice. Real results vary with variety, origin and conditioning. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/unscented-flowers/ -->

# Unscented and low-pollen flowers

43 cut flowers with little or no scent and no heavy pollen — for scent-sensitive clients, dining tables and hospitals — with vase life, season and pet safety, plus what to avoid.

| Flower | Vase life | In season | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Anthurium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anthurium/) | 14–21 days | Year-round | mildly toxic |
| [Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ornithogalum/) | 14–21 days | Year-round | mildly toxic |
| [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | mildly toxic |
| [Globe amaranth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gomphrena/) | 10–14 days | Summer, Autumn | — |
| [Statice](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/statice/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | — |
| [Dendrobium orchid](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dendrobium/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | — |
| [Craspedia (billy buttons)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/craspedia/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | — |
| [Protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/protea/) | 10–14 days | Winter, Spring | — |
| [Alstroemeria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/alstroemeria/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Eryngium (sea holly)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/eryngium/) | 10–14 days | Summer | — |
| [Pincushion protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/leucospermum/) | 10–14 days | Winter, Spring | — |
| [Kangaroo paw](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/kangaroopaw/) | 10–14 days | Spring, Summer | — |
| [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | — |
| [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/) | 7–14 days | Year-round | — |
| [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) | 7–10 days | Year-round | mildly toxic |
| [Celosia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/celosia/) | 7–10 days | Summer, Autumn | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Snapdragon](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/snapdragon/) | 7–10 days | Spring | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [China aster](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/aster/) | 7–10 days | Summer, Autumn | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Trachelium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/trachelium/) | 7–10 days | Summer | — |
| [Gladiolus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gladiolus/) | 7–10 days | Summer, Autumn | mildly toxic |
| [Hellebore](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hellebore/) | 7–10 days | Winter, Spring | mildly toxic |
| [Agapanthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/agapanthus/) | 7–10 days | Summer | — |
| [Solidago (goldenrod)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/solidago/) | 7–10 days | Summer, Autumn | — |
| [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/) | 6–10 days | Summer | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/) | 6–10 days | Year-round | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Hydrangea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hydrangea/) | 5–7 days | Summer | mildly toxic |
| [Delphinium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/delphinium/) | 5–8 days | Spring, Summer | mildly toxic |
| [Zinnia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/zinnia/) | 5–7 days | Summer, Autumn | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Queen Anne's lace (Ammi)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/queenannes/) | 5–7 days | Spring, Summer | — |
| [Lupin](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lupin/) | 5–7 days | Spring, Summer | mildly toxic |
| [Daisy (marguerite)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/daisy/) | 5–7 days | Spring, Summer | mildly toxic |
| [Cosmos](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cosmos/) | 5–7 days | Summer, Autumn | — |
| [Cornflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cornflower/) | 5–7 days | Spring, Summer | — |
| [Ranunculus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ranunculus/) | 5–8 days | Winter, Spring | mildly toxic |
| [Scabiosa](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/scabiosa/) | 5–7 days | Summer | — |
| [Astilbe](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/astilbe/) | 5–7 days | Summer | — |
| [Veronica](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/veronica/) | 5–7 days | Summer | — |
| [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/) | 4–7 days | Winter, Spring | mildly toxic |
| [Dahlia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dahlia/) | 4–6 days | Summer, Autumn | mildly toxic |
| [Clematis](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/clematis/) | 4–6 days | Spring, Summer | mildly toxic |
| [Camellia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/camellia/) | 3–5 days | Winter | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Anemone](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anemone/) | 3–6 days | Winter, Spring | mildly toxic |
| [Poppy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/poppy/) | 2–4 days | Spring | mildly toxic |

## Avoid

- Strongly scented: [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/), [Freesia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/freesia/), [Hyacinth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hyacinth/), [Lily of the valley](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilyvalley/), [Stock (Matthiola)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/stock/), [Gardenia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gardenia/), [Jasmine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/jasmine/), [Lavender](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lavender/), [Marigold](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/marigold/), [Wisteria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/wisteria/), [Osmanthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/osmanthus/), [Sweet pea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sweetpea/), [Tuberose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tuberose/), [Lilac](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilac/)

- Heavy pollen: [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/)

In Floreboard you can mark a client as scent- or pollen-sensitive; every later design for them flags these flowers automatically.

## FAQ

### What flowers suit someone sensitive to scent?

Choose flowers with little or no scent, such as gerbera daisy, lisianthus, bird of paradise, calla lily, statice, anthurium, and avoid strongly scented ones like lily, narcissus (daffodil), freesia, hyacinth, lily of the valley.

### Why use unscented flowers on dining tables?

Strong fragrance competes with food and wine, so restaurants and banquet tables usually use unscented or lightly scented flowers.

### Are unscented flowers allergy-free?

Not necessarily — pollen is a common trigger too. This list excludes heavy-pollen flowers, but people with severe allergies should still check individually.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Reference values from common trade practice. Real results vary with variety, origin and conditioning.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/ -->

# Flowers by colour

Find cut flowers by colour. 72 flowers sorted into eight colour families, each with season, vase life, fragrance and pet safety.

## Key facts

- Rarest colour: green (13 flowers). Most common: white (59).
- Only naturally occurring colours are counted; dyed stems are not.

| Colour | Cut flowers | Examples |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Red](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/red/) | 30 | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/), [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Tree peony](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peony/), [Peony (herbaceous)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/herbaceous-peony/), [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/)… |
| [Pink](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/pink/) | 48 | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Hydrangea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hydrangea/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/), [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/), [Baby's breath](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gypsophila/)… |
| [White](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/white/) | 59 | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Hydrangea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hydrangea/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/), [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/), [Baby's breath](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gypsophila/)… |
| [Yellow](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/yellow/) | 34 | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/), [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/), [Tree peony](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peony/)… |
| [Orange](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/orange/) | 23 | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/), [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/), [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/)… |
| [Purple](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/purple/) | 36 | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Hydrangea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hydrangea/), [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/), [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/), [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/), [Tree peony](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peony/), [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/)… |
| [Blue](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/blue/) | 17 | [Hydrangea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hydrangea/), [Iris](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/iris/), [Delphinium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/delphinium/), [Anemone](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anemone/), [Hyacinth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hyacinth/), [Statice](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/statice/), [Water lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waterlily/), [Clematis](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/clematis/)… |
| [Green](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/green/) | 13 | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Hydrangea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hydrangea/), [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/), [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/), [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/), [Zinnia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/zinnia/), [Anthurium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anthurium/)… |

[Flower colour meanings across cultures](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-color-meanings/) · [Flower meanings: the language of flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-meanings/)

## FAQ

### Which flower colour is rarest?

In our guide, green: only 13 of 72 cut flowers come in it naturally.

### Which flowers come in the most colours?

Rose, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Zinnia, Gladiolus, Tulip.

### How many colours should one arrangement use?

Two or three colour families usually read as intentional. Floreboard flags a design when the flowers span five or more families.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/foliage-and-branches/ -->

# Foliage and branches for arrangements

12 foliages and 19 branches used in floristry, with vase life, season, pet safety and a handling note for each — plus how to split, force and deliver flowering branches.

## Key facts

- Foliage frames the design and hides the mechanics; branches give line and height.
- Split woody ends before conditioning — an intact woody stem drinks poorly.
- 25 of the 38 last ten days or more.

## Foliage

| Flower | Vase life | In season | Pets | Handling |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Eucalyptus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/eucalyptus/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | mildly toxic | Strip the lower leaves. The resin is sticky — clean snips with alcohol afterwards. Dries beautifully, keeping its scent and colour. |
| [Monstera leaf](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/monstera/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | mildly toxic | Wipe the leaves clean; a single leaf lasts weeks in water. The sap can irritate skin. |
| [Asparagus fern](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/asparagus/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | mildly toxic | Sheds its fine needles when old or dry: mist it and keep it away from heat. Mind the small thorns on the stems. |
| [Palm leaves](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/palm/) | 14–21 days | Year-round | — | Fronds can be trimmed into shapes with scissors. Tips brown in dry air; dried and bleached palm is also widely used. |
| [Ivy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ivy/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | mildly toxic | Condition by submerging whole trails in water for half an hour. Holds up well out of water, which makes it useful for wired and trailing work. |
| [Fatsia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/fatsia/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | — | Large glossy leaves for collars and for covering mechanics. Wipe them clean before use. |
| [Dusty miller](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dustymiller/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | — | Wilts easily: dip the cut ends in hot water or sear them, then hydrate overnight before using. Keep the felted leaves dry. |
| [Salal](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/salal/) | 14–21 days | Year-round | — | Sold as "lemon leaf". Sturdy and long-lasting; wipe the leaves for a clean shine. |
| [Leatherleaf fern](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/leatherleaf/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | — | The classic base foliage for foam work. Mist it — the fronds crisp in hot, dry rooms. |
| [Aspidistra](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/aspidistra/) | 14–21 days | Year-round | — | The staple leaf for manipulation: it can be folded, looped, rolled or split, and lasts for weeks. |
| [Pittosporum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pittosporum/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | — | Woody stems: strip the lower leaves and recut. Variegated forms brighten dark designs. |
| [Myrtle](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/myrtle/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | — | Aromatic, woody and long-lasting: split the stem ends and strip the lower leaves. |

## Branches

| Flower | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets | Handling |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Plum blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/plum/) | 7–10 days | Winter | Light | — | Cut in tight bud and split or crush the woody ends. Buds open indoors in warmth within days; mist them so they do not dry out. |
| [Cherry blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cherry/) | 5–7 days | Spring | Light | — | Deliver in bud: once open, the petals fall within days. Split the woody ends and stand in deep water. |
| [Peach blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peach/) | 5–10 days | Spring | Light | — | Sold in bud for Lunar New Year. Split the stems, and hold in a cool place to slow opening or a warm one to speed it up. |
| [Crabapple blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/crabapple/) | 5–7 days | Spring | Light | — | Cut in bud and split the woody ends; the flowers open in a warm room and last about a week. |
| [Bamboo](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bamboo/) | 14–30 days | Year-round | None | — | The culms last for weeks, but cut leaves curl within a day or two unless the hollow culm is filled with water; mist often. "Lucky bamboo" sold in shops is a Dracaena, not true bamboo. |
| [Pine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pine/) | 14–30 days | Year-round | Light | — | Lasts for weeks with very little water. Resin gums up blades — clean them with alcohol. A New Year staple in both China and Japan. |
| [Maple branches](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/maple/) | 7–14 days | Autumn | None | — | Split the woody ends, condition in deep water and mist the leaves; they crisp quickly in dry, heated rooms. |
| [Magnolia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/magnolia/) | 3–5 days | Spring | Light | — | Cut in furry bud and split the stems. The petals bruise brown at a touch, so place the branch once and leave it. |
| [Wisteria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/wisteria/) | 2–4 days | Spring | Strong | mildly toxic | Notoriously hard to hydrate. Ikebana practice dips the cut end in alcohol or sears it; even so, use it the same day. |
| [Forsythia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/forsythia/) | 7–10 days | Spring | None | — | The easiest branch to force: cut in bud in late winter, bring into a warm room, and it flowers in one to two weeks. |
| [Willow](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/willow/) | 10–14 days | Spring | None | — | In water it roots and leafs out. For structure that stays as it is, keep the stems dry; curly willow can be bent while fresh. |
| [Pussy willow](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pussywillow/) | 14–30 days | Winter, Spring | None | — | Keep it dry — no water — and the catkins hold for months. In water they flower, shed pollen and the stems root. |
| [Red-twig dogwood](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dogwood/) | 14–30 days | Winter | None | — | Bare red winter stems for colour and structure. They last for weeks with or without water and can be bent into shapes while fresh. |
| [Azalea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/azalea/) | 5–7 days | Spring | None | ⚠ toxic to cats | Split the woody ends and condition in deep water. The flowers bruise easily, so position the branch before the buds open fully. |
| [Spiraea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/spiraea/) | 5–8 days | Spring | None | — | Supple arching lines, much used in ikebana and Japanese-style bridal work. The tiny petals shower as it ages, so use it for events rather than long-lasting vases. |
| [Osmanthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/osmanthus/) | 3–5 days | Autumn | Strong | — | Valued for scent rather than show — one sprig perfumes a room. The florets drop within days; mist to slow it. |
| [Holly](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/holly/) | 14–30 days | Winter | None | mildly toxic | Berries drop in warm rooms: keep cool and mist. The berries are toxic if eaten and the leaves are spiny — wear gloves. |
| [Lilac](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilac/) | 3–5 days | Spring | Strong | — | Strip nearly all the leaves — they take the water first — split the woody ends and condition in deep warm water overnight. |
| [Viburnum (snowball)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/viburnum/) | 5–7 days | Spring | None | — | Strip the leaves and split the stems. Heads start lime green and turn white; a wilted head revives when submerged in cool water. |

## Texture and accents

| Flower | Vase life | In season | Handling |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Winterberry](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/redbean/) | 14–30 days | Autumn, Winter | Sold as bare branches covered in berries. Recut and stand in a little water, or use dry: the berries hold for weeks either way. Keep cool, because warmth makes them shrivel and drop. Handle gently, since knocked berries fall off, and remind clients that the berries are not edible. |
| [Lotus pod](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lotuspod/) | 14–30 days | Summer, Autumn | Fresh green pods brown within days. Most are used dried, and then last for years. |
| [Cotton stems](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cotton/) | 14–30 days | Autumn | A dried material: keep it out of water, because wet bolls go mouldy. |
| [Wheat ears](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/wheat/) | 14–30 days | Summer | A dried material: keep it dry and away from damp foam. |
| [Leucadendron](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/leucadendron/) | 14–21 days | Year-round | The colour comes from bracts, not petals. Woody, undemanding, lasts for weeks and dries in place. |
| [Banksia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/banksia/) | 14–21 days | Year-round | Cut the woody stems with secateurs. It drinks heavily at first, then dries in the vase while keeping its form. |
| [Hypericum berries](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hypericum/) | 10–14 days | Year-round | Used for its berries, not its flowers. The leaves blacken first — strip them — and the berries then last well. |

## Working with branches

- Split the base 2–3 cm in a cross, or crush it lightly, so the wood can take up water; then stand in deep water.

- To force blossom, cut in tight bud and bring into a warm room; mist the buds so they do not dry before opening.

- Blossom drops fast once open — deliver in bud for anything that needs to last.

- Lunar New Year branches — [Pussy willow](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pussywillow/), [Peach blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peach/), [Bamboo](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bamboo/) — typically cost 1.5–3× normal beforehand: [Chinese New Year](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/chinese-new-year/)

[Cut flower care and conditioning guide](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/cut-flower-care/) · [Floral design styles compared](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/floral-design-styles/) · [Flowers that dry well](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-for-drying/)

## FAQ

### What foliage do florists use most?

Year-round staples in our guide: eucalyptus, monstera leaf, asparagus fern, palm leaves, ivy, fatsia, dusty miller, salal, leatherleaf fern, aspidistra, pittosporum, myrtle.

### Which branches can be forced into bloom indoors?

plum blossom, cherry blossom, peach blossom, crabapple blossom, magnolia, wisteria: cut in bud, split the woody ends, and bring into warmth.

### Does an arrangement need foliage?

Usually. Foliage frames the flowers, hides the mechanics and defines the outline. Floreboard suggests adding some when a design of ten or more stems has none.

### Which foliage and branches are toxic to pets?

Flagged in our knowledge base: eucalyptus, monstera leaf, winterberry, wisteria, azalea, asparagus fern, ivy, holly, hypericum berries.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Reference values from common trade practice. Real results vary with variety, origin and conditioning. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-for-drying/ -->

# Flowers that dry well

27 cut flowers, branches and textures that keep their shape and colour when dried, with three drying methods and the flowers that do not dry at all.

## Key facts

- Hang small bunches upside down in a dark, dry, airy place for two to three weeks.
- Papery and woody flowers dry best; fleshy flowers such as tulips and lilies do not.

## Flowers and materials that dry well

| Flower | Role | In season | Colours |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | Focal flower | Year-round | red, pink, white, yellow, orange, purple, green |
| [Hydrangea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hydrangea/) | Focal flower | Summer | blue, pink, white, purple, green |
| [Baby's breath](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gypsophila/) | Filler flower | Year-round | white, pink |
| [Delphinium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/delphinium/) | Line flower | Spring, Summer | blue, purple, white, pink |
| [Eucalyptus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/eucalyptus/) | Foliage | Year-round | green, silver-grey |
| [Winterberry](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/redbean/) | Accent / texture | Autumn, Winter | red, orange |
| [Globe amaranth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gomphrena/) | Filler flower | Summer, Autumn | purple, pink, white, red |
| [Statice](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/statice/) | Filler flower | Year-round | purple, blue, pink, white, yellow |
| [Lavender](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lavender/) | Filler flower | Summer | purple |
| [Celosia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/celosia/) | Focal flower | Summer, Autumn | red, orange, yellow, pink |
| [Craspedia (billy buttons)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/craspedia/) | Filler flower | Year-round | yellow |
| [Protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/protea/) | Focal flower | Winter, Spring | pink, white, red |
| [Salvia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/salvia/) | Line flower | Summer | blue, purple |
| [Cornflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cornflower/) | Filler flower | Spring, Summer | blue, pink, white |
| [Pussy willow](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pussywillow/) | Branch | Winter, Spring | silver-grey |
| [Red-twig dogwood](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dogwood/) | Branch | Winter | red |
| [Lotus pod](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lotuspod/) | Accent / texture | Summer, Autumn | green |
| [Palm leaves](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/palm/) | Foliage | Year-round | green |
| [Cotton stems](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cotton/) | Accent / texture | Autumn | white |
| [Wheat ears](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/wheat/) | Accent / texture | Summer | yellow |
| [Allium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/allium/) | Focal flower | Spring, Summer | purple, white |
| [Astilbe](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/astilbe/) | Filler flower | Summer | pink, white, red |
| [Eryngium (sea holly)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/eryngium/) | Filler flower | Summer | blue, silver-grey |
| [Kangaroo paw](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/kangaroopaw/) | Line flower | Spring, Summer | red, yellow, orange, green |
| [Solidago (goldenrod)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/solidago/) | Filler flower | Summer, Autumn | yellow |
| [Leucadendron](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/leucadendron/) | Accent / texture | Year-round | red, green, yellow |
| [Banksia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/banksia/) | Accent / texture | Year-round | orange, yellow, red |

## Three ways to dry

- **Hang upside down** — the default: small bunches, dark, dry and airy, two to three weeks.

- **Dry in the vase** — for hydrangea, gypsophila, craspedia, protea and banksia: leave them in a few centimetres of water and let it evaporate.

- **Keep dry from the start** — pussy willow, cotton, wheat and lotus pods should never go into water.

Dried material is brittle and flammable: keep it away from candles and out of damp rooms, and expect colours to fade over months in direct light.

[Longest-lasting cut flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/long-lasting-flowers/) · [Foliage and branches for arrangements](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/foliage-and-branches/) · [Cut flower care and conditioning guide](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/cut-flower-care/)

## FAQ

### Which flowers dry best?

Flowers with papery or woody structure hold their shape and colour: rose, hydrangea, baby's breath, delphinium, eucalyptus, winterberry, globe amaranth, statice, lavender, celosia.

### How do you air-dry flowers?

Strip the leaves, tie small bunches, and hang them upside down somewhere dark, dry and airy for two to three weeks. Darkness keeps the colour; airflow prevents mould.

### Can roses be dried?

Yes. Hang them upside down just before they are fully open; the colour deepens as they dry.

### Which flowers do not dry well?

Fleshy, water-filled flowers such as tulips, lilies, calla lilies and gerberas shrivel or rot rather than dry.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/commonly-confused-flowers/ -->

# Commonly confused flowers

Peony or ranunculus? Calla or lily? Stock or violet? The flowers florists and clients most often mix up, how to tell them apart, and why the difference matters for pets, taboos and vase life.

## Key facts

- A calla lily is not a true lily; only true lilies (Lilium) are highly toxic to cats.
- Daisies, chamomile and cosmos are not chrysanthemums and carry no funeral association.
- Most cut "peonies" are herbaceous peonies; tree peonies are shorter-lived.

## Tree peony and herbaceous peony

Tree peonies (Paeonia × suffruticosa) are woody shrubs; herbaceous peonies (P. lactiflora) die back each winter and are what most florists sell as "peonies". In our data they last 3–5 and 5–7 days respectively.

[Tree peony](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peony/) · [Peony (herbaceous)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/herbaceous-peony/)

## Ranunculus, lisianthus and peony

Three unrelated flowers with layered petals. In Chinese flower markets "yang mudan" means ranunculus, not peony, and is often mixed up with lisianthus ("yang jiegeng").

[Ranunculus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ranunculus/) · [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/)

## Calla lily and true lily

A calla (Zantedeschia) is an arum, not a lily. The difference matters for cats: true lilies (Lilium) are highly toxic to them, while calla is flagged as mildly toxic to cats and dogs.

[Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) · [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/)

## Alstroemeria ("Peruvian lily") and lily

Alstroemeria is not a Lilium either, despite the common name, and it sheds no staining pollen. Its leaves yellow long before the flowers fade.

[Alstroemeria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/alstroemeria/) · [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/)

## Stock and violet

In Chinese flower markets "ziluolan" is stock (Matthiola incana), a tall scented spike. The small violet of flower language (Viola) and the houseplant African violet are different plants.

[Stock (Matthiola)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/stock/)

## Daisy, chamomile and chrysanthemum

All are in the daisy family, but only chrysanthemum carries the funeral association in East Asia and parts of Europe. Daisies, chamomile, cosmos, calendula, marigold, cornflower and China aster have the character for "chrysanthemum" in their Chinese names without being one.

[Daisy (marguerite)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/daisy/) · [Chamomile](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chamomile/) · [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/)

## Statice and forget-me-not

What Chinese florists sell as "wu wang wo" (forget-me-not) is usually statice (Limonium), the papery flower that dries well — not the tiny blue Myosotis.

[Statice](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/statice/)

## Roses and Chinese roses

Botanically, the cut "roses" sold worldwide are hybrid Chinese roses (yueji, Rosa × hybrida). In Chinese, "meigui" is the everyday and commercial name for them.

[Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/)

## Narcissus, daffodil and jonquil

All are Narcissus. The Chinese New Year "shui xian" is the cluster-flowered Narcissus tazetta; daffodils are the large trumpet kinds. The sap rule applies to all of them: condition alone for 12–24 hours.

[Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/)

## Hydrangea and snowball viburnum

Similar round heads, different plants. Viburnum is a spring branch whose heads open lime green and turn white (5–7 days); hydrangea is a summer flower in blue, pink, white and purple (5–7 days).

[Hydrangea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hydrangea/) · [Viburnum (snowball)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/viburnum/)

## Plum, peach and cherry blossom

Plum flowers in winter, sits tight on the branch and has rounded petals and a clear scent. Peach follows in early spring with pointed petals. Cherry flowers hang in clusters on long stalks and have a notch at the tip of each petal.

[Plum blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/plum/) · [Peach blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peach/) · [Cherry blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cherry/)

## Protea, pincushion, leucadendron and banksia

All four belong to the protea family and share the same handling: woody stems, leaves that blacken before the flower head, and excellent drying. Banksia is Australian; the other three are South African.

[Protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/protea/) · [Pincushion protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/leucospermum/) · [Leucadendron](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/leucadendron/) · [Banksia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/banksia/)

## Delphinium and larkspur

Close relatives. Delphinium is the perennial with larger florets; larkspur (Consolida) is the finer annual. Both are very sensitive to ethylene and both dry well.

[Delphinium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/delphinium/)

## Lisianthus and rose

Double lisianthus is often used as a thornless, unscented stand-in for roses. In our data it lasts 7–14 days against 5–7 for roses.

[Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/) · [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/)

## True bamboo and "lucky bamboo"

"Lucky bamboo" is Dracaena sanderiana, unrelated to bamboo. It lives for months in water, while cut bamboo leaves curl within days.

[Bamboo](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bamboo/)

[Floristry glossary](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/floristry-glossary/) · [Flower guide](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/) · [Pet-safe flowers for cats and dogs](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/pet-safe-flowers/)

## FAQ

### Is a calla lily a real lily?

No. Calla lilies are arums (Zantedeschia). True lilies are Lilium.

### What is the difference between a peony and a ranunculus?

Peonies are much larger, flower only in spring and have divided leaves on thick stems. Ranunculus are smaller, with paper-thin petals on hollow, soft stems.

### Are daisies chrysanthemums?

They are in the same family but are not chrysanthemums, and they do not carry the funeral association chrysanthemums have in East Asia.

### Is a florist's rose a rose or a Chinese rose?

Botanically a hybrid Chinese rose (Rosa × hybrida). "Rose" is the commercial name used everywhere.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-occasion/ -->

# Flowers by occasion

A one-page reference for choosing flowers by occasion — romance, Mother's Day, birthdays, weddings, openings, graduation, hospital visits, sympathy and Lunar New Year — with what to avoid for each.

| Occasion | Good choices | Avoid | Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Romance and Valentine's Day** | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/), [Ranunculus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ranunculus/), [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/) | Four stems for East Asian recipients; lilies for homes with cats | [Valentine's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/valentines-day/) · [How many flowers to give: meanings and taboos by culture](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-numbers/) |
| **Mother's Day** | [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Hydrangea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hydrangea/) | White carnations, which traditionally honour a mother who has died | [Mother's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/mothers-day/) · [Flower colour meanings across cultures](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-color-meanings/) |
| **Birthday** | [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/), [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/) | White and yellow chrysanthemums for East Asian recipients | [Birthday flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/birthday-flowers/) · [Birth month flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/birth-month-flowers/) |
| **Wedding and anniversary** | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Peony (herbaceous)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/herbaceous-peony/), [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) | Unremoved lily anthers; very short-lived flowers made too early | [Wedding flowers by season](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/wedding-flowers/) · [Wedding anniversary flowers by year](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/anniversary-flowers/) |
| **Business opening** | [Gladiolus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gladiolus/), [Anthurium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anthurium/), [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/), [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/) | All-white designs; white and yellow chrysanthemums | [Flowers for a business opening](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/business-opening-flowers/) |
| **Graduation** | [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/), [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Baby's breath](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gypsophila/) | Fragile, short-lived flowers that will not survive a long ceremony | [Longest-lasting cut flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/long-lasting-flowers/) |
| **Get well and hospital visits** | [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/), [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Statice](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/statice/) | Strong scent, heavy pollen, potted plants in Chinese custom | [Flowers for a hospital visit: what to send and avoid](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/hospital-flowers/) · [Unscented and low-pollen flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/unscented-flowers/) |
| **Sympathy and funerals** | [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | Red and other celebratory colours in East Asia | [Funeral and sympathy flowers: customs by culture](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/funeral-flowers/) |
| **Lunar New Year** | [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/), [Pussy willow](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pussywillow/), [Peach blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peach/), [Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/), [Bamboo](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bamboo/) | Quantities of four; white or yellow chrysanthemums | [Chinese New Year](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/chinese-new-year/) |

Customs vary by family and region; when unsure, ask the client.

## FAQ

### What flowers are appropriate for every occasion?

Pink or mixed-colour roses, lisianthus and gerberas come closest: lightly scented or unscented, long enough lasting, and free of strong cultural baggage.

### What should a florist ask before taking an order?

The occasion, who it is for and their cultural background, whether they have pets, any allergy or scent sensitivity, the budget, and the delivery date.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/wedding-flowers/ -->

# Wedding flowers by season

Choosing wedding and bridal flowers: long-lasting, pollen-free choices by season, stems that need extra care, and taboos for Chinese, Japanese and Korean weddings.

## Good choices by season (5+ days vase life, no pollen stains, not strongly scented)

| Season | Flowers |
| --- | --- |
| Spring | [Chamomile](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chamomile/), [Peony (herbaceous)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/herbaceous-peony/), [Delphinium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/delphinium/), [Queen Anne's lace (Ammi)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/queenannes/), [Protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/protea/), [Waxflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waxflower/), [Lupin](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lupin/), [Snapdragon](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/snapdragon/), [Daisy (marguerite)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/daisy/), [Calendula](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calendula/), [Cornflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cornflower/), [Ranunculus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ranunculus/), [Hellebore](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hellebore/), [Allium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/allium/), [Pincushion protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/leucospermum/), [Kangaroo paw](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/kangaroopaw/) |
| Summer | [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/), [Hydrangea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hydrangea/), [Chamomile](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chamomile/), [Delphinium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/delphinium/), [Globe amaranth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gomphrena/), [Zinnia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/zinnia/), [Celosia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/celosia/), [Queen Anne's lace (Ammi)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/queenannes/), [Lupin](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lupin/), [Salvia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/salvia/), [Daisy (marguerite)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/daisy/), [Cosmos](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cosmos/), [Calendula](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calendula/), [Cornflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cornflower/), [China aster](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/aster/), [Trachelium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/trachelium/), [Gladiolus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gladiolus/), [Scabiosa](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/scabiosa/), [Agapanthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/agapanthus/), [Allium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/allium/), [Astilbe](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/astilbe/), [Eryngium (sea holly)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/eryngium/), [Kangaroo paw](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/kangaroopaw/), [Solidago (goldenrod)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/solidago/), [Veronica](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/veronica/) |
| Autumn | [Globe amaranth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gomphrena/), [Zinnia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/zinnia/), [Celosia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/celosia/), [Cosmos](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cosmos/), [China aster](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/aster/), [Gladiolus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gladiolus/), [Solidago (goldenrod)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/solidago/) |
| Winter | [Protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/protea/), [Waxflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waxflower/), [Ranunculus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ranunculus/), [Hellebore](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hellebore/), [Pincushion protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/leucospermum/) |
| Year-round | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/), [Baby's breath](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gypsophila/), [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/), [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/), [Statice](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/statice/), [Anthurium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anthurium/), [Dendrobium orchid](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dendrobium/), [Craspedia (billy buttons)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/craspedia/), [Alstroemeria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/alstroemeria/), [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/), [Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ornithogalum/), [Bouvardia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bouvardia/) |

## Handle with care

- Pollen stains gowns — remove the anthers: [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/)

- Short-lived — make up the day before or on the day: [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/), [Tree peony](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peony/), [Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/), [Camellia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/camellia/), [Iris](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/iris/), [Anemone](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anemone/), [Lily of the valley](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilyvalley/), [Gardenia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gardenia/), [Jasmine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/jasmine/), [Dahlia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dahlia/), [Lotus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lotus/), [Water lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waterlily/), [Clematis](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/clematis/), [Poppy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/poppy/), [Sweet pea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sweetpea/), [Grape hyacinth (Muscari)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/muscari/)

- Strongly scented — use sparingly indoors and on dining tables: [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/), [Freesia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/freesia/), [Hyacinth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hyacinth/), [Lily of the valley](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilyvalley/), [Stock (Matthiola)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/stock/), [Gardenia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gardenia/), [Jasmine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/jasmine/), [Lavender](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lavender/), [Marigold](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/marigold/), [Sweet pea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sweetpea/), [Tuberose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tuberose/)

See also: [How many flowers to give: meanings and taboos by culture](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-numbers/) · [Floral design styles compared](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/floral-design-styles/)

## FAQ

### Are lilies a good wedding flower?

They can be, but lily pollen stains gowns and suits, so remove the anthers; and lilies are highly toxic to cats, so avoid them if the couple has cats.

### What shape is a classic bridal bouquet?

The classic is a round Biedermeier bouquet: concentric rings of tightly packed blooms, usually no more than three focal flowers, finished with a foliage collar.

### Any flower taboos for Chinese, Japanese or Korean weddings?

Avoid white or yellow chrysanthemums (linked to funerals) and quantities of 4; for Japanese couples also avoid 9.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Reference values from common trade practice. Real results vary with variety, origin and conditioning.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/birthday-flowers/ -->

# Birthday flowers

Choosing birthday flowers: long-lasting focal flowers for each season, birth month flowers, and the pet, scent and cultural checks to run before designing.

## Key facts

- Bright, long-lasting focal flowers plus the birth month flower make a personal birthday bouquet.
- For East Asian recipients avoid white and yellow chrysanthemums, all-white bouquets and four stems.
- No lilies for homes with cats.

## Good birthday focal flowers by season

Focal flowers that last five days or more, excluding chrysanthemums:

| Season | Flowers |
| --- | --- |
| Spring | [Peony (herbaceous)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/herbaceous-peony/), [Hyacinth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hyacinth/), [Protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/protea/), [Ranunculus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ranunculus/), [Allium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/allium/), [Pincushion protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/leucospermum/) |
| Summer | [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/), [Hydrangea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hydrangea/), [Zinnia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/zinnia/), [Celosia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/celosia/), [Marigold](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/marigold/), [Agapanthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/agapanthus/), [Allium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/allium/) |
| Autumn | [Zinnia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/zinnia/), [Celosia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/celosia/), [Marigold](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/marigold/) |
| Winter | [Hyacinth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hyacinth/), [Protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/protea/), [Ranunculus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ranunculus/), [Pincushion protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/leucospermum/) |
| Year-round | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/), [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/), [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/), [Anthurium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anthurium/), [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/) |

## Before you design

- Pets at home? Lilies, lily of the valley and azalea are highly toxic to cats — [Pet-safe flowers for cats and dogs](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/pet-safe-flowers/)

- Sensitive to scent or pollen? See [Unscented and low-pollen flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/unscented-flowers/)

- Cultural background: chrysanthemum and number taboos — [How many flowers to give: meanings and taboos by culture](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-numbers/)

- The birth month flower — [Birth month flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/birth-month-flowers/)

[Flowers by occasion](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-occasion/) · [Flower colour meanings across cultures](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-color-meanings/) · [Longest-lasting cut flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/long-lasting-flowers/)

## FAQ

### What flowers are best for a birthday?

Bright, cheerful focal flowers that last: year-round choices include rose, lily, carnation, gerbera daisy, lisianthus, bird of paradise. Adding the person's birth month flower makes it personal.

### What flowers should not be given for a birthday?

For recipients from China, Japan or Korea avoid white and yellow chrysanthemums and all-white bouquets, and do not give four stems (nine as well in Japan). Avoid lilies if they have cats.

### How many flowers should a birthday bouquet have?

There is no rule in the West. In Chinese gifting, numbers carry meaning — avoid 4, and popular choices are 9, 11 or 99.

### What flowers suit an older relative's birthday in China?

Warm reds and pinks with long-lasting flowers; pine symbolises longevity. Avoid white or yellow chrysanthemums and all-white designs.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Reference values from common trade practice. Real results vary with variety, origin and conditioning. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/business-opening-flowers/ -->

# Flowers for a business opening

What to send for a shop or business opening: auspicious flowers and colours in Chinese practice, long-lasting stems for opening stands, and the taboos to avoid.

## Key facts

- In China: red and gold, with gladiolus, anthurium, sunflower and wheat ears for their lucky meanings.
- Build opening stands from flowers that last a week or more.
- No white or yellow chrysanthemums, no all-white designs, no quantity of four.

## Auspicious choices

| Flower | Why it is chosen | Vase life | In season |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Gladiolus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gladiolus/) | "Rising step by step" in Chinese | 7–10 days | Summer, Autumn |
| [Anthurium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anthurium/) | "Grand plans realised" in Chinese | 14–21 days | Year-round |
| [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/) | Turning to the sun — thriving business | 6–10 days | Summer |
| [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/) | Bold, upright and long-lasting | 10–14 days | Year-round |
| [Wheat ears](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/wheat/) | A homophone wish for "big sales" in Chinese | 14–30 days | Summer |
| [Snapdragon](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/snapdragon/) | "Gold to spare" in southern China | 7–10 days | Spring |
| [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/) | Refined; potted phalaenopsis is the premium opening gift | 10–21 days | Year-round |

## Long-lasting flowers available all year

Seven days or more in a vase, focal or line flowers, excluding chrysanthemums:

[Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) · [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) · [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/) · [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/) · [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/) · [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) · [Anthurium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anthurium/) · [Dendrobium orchid](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dendrobium/) · [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/) · [Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ornithogalum/)

## Avoid

- White and yellow chrysanthemums and all-white designs — funeral associations in China, Japan and Korea.

- Quantities of four for Chinese, Japanese and Korean clients.

- Strongly scented flowers for restaurants, cafés and small shops.

- Short-lived flowers in anything that will stand for days.

[Flowers by occasion](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-occasion/) · [Longest-lasting cut flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/long-lasting-flowers/) · [Flower colour meanings across cultures](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-color-meanings/) · [How many flowers to give: meanings and taboos by culture](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-numbers/)

## FAQ

### What flowers are sent for a business opening?

In Chinese practice, tall basket arrangements in red, pink and gold built from long-lasting, auspicious flowers: gladiolus, anthurium, sunflower, bird of paradise, wheat ears. Elsewhere, a bright long-lasting arrangement or a potted orchid is the usual gift.

### What colours are lucky for an opening in China?

Red first, supported by pink, gold, yellow and orange. Avoid all-white designs.

### What should be avoided in opening flowers?

White and yellow chrysanthemums, all-white arrangements, and quantities of four for Chinese, Japanese and Korean clients. For restaurants and cafés, avoid strongly scented flowers.

### How long should opening flowers last?

Stands often sit at the entrance for several days, sometimes outdoors, so build the recipe from flowers that last a week or more.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Reference values from common trade practice. Real results vary with variety, origin and conditioning. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/hospital-flowers/ -->

# Flowers for a hospital visit: what to send and avoid

What to send to a patient and what to avoid: strong scents, heavy pollen, potted plants in Chinese custom, chrysanthemum and number taboos, and good choices.

## Avoid

- Strongly scented flowers, which can bother patients and roommates: [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/), [Freesia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/freesia/), [Hyacinth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hyacinth/), [Lily of the valley](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilyvalley/), [Stock (Matthiola)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/stock/), [Gardenia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gardenia/), [Jasmine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/jasmine/), [Lavender](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lavender/), [Marigold](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/marigold/), [Wisteria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/wisteria/), [Osmanthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/osmanthus/), [Sweet pea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sweetpea/), [Tuberose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tuberose/), [Lilac](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilac/)

- Heavy-pollen flowers that trigger allergies: [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/)

- Potted plants: in Chinese custom they suggest the illness will "take root".

- White or yellow chrysanthemums: associated with funerals in China, Japan and Korea.

- Quantities of 4 (China, Japan, Korea) and 9 (Japan) — see [How many flowers to give: meanings and taboos by culture](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-numbers/).

## Good choices

Available year-round, lightly scented, lasting 7 days or more: [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/), [Baby's breath](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gypsophila/), [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/), [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/), [Statice](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/statice/), [Anthurium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anthurium/), [Dendrobium orchid](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dendrobium/), [Craspedia (billy buttons)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/craspedia/), [Alstroemeria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/alstroemeria/), [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/), [Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ornithogalum/), [Bouvardia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bouvardia/)

## FAQ

### What flowers are good for a hospital visit?

Lightly scented, long-lasting flowers work best, such as carnation, lisianthus, baby's breath, bird of paradise, orchids (cut), calla lily — in a small arrangement that does not need fresh water often.

### Why not bring a potted plant to a patient?

In Chinese custom a potted plant suggests the illness will "take root", so it is considered unlucky for patients.

### Do all hospitals allow fresh flowers?

No. Many intensive care units and some wards do not accept fresh flowers for infection control, so check with the ward first.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/funeral-flowers/ -->

# Funeral and sympathy flowers: customs by culture

Which flowers and colours suit funerals and condolences in China, Japan, Korea, Europe and North America — and what to avoid.

| Region | Common choices | Avoid |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan | White and yellow chrysanthemums, white lilies, white roses; muted white and yellow palettes | Red and other bright, celebratory colours |
| Japan | White chrysanthemums, white lilies and other white flowers | Red flowers; thorny (roses) or strongly scented flowers are often avoided |
| Korea | White chrysanthemums (the standard funeral flower) | Bright colours |
| Western Europe and North America | Lilies (especially white), white roses, carnations, chrysanthemums; wreaths and standing sprays | — |
| France, Italy, Belgium | Chrysanthemums are used for graves and All Saints' Day (Nov 1) | Giving chrysanthemums to the living |
| Russia and Eastern Europe | An even number of stems for funerals and remembrance | Even numbers for the living (give odd numbers) |

Customs vary by family, religion and region — ask the client when unsure.

## FAQ

### Can chrysanthemums be given as a gift?

It depends on the region. In China, Japan, Korea, France, Italy and Belgium they are linked to funerals and graves; in the US and Australia they are everyday gift flowers (Australians often give them on Mother's Day).

### What colour flowers suit a Chinese funeral?

White and yellow; avoid red and other celebratory colours.

### Are strongly scented flowers fine for condolences?

For condolences and hospital visits it is better to avoid strong scents; Floreboard flags them automatically for these occasions.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-numbers/ -->

# How many flowers to give: meanings and taboos by culture

What 1, 3, 9, 11, 12 or 99 flowers mean, and number taboos across cultures: 4 in East Asia, 9 in Japan, even numbers in Russia and Eastern Europe.

| Number | Meaning or custom | Where |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 stem | "You are the one" | Widely |
| 3 stems | "I love you" | China (popular meaning) |
| 4 stems | Avoid — sounds like "death" | China, Japan, Korea |
| 9 stems | "Everlasting" (久 sounds like 九) | China |
| 9 stems | Avoid — "9" (ku) sounds like "suffering" | Japan |
| 11 stems | "My one and only" (一心一意) | China (popular meaning) |
| 12 stems | A dozen — the classic romantic bouquet | Europe, North America |
| 13 stems | Unlucky for some clients | Parts of the West |
| 99 stems | "Forever" (天长地久) | China (popular meaning) |
| Even / odd | Even numbers are for funerals; give odd numbers to the living | Russia, Eastern Europe |

"Popular meanings" come from modern gifting culture rather than fixed tradition; ask the client when unsure. Floreboard flags number taboos automatically based on the language you use (4 in Chinese, Japanese and Korean; 9 in Japanese).

## FAQ

### How many roses should I give?

Popular choices are 1, 3, 11, 12 (a dozen) or 99. For clients from China, Japan or Korea avoid 4, and for Japanese clients also avoid 9.

### Why avoid giving 4 flowers?

In Chinese, Japanese and Korean, "4" sounds like the word for "death", so gifts of 4 are usually avoided.

### Is 9 a good or bad number of flowers?

It depends: in Chinese 9 sounds like "long-lasting" and is auspicious; in Japanese 9 (ku) sounds like "suffering" and is usually avoided.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-color-meanings/ -->

# Flower colour meanings across cultures

What flower colours mean in Western, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and other traditions — and the colours to avoid for weddings, funerals, hospital visits and gifts abroad.

## Key facts

- White means weddings in the West and mourning in China, Japan and Korea.
- Red is romantic in the West and lucky in China — but wrong for East Asian funerals.
- Pink is the safest colour across cultures.

| Colour | What it says, and where to be careful |
| --- | --- |
| [Red](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/red/) | Love and passion in the West; luck, joy and celebration in China, where red suits weddings, openings and New Year. Avoid red for funerals and condolences in East Asia. |
| [Pink](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/pink/) | Gratitude, admiration and gentle affection — the safest colour across cultures and the classic Mother's Day choice. |
| [White](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/white/) | Purity and new beginnings at Western weddings, and remembrance in sympathy work. In China, Japan and Korea white is the colour of mourning, so avoid all-white gifts for celebrations there. |
| [Yellow](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/yellow/) | Friendship and cheer in the US and UK. In Russia and parts of Eastern Europe yellow flowers can signal parting or jealousy, and in East Asia yellow and white chrysanthemums are for mourning. |
| [Orange](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/orange/) | Energy, warmth and enthusiasm. Orange marigolds mark Día de los Muertos in Mexico and festival garlands in India. |
| [Purple](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/purple/) | Admiration, dignity and a touch of luxury. Purple and lavender are also common in Western sympathy flowers. |
| [Blue](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/blue/) | Calm, trust and serenity. True blue is rare in flowers, which is why this list is short — and why blue roses are always dyed. |
| [Green](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/green/) | Renewal, health and good fortune. Green flowers and foliage calm a busy palette and frame the focal blooms. |

## Rose colours

| Colour | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| Red | Love and passion |
| Pink | Gratitude and admiration |
| White | Purity and new beginnings; also remembrance |
| Yellow | Friendship today; jealousy in Victorian flower language |
| Orange | Enthusiasm and desire |
| Purple (lavender) | Enchantment — love at first sight |

[Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) · [How many flowers to give: meanings and taboos by culture](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-numbers/)

## Carnation colours

| Colour | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| Red | Admiration and deep love |
| Pink | A mother's love — the Mother's Day classic |
| White | Pure love and good luck; in American and Japanese tradition, white carnations honour a mother who has died |
| Yellow | Disappointment or rejection in Victorian flower language |

[Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) · [Mother's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/mothers-day/)

## What Floreboard checks

- White or yellow chrysanthemums in a design for a joyful occasion (wedding, birthday, opening, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, graduation).

- Palettes that span five or more colour families, which tend to look cluttered.

[Flowers by colour](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-by-color/) · [Funeral and sympathy flowers: customs by culture](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/funeral-flowers/) · [Flower meanings: the language of flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-meanings/)

## FAQ

### What colour flowers are for funerals?

White in most of the world, and white and yellow in China, Japan and Korea. Avoid red and other celebratory colours at East Asian funerals.

### Is it rude to give yellow flowers?

Not in the US or UK, where yellow means friendship. In Russia and parts of Eastern Europe yellow can suggest parting or jealousy, and yellow chrysanthemums are mourning flowers in East Asia.

### What colour roses mean friendship?

Yellow. Pink roses say thank you; red roses are romantic.

### What colour flowers are lucky in China?

Red, with pink, gold and orange as supporting colours. Avoid all-white arrangements and white or yellow chrysanthemums for celebrations.

### Why should red and white flowers not be mixed for a hospital in the UK?

An old British hospital superstition reads red and white together as "blood and bandages". Many people no longer know it, but older patients may.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Colour meanings are conventions that vary by family, generation and region — ask when unsure. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-meanings/ -->

# Flower meanings: the language of flowers

The popular meanings of 69 cut flowers and branches — Western flower language alongside Chinese and Japanese symbolism — with season and colours for each.

## Key facts

- Flower meanings are conventions, not rules, and vary by culture.
- The same flower can be celebratory in one country and funereal in another — chrysanthemum is the classic case.

| Flower | Meaning | In season | Colours |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Agapanthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/agapanthus/) | Love letters — the "flower of love" | Summer | blue, white |
| [Alstroemeria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/alstroemeria/) | Friendship and devotion | Year-round | pink, white, yellow, orange, red, purple |
| [Anemone](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anemone/) | Anticipation | Winter, Spring | red, white, purple, pink, blue |
| [Anthurium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anthurium/) | Hospitality | Year-round | red, pink, white, green |
| [Baby's breath](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gypsophila/) | Innocence and everlasting love | Year-round | white, pink |
| [Bamboo](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bamboo/) | Integrity and resilience; "bamboo brings news of peace" | Year-round | green |
| [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/) | Freedom and joy | Year-round | orange |
| [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) | Purity and devotion | Year-round | white, yellow, pink, purple, orange |
| [Camellia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/camellia/) | Admiration and understated elegance | Winter | red, pink, white |
| [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) | A mother's love and gratitude | Year-round | red, pink, white, yellow, orange, purple, green |
| [Celosia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/celosia/) | Unfading affection | Summer, Autumn | red, orange, yellow, pink |
| [Chamomile](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chamomile/) | Energy in adversity | Spring, Summer | white |
| [Cherry blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cherry/) | The beauty of things that pass | Spring | pink, white |
| [China aster](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/aster/) | Patience and remembrance | Summer, Autumn | purple, pink, white, blue, red |
| [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/) | Longevity and nobility in East Asia; white and yellow are also flowers of mourning | Autumn | white, yellow, pink, purple, red, orange, green |
| [Cornflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cornflower/) | Delicacy and meeting happiness | Spring, Summer | blue, pink, white |
| [Cosmos](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cosmos/) | Harmony and modesty | Summer, Autumn | pink, white, red |
| [Cotton stems](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cotton/) | Cherish the people beside you | Autumn | white |
| [Crabapple blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/crabapple/) | Prosperity for the household, in Chinese tradition | Spring | pink, white |
| [Dahlia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dahlia/) | Elegance and dignity | Summer, Autumn | red, pink, orange, yellow, white, purple |
| [Daisy (marguerite)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/daisy/) | Innocence | Spring, Summer | white, yellow, pink |
| [Delphinium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/delphinium/) | Lightness and an open heart | Spring, Summer | blue, purple, white, pink |
| [Dendrobium orchid](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dendrobium/) | Fatherly love and strength — a Father's Day flower in some regions | Year-round | white, purple, pink, green |
| [Forsythia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/forsythia/) | Anticipation | Spring | yellow |
| [Freesia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/freesia/) | Innocence and friendship | Winter, Spring | white, yellow, pink, purple, red |
| [Gardenia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gardenia/) | Purity and secret love | Summer | white |
| [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/) | Cheerfulness | Year-round | red, pink, white, yellow, orange |
| [Gladiolus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gladiolus/) | Strength of character; "rising step by step" in Chinese | Summer, Autumn | red, pink, white, yellow, orange, purple, green |
| [Globe amaranth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gomphrena/) | Unfading love | Summer, Autumn | purple, pink, white, red |
| [Holly](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/holly/) | Christmas, protection and good luck | Winter | red, green |
| [Hyacinth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hyacinth/) | Constancy and rebirth | Winter, Spring | blue, purple, pink, white |
| [Hydrangea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hydrangea/) | Gratitude and abundance | Summer | blue, pink, white, purple, green |
| [Iris](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/iris/) | Faith, hope and good news | Spring, Summer | blue, purple, white, yellow |
| [Ivy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ivy/) | Fidelity — a traditional wedding foliage | Year-round | green |
| [Jasmine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/jasmine/) | Sweetness, purity and fidelity | Summer | white |
| [Lavender](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lavender/) | Calm and devotion | Summer | purple |
| [Lilac](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilac/) | First love | Spring | purple, white, pink |
| [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) | Purity; in Chinese weddings, "a hundred years of harmony" | Year-round | white, pink, yellow, orange, red |
| [Lily of the valley](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilyvalley/) | The return of happiness | Spring | white |
| [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/) | Appreciation and sincere, unchanging love | Year-round | white, pink, purple, green |
| [Lotus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lotus/) | Purity — rising unstained from the mud | Summer | pink, white |
| [Lotus pod](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lotuspod/) | Many children and blessings | Summer, Autumn | green |
| [Magnolia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/magnolia/) | Nobility and purity | Spring | white, pink, purple |
| [Marigold](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/marigold/) | Longevity in China; the flower of Día de los Muertos in Mexico and of festival garlands in India | Summer, Autumn | orange, yellow |
| [Myrtle](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/myrtle/) | Love and marriage — a traditional sprig in royal wedding bouquets | Year-round | green |
| [Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/) | New beginnings; good fortune at Lunar New Year in China | Winter | yellow, white |
| [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/) | Refinement and elegance | Year-round | white, pink, purple, yellow, green |
| [Osmanthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/osmanthus/) | Honour and success; the scent of the Mid-Autumn Festival | Autumn | yellow, orange, white |
| [Peach blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peach/) | Luck in love and prosperity — a Lunar New Year staple in southern China | Spring | pink, white, red |
| [Peony (herbaceous)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/herbaceous-peony/) | Romance and a happy marriage | Spring | pink, white, red |
| [Pine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pine/) | Longevity and steadfastness | Year-round | green |
| [Plum blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/plum/) | Resilience — one of the "three friends of winter" | Winter | pink, white, red |
| [Poppy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/poppy/) | Remembrance and consolation | Spring | red, orange, yellow, white, pink |
| [Protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/protea/) | Courage and transformation | Winter, Spring | pink, white, red |
| [Pussy willow](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pussywillow/) | "Silver stays": money kept in the household, a Lunar New Year wish | Winter, Spring | silver-grey |
| [Ranunculus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ranunculus/) | Radiant charm | Winter, Spring | pink, white, yellow, orange, red, purple |
| [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | Love and romance | Year-round | red, pink, white, yellow, orange, purple, green |
| [Snapdragon](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/snapdragon/) | Graciousness; in southern China, "gold to spare" at New Year | Spring | white, pink, yellow, orange, red |
| [Statice](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/statice/) | Remembrance | Year-round | purple, blue, pink, white, yellow |
| [Stock (Matthiola)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/stock/) | Lasting beauty and bonds of affection | Winter, Spring | white, pink, purple, yellow |
| [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/) | Adoration, loyalty and optimism | Summer | yellow, orange |
| [Sweet pea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sweetpea/) | Blissful pleasure and a fond goodbye | Spring | pink, purple, white, red |
| [Tree peony](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peony/) | Wealth and honour — the "king of flowers" in China | Spring | pink, red, white, yellow, purple |
| [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/) | A declaration of love | Winter, Spring | red, pink, white, yellow, orange, purple |
| [Water lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waterlily/) | Purity | Summer | white, pink, yellow, purple, blue |
| [Wheat ears](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/wheat/) | Harvest and prosperity — a good-luck stem in Chinese shop-opening gifts | Summer | yellow |
| [Winterberry](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/redbean/) | Longing and remembrance; good fortune at Chinese New Year | Autumn, Winter | red, orange |
| [Wisteria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/wisteria/) | Welcome and long life | Spring | purple, white |
| [Zinnia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/zinnia/) | Thoughts of absent friends | Summer, Autumn | red, pink, orange, yellow, white, green, purple |

Meanings shift with colour and number as well: [Flower colour meanings across cultures](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-color-meanings/) · [How many flowers to give: meanings and taboos by culture](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-numbers/) · [Birth month flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/birth-month-flowers/) · [Wedding anniversary flowers by year](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/anniversary-flowers/)

## FAQ

### Which flowers mean love?

Rose (Love and romance); Tulip (A declaration of love); Peony (herbaceous) (Romance and a happy marriage); Lisianthus (Appreciation and sincere, unchanging love); Globe amaranth (Unfading love); Agapanthus (Love letters — the "flower of love").

### Which flowers say thank you?

Carnation (A mother's love and gratitude); Hydrangea (Gratitude and abundance); Lisianthus (Appreciation and sincere, unchanging love); Dahlia (Elegance and dignity).

### Which flowers mean remembrance or sympathy?

Chrysanthemum (Longevity and nobility in East Asia; white and yellow are also flowers of mourning); Statice (Remembrance); Poppy (Remembrance and consolation); China aster (Patience and remembrance).

### Which flowers bring luck in Chinese tradition?

Tree peony (Wealth and honour — the "king of flowers" in China); Peach blossom (Luck in love and prosperity — a Lunar New Year staple in southern China); Pussy willow ("Silver stays": money kept in the household, a Lunar New Year wish); Narcissus (daffodil) (New beginnings; good fortune at Lunar New Year in China); Bamboo (Integrity and resilience; "bamboo brings news of peace"); Crabapple blossom (Prosperity for the household, in Chinese tradition); Gladiolus (Strength of character; "rising step by step" in Chinese); Anthurium (Hospitality).

### Are flower meanings the same everywhere?

No. Most "meanings" come from Victorian flower dictionaries, Chinese homophones and poetry, or modern gifting culture, and the same flower can carry opposite messages: chrysanthemums are cheerful gifts in the US and funeral flowers in East Asia and much of Europe.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Meanings listed are the most widely cited ones; flowers without a settled meaning are left out. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/birth-month-flowers/ -->

# Birth month flowers

The birth flowers for all twelve months in the British and American tradition, with each flower's season, pet safety and tips for working it into a birthday bouquet.

## Key facts

- January carnation, February violet, March daffodil, April daisy, May lily of the valley, June rose.
- July larkspur (delphinium), August gladiolus, September aster, October marigold, November chrysanthemum, December narcissus.
- Lily of the valley, the May flower, is highly toxic to cats.

| Month | Birth flowers | Florist notes (season, pets) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **January** | [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), Snowdrop | Carnation: Year-round |
| **February** | Violet, Primrose | — |
| **March** | [Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/) | Narcissus (daffodil): Winter |
| **April** | [Daisy (marguerite)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/daisy/), [Sweet pea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sweetpea/) | Daisy (marguerite): Spring, Summer; Sweet pea: Spring |
| **May** | [Lily of the valley](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilyvalley/), Hawthorn | Lily of the valley: Spring, highly toxic to cats |
| **June** | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), Honeysuckle | Rose: Year-round |
| **July** | [Delphinium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/delphinium/), [Water lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waterlily/) | Delphinium: Spring, Summer; Water lily: Summer |
| **August** | [Gladiolus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gladiolus/), [Poppy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/poppy/) | Gladiolus: Summer, Autumn; Poppy: Spring |
| **September** | Aster, Morning glory | — |
| **October** | [Marigold](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/marigold/), [Cosmos](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cosmos/) | Marigold: Summer, Autumn; Cosmos: Summer, Autumn |
| **November** | [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/) | Chrysanthemum: Autumn |
| **December** | [Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/), [Holly](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/holly/) | Narcissus (daffodil): Winter; Holly: Winter |

## For florists

- A birth flower need not be the whole bouquet: one or two stems as the focal accent, with a line on the card explaining it, is enough.

- Several birth flowers are seasonal. When the flower is out of season, use its colour or a close substitute and say so.

- Record the birthday and the flower in the client profile so next year's order starts from it.

[Birthday flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/birthday-flowers/) · [Flower meanings: the language of flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-meanings/) · [Wedding anniversary flowers by year](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/anniversary-flowers/)

## FAQ

### What is the birth flower for each month?

January: Carnation and Snowdrop; February: Violet and Primrose; March: Narcissus (daffodil); April: Daisy (marguerite) and Sweet pea; May: Lily of the valley and Hawthorn; June: Rose and Honeysuckle; July: Delphinium and Water lily; August: Gladiolus and Poppy; September: Aster and Morning glory; October: Marigold and Cosmos; November: Chrysanthemum; December: Narcissus (daffodil) and Holly.

### Why do most months have two birth flowers?

The lists grew from different British and American traditions, so most months ended up with a primary and a secondary flower. Either is correct.

### Which birth flowers are unsafe around pets?

Lily of the valley (May) is highly toxic to cats. Also flagged as mildly toxic in our knowledge base: carnation, narcissus (daffodil), daisy (marguerite), sweet pea, delphinium, gladiolus, poppy, chrysanthemum, holly.

### Is it fine to give chrysanthemums for a November birthday?

In the US, UK and Australia, yes. For recipients from China, Japan or Korea avoid white and yellow chrysanthemums, which are funeral flowers there, and choose another flower.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Lists follow the common British and American tradition; other countries have their own. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/anniversary-flowers/ -->

# Wedding anniversary flowers by year

The traditional flower for each wedding anniversary from the 1st to the 50th, with season, vase life and pet safety, and what to do when the flower is out of season.

## Key facts

- 1st carnation, 5th daisy, 10th daffodil, 15th rose, 25th iris, 30th lily, 50th yellow roses and violets.
- Lists vary between sources; lily of the valley (one choice for the 2nd) and lilies (30th) are highly toxic to cats.

| Anniversary | Flower | Also listed as | In season | Vase life | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **1st** | [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) | — | Year-round | 10–14 days | mildly toxic |
| **2nd** | [Lily of the valley](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilyvalley/) | [Cosmos](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cosmos/) | Spring | 4–7 days | ⚠ toxic to cats |
| **3rd** | [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/) | — | Summer | 6–10 days | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| **4th** | [Hydrangea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hydrangea/) | Geranium | Summer | 5–7 days | mildly toxic |
| **5th** | [Daisy (marguerite)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/daisy/) | — | Spring, Summer | 5–7 days | mildly toxic |
| **6th** | [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) | — | Year-round | 7–10 days | mildly toxic |
| **7th** | [Freesia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/freesia/) | — | Winter, Spring | 5–8 days | — |
| **8th** | [Lilac](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilac/) | [Clematis](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/clematis/) | Spring | 3–5 days | — |
| **9th** | [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/) | [Poppy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/poppy/) | Year-round | 10–14 days | mildly toxic |
| **10th** | [Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/) | — | Winter | 4–7 days | mildly toxic |
| **11th** | [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/) | Morning glory | Winter, Spring | 4–7 days | mildly toxic |
| **12th** | [Peony (herbaceous)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/herbaceous-peony/) | — | Spring | 5–7 days | mildly toxic |
| **13th** | [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/) | — | Autumn | 10–14 days | mildly toxic |
| **14th** | [Dahlia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dahlia/) | [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/) | Summer, Autumn | 4–6 days | mildly toxic |
| **15th** | [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | — | Year-round | 5–7 days | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| **20th** | Aster | — | — | — | — |
| **25th** | [Iris](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/iris/) | — | Spring, Summer | 4–6 days | mildly toxic |
| **30th** | [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) | — | Year-round | 7–10 days | ⚠ toxic to cats |
| **40th** | [Gladiolus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gladiolus/) | — | Summer, Autumn | 7–10 days | mildly toxic |
| **50th** | Yellow roses and violets | — | — | — | — |

There is no single authoritative list: published lists agree on most milestone years but differ on several others, which is why some years show a second flower. Season, vase life and pet notes refer to the first flower. In China there is no fixed flower per year; roses in a meaningful number are the usual choice. [How many flowers to give: meanings and taboos by culture](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-numbers/)

[Flower meanings: the language of flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-meanings/) · [Wedding flowers by season](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/wedding-flowers/) · [Birth month flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/birth-month-flowers/)

## FAQ

### What is the flower for a first wedding anniversary?

Carnations. They last 10–14 days in a vase and are available all year.

### What flower is for a 10th anniversary?

Daffodils (narcissus). Condition them alone for 12–24 hours before mixing them with other flowers.

### What flower is for a 25th and a 50th anniversary?

Iris for the 25th (silver) and yellow roses with violets for the 50th (golden).

### What if the anniversary flower is out of season?

Several are seasonal: lily of the valley for year 2 (spring); sunflower for year 3 (summer); hydrangea for year 4 (summer); daisy (marguerite) for year 5 (spring, summer); freesia for year 7 (winter, spring); lilac for year 8 (spring). Use the flower's colour, a close substitute, or simply the couple's wedding flowers.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. A Western convention; lists vary slightly between sources. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/cut-flower-care/ -->

# Cut flower care and conditioning guide

How florists condition cut flowers so they last: seven steps for every stem, plus the flowers that need shallow water, searing, splitting, no fridge or no fruit nearby.

## Key facts

- Clean water and a fresh cut matter more than anything else.
- Strip all foliage below the waterline and use flower food at the labelled dose.
- Keep ethylene-sensitive flowers away from ripening fruit.
- Condition daffodils alone for 12–24 hours before mixing them with other flowers.

## The seven steps that apply to almost every flower

- **Start with clean buckets and vases** — Bacteria blocking the stems is the main reason cut flowers fade early. Scrub with detergent or dilute bleach and rinse.
- **Recut the stems** — Take 2–3 cm off at an angle with a sharp knife or snips. Do not crush the stem (woody branches are the exception). Get it into water straight away.
- **Strip everything below the waterline** — Submerged leaves rot quickly and turn the water into bacterial soup.
- **Use clean water with flower food** — Mix at the dose on the packet. Room-temperature water suits most flowers; bulb flowers (tulips, hyacinths, narcissus) prefer it cold.
- **Let them drink before you arrange** — At least two hours, ideally overnight, somewhere cool and out of the light.
- **Place them well** — Away from direct sun, radiators, air-conditioning vents and ripening fruit.
- **Top up daily, change the water every two or three days** — Trim another 1–2 cm off the stems when you do, and remove faded blooms.

## Flowers that need something different

| Handling | Flowers | Why |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Condition alone first (sap harms other flowers) | [Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/) | 12–24 hours in their own bucket; do not recut when adding them to the mix. |
| Remove the anthers (pollen stains) | [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) | Pull the anthers as each bloom opens, before the pollen ripens. |
| Keep away from fruit and fading flowers (ethylene-sensitive) | [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Baby's breath](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gypsophila/), [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/), [Delphinium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/delphinium/), [Freesia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/freesia/), [Stock (Matthiola)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/stock/), [Dendrobium orchid](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dendrobium/), [Waxflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waxflower/), [Snapdragon](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/snapdragon/), [Alstroemeria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/alstroemeria/), [Sweet pea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sweetpea/), [Agapanthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/agapanthus/), [Bouvardia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bouvardia/) | Ethylene makes them drop florets, close up or wilt days early. |
| Shallow water only | [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/), [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/), [Anemone](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anemone/), [Ranunculus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ranunculus/), [Sweet pea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sweetpea/), [Grape hyacinth (Muscari)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/muscari/) | Soft or hairy stems rot when they sit deep; a few centimetres is enough. |
| Store and transport upright | [Snapdragon](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/snapdragon/), [Gladiolus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gladiolus/), [Lupin](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lupin/), [Delphinium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/delphinium/) | Spikes bend upward within hours if laid flat. |
| Sear or hot-water dip the cut ends | [Poppy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/poppy/), [Clematis](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/clematis/), [Dahlia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dahlia/), [Hellebore](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hellebore/), [Astilbe](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/astilbe/), [Dusty miller](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dustymiller/), [Wisteria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/wisteria/) | Seals milky sap or forces water into stems that wilt easily. |
| Split the woody ends | [Plum blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/plum/), [Cherry blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cherry/), [Peach blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peach/), [Crabapple blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/crabapple/), [Bamboo](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bamboo/), [Pine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pine/), [Maple branches](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/maple/), [Magnolia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/magnolia/), [Wisteria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/wisteria/), [Forsythia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/forsythia/), [Willow](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/willow/), [Pussy willow](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pussywillow/), [Red-twig dogwood](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dogwood/), [Azalea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/azalea/), [Spiraea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/spiraea/), [Osmanthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/osmanthus/), [Holly](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/holly/), [Lilac](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilac/), [Viburnum (snowball)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/viburnum/) | Cut a cross 2–3 cm into the base, or crush it lightly, and stand in deep water. |
| No cold storage | [Anthurium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anthurium/), [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/), [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/), [Dendrobium orchid](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dendrobium/), [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/) | Tropical flowers are damaged by chilling below about 10–13 °C. |
| Short-lived: sell and deliver fast | [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/), [Tree peony](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peony/), [Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/), [Camellia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/camellia/), [Iris](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/iris/), [Anemone](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anemone/), [Lily of the valley](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilyvalley/), [Gardenia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gardenia/), [Jasmine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/jasmine/), [Dahlia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dahlia/), [Lotus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lotus/), [Water lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waterlily/), [Clematis](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/clematis/), [Poppy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/poppy/), [Sweet pea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sweetpea/), [Grape hyacinth (Muscari)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/muscari/) | Four days or less at the low end — make up on the day and tell the client. |
| Keep dry (no water at all) | [Pussy willow](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pussywillow/), [Cotton stems](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cotton/), [Wheat ears](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/wheat/), [Lotus pod](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lotuspod/) | Dried or dry-kept materials mould or sprout when wet. |

Every flower page has its own handling note. See also: [Longest-lasting cut flowers](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/long-lasting-flowers/) · [Cut flower vase life chart](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flower-vase-life/) · [Flowers that dry well](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/flowers-for-drying/) · [Floristry glossary](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/floristry-glossary/)

## FAQ

### How do you make cut flowers last longer?

Use a clean vase, recut the stems, strip leaves below the waterline, add flower food, keep the flowers cool and away from fruit, and change the water every two or three days.

### What is in flower food, and does it work?

Sugar for energy, an acidifier that helps the stems take up water, and a biocide that keeps bacteria down. Used at the labelled dose it reliably outperforms plain water.

### Why should flowers be kept away from fruit?

Ripening fruit gives off ethylene gas, which makes sensitive flowers drop petals and wilt early. The most sensitive in our guide include lily, carnation, baby's breath, orchids (cut), delphinium, freesia, stock (matthiola), dendrobium orchid.

### Should flower stems be cut at an angle?

An angled cut gives a larger surface and stops the stem sitting flat on the bottom of the vase. What matters most is a clean, fresh cut with a sharp blade and getting the stem into water immediately.

### Can daffodils be mixed with other flowers?

Yes, after conditioning them alone for 12–24 hours so the sap drains; add them without recutting.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Reference values from common trade practice. Real results vary with variety, origin and conditioning. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/pet-safe-flowers/ -->

# Pet-safe flowers for cats and dogs

Before sending flowers to a home with pets: common cut flowers that are highly toxic to cats or mildly toxic to cats and dogs, and what florists can do.

## Highly toxic to cats

- [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/)
- [Lily of the valley](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilyvalley/)
- [Azalea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/azalea/)

## Mildly toxic to cats and dogs

- [Hydrangea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hydrangea/)
- [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/)
- [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/)
- [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/)
- [Tree peony](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peony/)
- [Peony (herbaceous)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/herbaceous-peony/)
- [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/)
- [Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/)
- [Iris](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/iris/)
- [Delphinium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/delphinium/)
- [Anemone](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anemone/)
- [Eucalyptus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/eucalyptus/)
- [Monstera leaf](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/monstera/)
- [Winterberry](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/redbean/)
- [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/)
- [Hyacinth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hyacinth/)
- [Gardenia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gardenia/)
- [Lavender](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lavender/)
- [Dahlia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dahlia/)
- [Anthurium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anthurium/)
- [Clematis](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/clematis/)
- [Lupin](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lupin/)
- [Poppy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/poppy/)
- [Daisy (marguerite)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/daisy/)
- [Wisteria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/wisteria/)
- [Asparagus fern](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/asparagus/)
- [Ivy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ivy/)
- [Holly](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/holly/)
- [Ranunculus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ranunculus/)
- [Gladiolus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gladiolus/)
- [Sweet pea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sweetpea/)
- [Hellebore](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hellebore/)
- [Allium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/allium/)
- [Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ornithogalum/)
- [Hypericum berries](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hypericum/)

## Listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs

| Flower | ASPCA entry (scientific name) | Vase life | In season |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | Rosa species | 5–7 days | Year-round |
| [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/) | Helianthus | 6–10 days | Summer |
| [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/) | Gerbera jamesonii | 6–10 days | Year-round |
| [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/) | Phalaenopsis sp. | 10–21 days | Year-round |
| [Camellia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/camellia/) | Camellia japonica | 3–5 days | Winter |
| [Zinnia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/zinnia/) | Zinnia species | 5–7 days | Summer, Autumn |
| [Celosia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/celosia/) | Celosia spicata | 7–10 days | Summer, Autumn |
| [Snapdragon](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/snapdragon/) | Antirrhinum majus | 7–10 days | Spring |
| [China aster](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/aster/) | Callistephus chinensis | 7–10 days | Summer, Autumn |
| [Alstroemeria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/alstroemeria/) | Alstroemeria | 10–14 days | Year-round |

This list holds only flowers we checked one by one against the ASPCA's own pages (on 2026-10-05), so it is short; absence from it does not mean a flower is toxic. Three cautions: ASPCA entries are for specific species — the orchid entry, for example, covers only Phalaenopsis; non-toxic does not mean edible, and any plant can cause vomiting or diarrhoea if enough is eaten; and a single lily in a mixed bouquet makes the whole bouquet dangerous in a home with cats.

## What florists can do

- Ask whether the recipient has cats or dogs, and keep it in the client profile.

- Homes with cats: avoid lilies, lily of the valley and azalea entirely; for other toxic flowers, advise keeping them out of reach.

- Floreboard automatically avoids flowers a client's pets cannot be around and flags them in its design review.

## FAQ

### Which flowers are most dangerous for cats?

Lily, Lily of the valley, Azalea. True lilies (Lilium) are especially dangerous: small amounts of petals, pollen or even vase water can cause acute kidney failure in cats.

### Is a calla lily a true lily?

No. Calla lilies are not Lilium, but they are still mildly toxic to cats and dogs.

### Which flowers are safe for cats and dogs?

Listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs, and checked by us entry by entry: rose, sunflower, gerbera daisy, orchids (cut), camellia, zinnia, celosia, snapdragon, china aster, alstroemeria. Non-toxic does not mean edible — eating a lot of any plant can still upset the stomach.

### If a flower is not on this list, is it safe?

Not necessarily. This list only covers flowers we have flagged; check the ASPCA list for the exact species or ask a vet.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Pet toxicity follows the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants list. [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/floral-design-styles/ -->

# Floral design styles compared

Key traits of the main Japanese, Chinese and European floral design styles, and the typical stem counts and number of materials for each.

| Style | Origin | Key traits | Stems and materials |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Ikenobo** | Japan | The oldest ikebana school, known for rikka and shoka. Three main lines (shin, soe, tai) in roughly 7:5:3 heights, held in a kenzan, with generous empty space and a strong sense of season. | at least 3 stems; no more than 30 stems |
| **Ohara** | Japan | Founded in the Meiji era and known for moribana: low, wide landscapes in a shallow suiban with visible water, and easy use of Western flowers. | no more than 35 stems |
| **Sogetsu** | Japan | A modern, avant-garde school: personal expression and sculptural forms, open to metal, glass and dried branches. | — |
| **Chinese literati style** | China | Poetic and restrained: plum, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum (the "four gentlemen"), pine-bamboo-plum, a single expressive branch over abundance. | ideally no more than 15 stems; at most 3 kinds of material |
| **Chinese zen style** | China | Zen minimalism: one flower can be a world. Dried branches, moss and stone, quiet earth tones and wide empty space. | ideally no more than 5 stems; no more than 10 stems; at most 2 kinds of material |
| **Biedermeier** | Europe | A classic round European design: concentric rings of tightly packed blooms with no gaps, used for bridal bouquets and formal events. | at least 10 stems; ideally 15+ stems; at most 3 focal flowers; needs foliage |
| **English garden style** | England | Loose and romantic, as if just picked from the garden: many varieties, natural irregular shapes, plenty of foliage and buds. | at least 3 kinds of material; needs foliage |

Stem ranges are the reference thresholds Floreboard uses in its design review, drawn from common practice in each style. They are guidance, not rules — each school has many forms, and teachers differ.

## FAQ

### What is the difference between Ikenobo, Ohara and Sogetsu?

Ikenobo is the oldest school, built on three main lines and empty space; Ohara is known for moribana landscapes in shallow containers; Sogetsu is modern and sculptural, centred on personal expression.

### How is Chinese flower arranging different from ikebana?

Chinese literati arranging leans on poetry and symbolism (plum, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum) and often a single branch; ikebana schools have more formal rules for structure and line proportions.

### When is a Biedermeier bouquet used?

Mostly for bridal bouquets and formal events: tightly packed concentric rings, usually 15 stems or more with a foliage collar.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/floristry-glossary/ -->

# Floristry glossary

31 floristry terms explained in plain language, each with its Chinese equivalent: design roles, ikebana vocabulary, mechanics, conditioning and pricing.

Anther 花药The pollen-bearing tip of the stamen. Florists remove lily anthers to stop pollen staining clothes.Bent neck 弯颈A rose head that droops just below the bloom, usually from an air block in the stem. Recut and stand deep in warm water.Biedermeier 比德迈尔A classic round European bouquet of tightly packed blooms in concentric rings, usually finished with a foliage collar.Botrytis 灰霉病A grey mould that spots and rots petals kept wet or crowded. Keep petals dry and give the flowers air.Conditioning 预处理（醒花）Preparing stems before arranging: recut, strip the lower leaves, and let them drink in clean water with flower food for a few hours in a cool place.Ethylene 乙烯A gas given off by ripening fruit, fading flowers and exhaust. It makes sensitive flowers drop petals and wilt early.Filler flower 配花（填充花）Small or clustered blooms that fill gaps and soften the transition between focal flowers and foliage.Floral foam 花泥A water-absorbing block that holds stems at any angle. Convenient, but single-use plastic; many designers now prefer reusable mechanics.Flower food 保鲜剂A sachet mix of sugar for energy, an acidifier that helps water uptake and a biocide that keeps bacteria down.Focal flower 主花（焦点花）The largest, most eye-catching blooms that set the theme of a design. Designers usually keep to three kinds or fewer.Foliage 叶材Leaves and greenery that frame a design, hide the mechanics and define its outline.Forcing 催花Bringing branches cut in bud into warmth so they flower early indoors — forsythia, plum, peach, cherry.Geotropism 向地性The tendency of spikes such as snapdragon and gladiolus to bend upward when laid flat — store them upright.Guard petals 保护瓣The tough outer petals of a rose that protected the bud. Bruised ones are peeled off; healthy ones can stay.Hand-tied bouquet 手扎花束A bouquet assembled in the hand and tied at one binding point, so it can stand in a vase without rearranging.Ikebana (kado) 花道（生け花）The Japanese art of arranging flowers, organised into schools such as Ikenobo, Ohara and Sogetsu, each with its own forms.Kenzan 剑山A heavy metal base studded with upright pins that holds stems in a shallow container.Line flower 线条花Tall spikes or branches that establish height, width and direction — delphinium, snapdragon, gladiolus.Ma (negative space) 留白（间）The deliberate empty space in East Asian arranging; what is left out matters as much as what is placed.Margin 利润率Profit divided by selling price. A 3× markup is a 67% margin on materials.Markup 加价倍率Selling price divided by cost. A 3× markup means a stem that costs 1 sells for 3.Mechanics 固定方式Whatever holds the stems in place: a kenzan, a grid of tape, chicken wire, foam, or the spiral of a hand-tied bouquet.Moribana 盛花The "piled-up flowers" style created by the Ohara school: a low, wide arrangement in a shallow container with visible water.Production sheet 制作稿The working document for making a design: recipe, container, mechanics, stem lengths and assembly order.Recipe 配方The exact list of stems, by kind and count, that goes into one design.Rikka 立花The oldest formal Ikenobo style: a tall, upright composition that represents a natural landscape.Shin, soe, tai 真、副、体The three main lines of a classical ikebana arrangement, traditionally in heights of roughly 7 : 5 : 3.Shoka 生花A simpler Ikenobo style built on three main lines — shin, soe and tai — rising from a single point.Spiral technique 螺旋花脚Laying each stem at the same angle around the binding point so the stems fan out like a spiral and the bouquet stands on its own.Suiban 水盘The shallow, wide container used for moribana.Vase life 水养寿命（瓶插期）How many days a cut stem stays presentable in water. It depends on variety, origin, and above all conditioning and clean water.

[Floral design styles compared](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/floral-design-styles/) · [Cut flower care and conditioning guide](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/cut-flower-care/) · [Flower arrangement checklist before delivery](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/arrangement-checklist/) · [How florists price arrangements: cost, markup and margin](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/florist-pricing-and-margin/)

## FAQ

### What does conditioning flowers mean?

Preparing stems before arranging: recut, strip the lower leaves, and let them drink in clean water with flower food for a few hours in a cool place.

### What is a kenzan in floristry?

A heavy metal base studded with upright pins that holds stems in a shallow container.

### What is a focal flower in floristry?

The largest, most eye-catching blooms that set the theme of a design. Designers usually keep to three kinds or fewer.

### What is ethylene and why does it matter for flowers?

A gas given off by ripening fruit, fading flowers and exhaust. It makes sensitive flowers drop petals and wilt early.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. [About our data](https://floreboard.com/en/about/)


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/spring/ -->

# Spring flowers in season

Cut flowers, branches and foliage in season in spring (Northern Hemisphere), with vase life, fragrance, pet safety and this season's holiday price surges.

**Spring** [Summer](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/summer/) · [Autumn](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/autumn/) · [Winter](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/winter/)

## Cut flowers in season

| Flower | Vase life | Fragrance | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/) | 4–7 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Chamomile](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chamomile/) | 5–7 days | Light | — |
| [Tree peony](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peony/) | 3–5 days | Light | mildly toxic |
| [Peony (herbaceous)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/herbaceous-peony/) | 5–7 days | Light | mildly toxic |
| [Iris](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/iris/) | 4–6 days | Light | mildly toxic |
| [Delphinium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/delphinium/) | 5–8 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Anemone](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anemone/) | 3–6 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Freesia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/freesia/) | 5–8 days | Strong | — |
| [Hyacinth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hyacinth/) | 5–7 days | Strong | mildly toxic |
| [Lily of the valley](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilyvalley/) | 4–7 days | Strong | ⚠ toxic to cats |
| [Stock (Matthiola)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/stock/) | 7–10 days | Strong | — |
| [Queen Anne's lace (Ammi)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/queenannes/) | 5–7 days | None | — |
| [Protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/protea/) | 10–14 days | None | — |
| [Waxflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waxflower/) | 10–14 days | Light | — |
| [Clematis](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/clematis/) | 4–6 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Lupin](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lupin/) | 5–7 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Snapdragon](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/snapdragon/) | 7–10 days | None | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Poppy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/poppy/) | 2–4 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Daisy (marguerite)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/daisy/) | 5–7 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Calendula](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calendula/) | 5–7 days | Light | — |
| [Cornflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cornflower/) | 5–7 days | None | — |
| [Ranunculus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ranunculus/) | 5–8 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Sweet pea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sweetpea/) | 4–7 days | Strong | mildly toxic |
| [Hellebore](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hellebore/) | 7–10 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Allium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/allium/) | 10–14 days | Light | mildly toxic |
| [Pincushion protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/leucospermum/) | 10–14 days | None | — |
| [Kangaroo paw](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/kangaroopaw/) | 10–14 days | None | — |
| [Grape hyacinth (Muscari)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/muscari/) | 4–7 days | Light | — |

## Branches and foliage in season

[Cherry blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cherry/) · [Peach blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peach/) · [Crabapple blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/crabapple/) · [Magnolia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/magnolia/) · [Wisteria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/wisteria/) · [Forsythia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/forsythia/) · [Willow](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/willow/) · [Pussy willow](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pussywillow/) · [Azalea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/azalea/) · [Spiraea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/spiraea/) · [Lilac](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilac/) · [Viburnum (snowball)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/viburnum/)

## Year-round staples

[Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) · [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) · [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) · [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/) · [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/) · [Baby's breath](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gypsophila/) · [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/) · [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/) · [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) · [Statice](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/statice/) · [Anthurium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anthurium/) · [Dendrobium orchid](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dendrobium/) · [Craspedia (billy buttons)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/craspedia/) · [Alstroemeria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/alstroemeria/) · [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/) · [Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ornithogalum/) · [Bouvardia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bouvardia/)

## What florists should know

- Short-lived — deliver the same or next day: [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/), [Tree peony](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peony/), [Iris](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/iris/), [Anemone](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anemone/), [Lily of the valley](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilyvalley/), [Clematis](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/clematis/), [Poppy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/poppy/), [Sweet pea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sweetpea/), [Grape hyacinth (Muscari)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/muscari/)

- Strongly scented — not for hospital visits, condolences or dining tables: [Freesia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/freesia/), [Hyacinth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hyacinth/), [Lily of the valley](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lilyvalley/), [Stock (Matthiola)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/stock/), [Sweet pea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sweetpea/)

## Holidays this season

- [Women's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/womens-day/) — Chinese mainland · 1.2–1.5× · 14 days ahead
- [White Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/white-day/) — Japan, Korea · 1.2–1.5× · 14 days ahead
- [Qingming](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/qingming/) — Chinese mainland · 1.5–2× · 14 days ahead
- [Mother's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/mothers-day/) — Chinese mainland, United States, Japan · 1.5–2.5× · 21 days ahead
- [Parents' Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/korean-parents-day/) — Korea · 1.5–2.5× · 21 days ahead
- [520 (May 20)](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/520/) — Chinese mainland · 1.5–2× · 14 days ahead

## FAQ

### What flowers are in season in spring?

Cut flowers: Tulip, Chamomile, Tree peony, Peony (herbaceous), Iris, Delphinium, Anemone, Freesia, Hyacinth, Lily of the valley, Stock (Matthiola), Queen Anne's lace (Ammi), Protea, Waxflower, Clematis, Lupin, Snapdragon, Poppy, Daisy (marguerite), Calendula, Cornflower, Ranunculus, Sweet pea, Hellebore, Allium, Pincushion protea, Kangaroo paw, Grape hyacinth (Muscari). Branches and foliage: Cherry blossom, Peach blossom, Crabapple blossom, Magnolia, Wisteria, Forsythia, Willow, Pussy willow, Azalea, Spiraea, Lilac, Viburnum (snowball).

### Which spring flowers last longest?

Among this season's cut flowers: Protea, Waxflower, Allium, Pincushion protea.

### Which spring flowers fade fastest?

Tulip, Tree peony, Iris, Anemone, Lily of the valley, Clematis, Poppy, Sweet pea, Grape hyacinth (Muscari) usually last only a few days; deliver them the same or next day and avoid making them far ahead.

### Which spring holidays push flower prices up?

Women's Day (rose, carnation, lily, typically 1.2–1.5×); White Day (rose, typically 1.2–1.5×); Qingming (chrysanthemum, lily, typically 1.5–2×); Mother's Day (carnation, lily, rose, typically 1.5–2.5×); Parents' Day (carnation, typically 1.5–2.5×); 520 (May 20) (rose, typically 1.5–2×).

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Seasons are for the Northern Hemisphere; "in season" means plentiful supply and steady quality — greenhouse and imported stems can be available at other times. Reference values from common trade practice. Real results vary with variety, origin and conditioning.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/summer/ -->

# Summer flowers in season

Cut flowers, branches and foliage in season in summer (Northern Hemisphere), with vase life, fragrance, pet safety and this season's holiday price surges.

[Spring](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/spring/) **Summer** [Autumn](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/autumn/) · [Winter](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/winter/)

## Cut flowers in season

| Flower | Vase life | Fragrance | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/) | 6–10 days | None | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Hydrangea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hydrangea/) | 5–7 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Chamomile](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chamomile/) | 5–7 days | Light | — |
| [Iris](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/iris/) | 4–6 days | Light | mildly toxic |
| [Delphinium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/delphinium/) | 5–8 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Globe amaranth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gomphrena/) | 10–14 days | None | — |
| [Gardenia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gardenia/) | 3–5 days | Strong | mildly toxic |
| [Jasmine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/jasmine/) | 3–5 days | Strong | — |
| [Lavender](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lavender/) | 7–10 days | Strong | mildly toxic |
| [Zinnia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/zinnia/) | 5–7 days | None | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Dahlia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dahlia/) | 4–6 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Celosia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/celosia/) | 7–10 days | None | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Lotus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lotus/) | 3–4 days | Light | — |
| [Water lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waterlily/) | 2–4 days | Light | — |
| [Queen Anne's lace (Ammi)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/queenannes/) | 5–7 days | None | — |
| [Clematis](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/clematis/) | 4–6 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Lupin](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lupin/) | 5–7 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Salvia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/salvia/) | 5–8 days | Light | — |
| [Daisy (marguerite)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/daisy/) | 5–7 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Cosmos](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cosmos/) | 5–7 days | None | — |
| [Calendula](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calendula/) | 5–7 days | Light | — |
| [Marigold](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/marigold/) | 7–10 days | Strong | — |
| [Cornflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cornflower/) | 5–7 days | None | — |
| [China aster](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/aster/) | 7–10 days | None | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Trachelium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/trachelium/) | 7–10 days | None | — |
| [Gladiolus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gladiolus/) | 7–10 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Scabiosa](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/scabiosa/) | 5–7 days | None | — |
| [Agapanthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/agapanthus/) | 7–10 days | None | — |
| [Allium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/allium/) | 10–14 days | Light | mildly toxic |
| [Astilbe](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/astilbe/) | 5–7 days | None | — |
| [Eryngium (sea holly)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/eryngium/) | 10–14 days | None | — |
| [Kangaroo paw](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/kangaroopaw/) | 10–14 days | None | — |
| [Tuberose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tuberose/) | 5–7 days | Strong | — |
| [Solidago (goldenrod)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/solidago/) | 7–10 days | None | — |
| [Veronica](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/veronica/) | 5–7 days | None | — |

## Branches and foliage in season

[Lotus pod](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lotuspod/) · [Wheat ears](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/wheat/)

## Year-round staples

[Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) · [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) · [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) · [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/) · [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/) · [Baby's breath](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gypsophila/) · [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/) · [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/) · [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) · [Statice](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/statice/) · [Anthurium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anthurium/) · [Dendrobium orchid](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dendrobium/) · [Craspedia (billy buttons)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/craspedia/) · [Alstroemeria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/alstroemeria/) · [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/) · [Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ornithogalum/) · [Bouvardia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bouvardia/)

## What florists should know

- Short-lived — deliver the same or next day: [Iris](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/iris/), [Gardenia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gardenia/), [Jasmine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/jasmine/), [Dahlia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dahlia/), [Lotus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lotus/), [Water lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waterlily/), [Clematis](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/clematis/)

- Strongly scented — not for hospital visits, condolences or dining tables: [Gardenia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gardenia/), [Jasmine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/jasmine/), [Lavender](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lavender/), [Marigold](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/marigold/), [Tuberose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tuberose/)

## Holidays this season

- [Qixi](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/qixi/) — Chinese mainland · 1.5–2.5× · 21 days ahead

## FAQ

### What flowers are in season in summer?

Cut flowers: Sunflower, Hydrangea, Chamomile, Iris, Delphinium, Globe amaranth, Gardenia, Jasmine, Lavender, Zinnia, Dahlia, Celosia, Lotus, Water lily, Queen Anne's lace (Ammi), Clematis, Lupin, Salvia, Daisy (marguerite), Cosmos, Calendula, Marigold, Cornflower, China aster, Trachelium, Gladiolus, Scabiosa, Agapanthus, Allium, Astilbe, Eryngium (sea holly), Kangaroo paw, Tuberose, Solidago (goldenrod), Veronica. Branches and foliage: Lotus pod, Wheat ears.

### Which summer flowers last longest?

Among this season's cut flowers: Globe amaranth, Allium, Eryngium (sea holly), Kangaroo paw.

### Which summer flowers fade fastest?

Iris, Gardenia, Jasmine, Dahlia, Lotus, Water lily, Clematis usually last only a few days; deliver them the same or next day and avoid making them far ahead.

### Which summer holidays push flower prices up?

Qixi (rose, typically 1.5–2.5×).

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Seasons are for the Northern Hemisphere; "in season" means plentiful supply and steady quality — greenhouse and imported stems can be available at other times. Reference values from common trade practice. Real results vary with variety, origin and conditioning.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/autumn/ -->

# Autumn flowers in season

Cut flowers, branches and foliage in season in autumn (Northern Hemisphere), with vase life, fragrance, pet safety and this season's holiday price surges.

[Spring](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/spring/) · [Summer](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/summer/) **Autumn** [Winter](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/winter/)

## Cut flowers in season

| Flower | Vase life | Fragrance | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/) | 10–14 days | Light | mildly toxic |
| [Globe amaranth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gomphrena/) | 10–14 days | None | — |
| [Zinnia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/zinnia/) | 5–7 days | None | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Dahlia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dahlia/) | 4–6 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Celosia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/celosia/) | 7–10 days | None | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Cosmos](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cosmos/) | 5–7 days | None | — |
| [Marigold](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/marigold/) | 7–10 days | Strong | — |
| [China aster](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/aster/) | 7–10 days | None | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Gladiolus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gladiolus/) | 7–10 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Solidago (goldenrod)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/solidago/) | 7–10 days | None | — |

## Branches and foliage in season

[Maple branches](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/maple/) · [Winterberry](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/redbean/) · [Osmanthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/osmanthus/) · [Lotus pod](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lotuspod/) · [Cotton stems](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/cotton/)

## Year-round staples

[Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) · [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) · [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) · [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/) · [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/) · [Baby's breath](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gypsophila/) · [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/) · [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/) · [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) · [Statice](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/statice/) · [Anthurium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anthurium/) · [Dendrobium orchid](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dendrobium/) · [Craspedia (billy buttons)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/craspedia/) · [Alstroemeria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/alstroemeria/) · [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/) · [Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ornithogalum/) · [Bouvardia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bouvardia/)

## What florists should know

- Short-lived — deliver the same or next day: [Dahlia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dahlia/)

- Strongly scented — not for hospital visits, condolences or dining tables: [Marigold](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/marigold/)

## Holidays this season

- [Teachers' Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/chinese-teachers-day/) — Chinese mainland · 1.2–1.5× · 14 days ahead

## FAQ

### What flowers are in season in autumn?

Cut flowers: Chrysanthemum, Globe amaranth, Zinnia, Dahlia, Celosia, Cosmos, Marigold, China aster, Gladiolus, Solidago (goldenrod). Branches and foliage: Maple branches, Winterberry, Osmanthus, Lotus pod, Cotton stems.

### Which autumn flowers last longest?

Among this season's cut flowers: Chrysanthemum, Globe amaranth, Celosia, Marigold.

### Which autumn flowers fade fastest?

Dahlia usually last only a few days; deliver them the same or next day and avoid making them far ahead.

### Which autumn holidays push flower prices up?

Teachers' Day (carnation, sunflower, typically 1.2–1.5×).

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Seasons are for the Northern Hemisphere; "in season" means plentiful supply and steady quality — greenhouse and imported stems can be available at other times. Reference values from common trade practice. Real results vary with variety, origin and conditioning.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/winter/ -->

# Winter flowers in season

Cut flowers, branches and foliage in season in winter (Northern Hemisphere), with vase life, fragrance, pet safety and this season's holiday price surges.

[Spring](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/spring/) · [Summer](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/summer/) · [Autumn](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/seasonal-flowers/autumn/) **Winter**

## Cut flowers in season

| Flower | Vase life | Fragrance | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/) | 4–7 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/) | 4–7 days | Strong | mildly toxic |
| [Camellia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/camellia/) | 3–5 days | None | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Anemone](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anemone/) | 3–6 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Freesia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/freesia/) | 5–8 days | Strong | — |
| [Hyacinth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hyacinth/) | 5–7 days | Strong | mildly toxic |
| [Stock (Matthiola)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/stock/) | 7–10 days | Strong | — |
| [Protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/protea/) | 10–14 days | None | — |
| [Waxflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/waxflower/) | 10–14 days | Light | — |
| [Ranunculus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ranunculus/) | 5–8 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Hellebore](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hellebore/) | 7–10 days | None | mildly toxic |
| [Pincushion protea](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/leucospermum/) | 10–14 days | None | — |

## Branches and foliage in season

[Plum blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/plum/) · [Winterberry](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/redbean/) · [Pussy willow](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pussywillow/) · [Red-twig dogwood](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dogwood/) · [Holly](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/holly/)

## Year-round staples

[Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) · [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) · [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) · [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/) · [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/) · [Baby's breath](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gypsophila/) · [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/) · [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/) · [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) · [Statice](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/statice/) · [Anthurium](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anthurium/) · [Dendrobium orchid](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dendrobium/) · [Craspedia (billy buttons)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/craspedia/) · [Alstroemeria](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/alstroemeria/) · [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/) · [Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/ornithogalum/) · [Bouvardia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bouvardia/)

## What florists should know

- Short-lived — deliver the same or next day: [Tulip](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/tulip/), [Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/), [Camellia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/camellia/), [Anemone](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/anemone/)

- Strongly scented — not for hospital visits, condolences or dining tables: [Narcissus (daffodil)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/narcissus/), [Freesia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/freesia/), [Hyacinth](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/hyacinth/), [Stock (Matthiola)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/stock/)

## Holidays this season

- [Valentine's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/valentines-day/) — Worldwide · 2–3× · 21 days ahead
- [Chinese New Year](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/chinese-new-year/) — Chinese mainland · 1.5–3× · 30 days ahead
- [Christmas](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/christmas/) — Worldwide · 1.2–1.6× · 30 days ahead

## FAQ

### What flowers are in season in winter?

Cut flowers: Tulip, Narcissus (daffodil), Camellia, Anemone, Freesia, Hyacinth, Stock (Matthiola), Protea, Waxflower, Ranunculus, Hellebore, Pincushion protea. Branches and foliage: Plum blossom, Winterberry, Pussy willow, Red-twig dogwood, Holly.

### Which winter flowers last longest?

Among this season's cut flowers: Protea, Waxflower, Pincushion protea, Stock (Matthiola).

### Which winter flowers fade fastest?

Tulip, Narcissus (daffodil), Camellia, Anemone usually last only a few days; deliver them the same or next day and avoid making them far ahead.

### Which winter holidays push flower prices up?

Valentine's Day (rose, typically 2–3×); Chinese New Year (orchids (cut), pussy willow, peach blossom, lily, bamboo, typically 1.5–3×); Christmas (pine, holly, typically 1.2–1.6×).

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Seasons are for the Northern Hemisphere; "in season" means plentiful supply and steady quality — greenhouse and imported stems can be available at other times. Reference values from common trade practice. Real results vary with variety, origin and conditioning.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/valentines-day/ -->

# Valentine's Day flowers: a florist's stocking guide

Before Valentine's Day (Worldwide), rose wholesale prices typically run 2–3× normal; stock up about 21 days ahead. Dates and order-by dates for 2026–2028.

- **Market:** Worldwide

- **Flowers affected:** [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/)

- **Typical price:** 2–3× normal wholesale

- **Stock up:** 21 days ahead

## Dates and order-by dates

| Year | Date | Start stocking by |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | 2026-02-14 | 2026-01-24 |
| 2027 | 2027-02-14 | 2027-01-24 |
| 2028 | 2028-02-14 | 2028-01-24 |

## How people buy for it

Red roses carry the day: a dozen in the West, and in China bouquets counted for their meaning, such as 11 or 99 stems. In Japan and Korea, 14 February is traditionally the day women give chocolate, and the return gift comes on White Day a month later. Because one flower takes nearly all the demand, it is also the holiday where offering an alternative protects your margin most.

## The flowers that surge

| Flower | Role | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | Focal flower | 5–7 days | Year-round | Light | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |

## What the surge does to material cost

If the affected flowers make up the share of a design's material cost shown below, a 2–3× surge raises the whole design's material cost by:

| Affected flowers as share of material cost | At 2× | At 3× |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | +40% | +80% |
| 60% | +60% | +120% |
| 80% | +80% | +160% |

[How florists price arrangements: cost, markup and margin](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/florist-pricing-and-margin/)

## Alternatives that are not priced up

Flowers with the same role that are available at this time of year and not on this holiday's surge list — the basis for a "holiday-proof" option:

| Instead of | Consider |
| --- | --- |
| [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) |

## What florists should know

- Rose lasts about 5–7 days: lock in prices early, but do not make up arrangements too far ahead.
- For Chinese, Japanese and Korean clients avoid 4 stems (it sounds like "death"); for Japanese clients also avoid 9.

## FAQ

### When is Valentine's Day in 2026, 2027, 2028?

2026: 2026-02-14; 2027: 2027-02-14; 2028: 2028-02-14 (Worldwide).

### Which flowers get more expensive before Valentine's Day, and by how much?

Rose wholesale prices typically run 2–3× normal.

### How far ahead should florists stock up for Valentine's Day?

About 21 days ahead — around 2026-01-24 for 2026 — and quote at holiday prices.

### What can florists offer instead of the flowers that surge before Valentine's Day?

Instead of rose: gerbera daisy, carnation, lily, calla lily.

## Other holidays for the same flowers

[Women's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/womens-day/) · [White Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/white-day/) · [Mother's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/mothers-day/) · [520 (May 20)](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/520/) · [Qixi](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/qixi/)

[Holiday flower price calendar](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holiday-flower-prices/)

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Surges are typical wholesale ranges for stocking and quoting; local markets vary.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/chinese-new-year/ -->

# Chinese New Year flowers: a florist's stocking guide

Before Chinese New Year (Chinese mainland), orchids (cut), pussy willow, peach blossom, lily, bamboo wholesale prices typically run 1.5–3× normal; stock up about 30 days ahead. Dates and order-by dates for 2026–2028.

- **Market:** Chinese mainland

- **Flowers affected:** [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/), [Pussy willow](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pussywillow/), [Peach blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peach/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Bamboo](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bamboo/)

- **Typical price:** 1.5–3× normal wholesale

- **Stock up:** 30 days ahead

## Dates and order-by dates

| Year | Date | Start stocking by |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | 2026-02-17 | 2026-01-18 |
| 2027 | 2027-02-06 | 2027-01-07 |
| 2028 | 2028-01-26 | 2027-12-27 |

## How people buy for it

New Year flowers are bought in the two weeks before New Year's Eve: potted and cut orchids, pussy willow (whose name sounds like "silver stays"), peach blossom in the south, bamboo and narcissus. Red and gold dominate, and white on its own is avoided. Wholesale markets close over the holiday, so the selling window ends on New Year's Eve.

## The flowers that surge

| Flower | Role | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/) | Focal flower | 10–21 days | Year-round | Light | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Pussy willow](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pussywillow/) | Branch | 14–30 days | Winter, Spring | None | — |
| [Peach blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peach/) | Branch | 5–10 days | Spring | Light | — |
| [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) | Focal flower | 7–10 days | Year-round | Strong | ⚠ toxic to cats |
| [Bamboo](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bamboo/) | Branch | 14–30 days | Year-round | None | — |

## What the surge does to material cost

If the affected flowers make up the share of a design's material cost shown below, a 1.5–3× surge raises the whole design's material cost by:

| Affected flowers as share of material cost | At 1.5× | At 3× |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | +20% | +80% |
| 60% | +30% | +120% |
| 80% | +40% | +160% |

[How florists price arrangements: cost, markup and margin](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/florist-pricing-and-margin/)

## Alternatives that are not priced up

Flowers with the same role that are available at this time of year and not on this holiday's surge list — the basis for a "holiday-proof" option:

| Instead of | Consider |
| --- | --- |
| [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/) | [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/), [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) |
| [Pussy willow](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pussywillow/) | [Pine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pine/), [Red-twig dogwood](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dogwood/), [Holly](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/holly/), [Plum blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/plum/) |
| [Peach blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/peach/) | [Pine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pine/) |
| [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) | [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/), [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/) |
| [Bamboo](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bamboo/) | [Pine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pine/), [Holly](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/holly/), [Red-twig dogwood](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dogwood/), [Plum blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/plum/) |

## What florists should know

- Peach blossom lasts about 5–10 days: lock in prices early, but do not make up arrangements too far ahead.
- Lily is highly toxic to cats — swap it for homes with cats.
- Lily pollen stains clothing — remove the anthers before delivery.
- For Chinese, Japanese and Korean clients avoid 4 stems (it sounds like "death"); for Japanese clients also avoid 9.

## FAQ

### When is Chinese New Year in 2026, 2027, 2028?

2026: 2026-02-17; 2027: 2027-02-06; 2028: 2028-01-26 (Chinese mainland).

### Which flowers get more expensive before Chinese New Year, and by how much?

Orchids (cut), Pussy willow, Peach blossom, Lily, Bamboo wholesale prices typically run 1.5–3× normal.

### How far ahead should florists stock up for Chinese New Year?

About 30 days ahead — around 2026-01-18 for 2026 — and quote at holiday prices.

### What can florists offer instead of the flowers that surge before Chinese New Year?

Instead of orchids (cut): carnation, lisianthus, heliconia, calla lily; Instead of pussy willow: pine, red-twig dogwood, holly, plum blossom; Instead of peach blossom: pine; Instead of lily: gerbera daisy, calla lily, rose, lisianthus; Instead of bamboo: pine, holly, red-twig dogwood, plum blossom.

## Other holidays for the same flowers

[Women's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/womens-day/) · [Qingming](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/qingming/) · [Mother's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/mothers-day/)

[Holiday flower price calendar](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holiday-flower-prices/)

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Surges are typical wholesale ranges for stocking and quoting; local markets vary.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/womens-day/ -->

# Women's Day flowers: a florist's stocking guide

Before Women's Day (Chinese mainland), rose, carnation, lily wholesale prices typically run 1.2–1.5× normal; stock up about 14 days ahead. Dates and order-by dates for 2026–2028.

- **Market:** Chinese mainland

- **Flowers affected:** [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/)

- **Typical price:** 1.2–1.5× normal wholesale

- **Stock up:** 14 days ahead

## Dates and order-by dates

| Year | Date | Start stocking by |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | 2026-03-08 | 2026-02-22 |
| 2027 | 2027-03-08 | 2027-02-22 |
| 2028 | 2028-03-08 | 2028-02-23 |

## How people buy for it

8 March is a gift-giving day in China, as it is in Russia and much of Eastern Europe: employers, partners and children give flowers. Orders skew to many small bouquets — roses, carnations and tulips — rather than a few large pieces.

## The flowers that surge

| Flower | Role | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | Focal flower | 5–7 days | Year-round | Light | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) | Focal flower | 10–14 days | Year-round | Light | mildly toxic |
| [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) | Focal flower | 7–10 days | Year-round | Strong | ⚠ toxic to cats |

## What the surge does to material cost

If the affected flowers make up the share of a design's material cost shown below, a 1.2–1.5× surge raises the whole design's material cost by:

| Affected flowers as share of material cost | At 1.2× | At 1.5× |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | +8% | +20% |
| 60% | +12% | +30% |
| 80% | +16% | +40% |

[How florists price arrangements: cost, markup and margin](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/florist-pricing-and-margin/)

## Alternatives that are not priced up

Flowers with the same role that are available at this time of year and not on this holiday's surge list — the basis for a "holiday-proof" option:

| Instead of | Consider |
| --- | --- |
| [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/), [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/), [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/) |
| [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) | [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/), [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/), [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) |
| [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) | [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/), [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/), [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/) |

## What florists should know

- Rose lasts about 5–7 days: lock in prices early, but do not make up arrangements too far ahead.
- Lily is highly toxic to cats — swap it for homes with cats.
- Lily pollen stains clothing — remove the anthers before delivery.
- For Chinese, Japanese and Korean clients avoid 4 stems (it sounds like "death"); for Japanese clients also avoid 9.

## FAQ

### When is Women's Day in 2026, 2027, 2028?

2026: 2026-03-08; 2027: 2027-03-08; 2028: 2028-03-08 (Chinese mainland).

### Which flowers get more expensive before Women's Day, and by how much?

Rose, Carnation, Lily wholesale prices typically run 1.2–1.5× normal.

### How far ahead should florists stock up for Women's Day?

About 14 days ahead — around 2026-02-22 for 2026 — and quote at holiday prices.

### What can florists offer instead of the flowers that surge before Women's Day?

Instead of rose: gerbera daisy, calla lily, lisianthus, orchids (cut); Instead of carnation: orchids (cut), heliconia, bird of paradise, calla lily; Instead of lily: gerbera daisy, calla lily, lisianthus, heliconia.

## Other holidays for the same flowers

[Valentine's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/valentines-day/) · [Chinese New Year](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/chinese-new-year/) · [White Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/white-day/) · [Qingming](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/qingming/) · [Mother's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/mothers-day/) · [Parents' Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/korean-parents-day/) · [520 (May 20)](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/520/) · [Qixi](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/qixi/) · [Teachers' Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/chinese-teachers-day/)

[Holiday flower price calendar](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holiday-flower-prices/)

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Surges are typical wholesale ranges for stocking and quoting; local markets vary.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/white-day/ -->

# White Day flowers: a florist's stocking guide

Before White Day (Japan, Korea), rose wholesale prices typically run 1.2–1.5× normal; stock up about 14 days ahead. Dates and order-by dates for 2026–2028.

- **Market:** Japan, Korea

- **Flowers affected:** [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/)

- **Typical price:** 1.2–1.5× normal wholesale

- **Stock up:** 14 days ahead

## Dates and order-by dates

| Year | Date | Start stocking by |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | 2026-03-14 | 2026-02-28 |
| 2027 | 2027-03-14 | 2027-02-28 |
| 2028 | 2028-03-14 | 2028-02-29 |

## How people buy for it

On 14 March in Japan and Korea, men return the gifts they received on Valentine's Day — traditionally sweets, increasingly flowers. It is smaller than Valentine's Day, with a correspondingly smaller rise in rose prices.

## The flowers that surge

| Flower | Role | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | Focal flower | 5–7 days | Year-round | Light | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |

## What the surge does to material cost

If the affected flowers make up the share of a design's material cost shown below, a 1.2–1.5× surge raises the whole design's material cost by:

| Affected flowers as share of material cost | At 1.2× | At 1.5× |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | +8% | +20% |
| 60% | +12% | +30% |
| 80% | +16% | +40% |

[How florists price arrangements: cost, markup and margin](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/florist-pricing-and-margin/)

## Alternatives that are not priced up

Flowers with the same role that are available at this time of year and not on this holiday's surge list — the basis for a "holiday-proof" option:

| Instead of | Consider |
| --- | --- |
| [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) |

## What florists should know

- Rose lasts about 5–7 days: lock in prices early, but do not make up arrangements too far ahead.
- For Chinese, Japanese and Korean clients avoid 4 stems (it sounds like "death"); for Japanese clients also avoid 9.

## FAQ

### When is White Day in 2026, 2027, 2028?

2026: 2026-03-14; 2027: 2027-03-14; 2028: 2028-03-14 (Japan, Korea).

### Which flowers get more expensive before White Day, and by how much?

Rose wholesale prices typically run 1.2–1.5× normal.

### How far ahead should florists stock up for White Day?

About 14 days ahead — around 2026-02-28 for 2026 — and quote at holiday prices.

### What can florists offer instead of the flowers that surge before White Day?

Instead of rose: gerbera daisy, carnation, lily, calla lily.

## Other holidays for the same flowers

[Valentine's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/valentines-day/) · [Women's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/womens-day/) · [Mother's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/mothers-day/) · [520 (May 20)](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/520/) · [Qixi](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/qixi/)

[Holiday flower price calendar](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holiday-flower-prices/)

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Surges are typical wholesale ranges for stocking and quoting; local markets vary.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/qingming/ -->

# Qingming flowers: a florist's stocking guide

Before Qingming (Chinese mainland), chrysanthemum, lily wholesale prices typically run 1.5–2× normal; stock up about 14 days ahead. Dates and order-by dates for 2026–2028.

- **Market:** Chinese mainland

- **Flowers affected:** [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/)

- **Typical price:** 1.5–2× normal wholesale

- **Stock up:** 14 days ahead

## Dates and order-by dates

| Year | Date | Start stocking by |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | 2026-04-05 | 2026-03-22 |
| 2027 | 2027-04-05 | 2027-03-22 |
| 2028 | 2028-04-04 | 2028-03-21 |

## How people buy for it

Tomb-sweeping day. Families visit graves with white and yellow chrysanthemums, white lilies and carnations in simple bunches and small baskets. Demand peaks over the weekend before and on the day itself.

## The flowers that surge

| Flower | Role | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/) | Focal flower | 10–14 days | Autumn | Light | mildly toxic |
| [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) | Focal flower | 7–10 days | Year-round | Strong | ⚠ toxic to cats |

## What the surge does to material cost

If the affected flowers make up the share of a design's material cost shown below, a 1.5–2× surge raises the whole design's material cost by:

| Affected flowers as share of material cost | At 1.5× | At 2× |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | +20% | +40% |
| 60% | +30% | +60% |
| 80% | +40% | +80% |

[How florists price arrangements: cost, markup and margin](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/florist-pricing-and-margin/)

## Alternatives that are not priced up

Flowers with the same role that are available at this time of year and not on this holiday's surge list — the basis for a "holiday-proof" option:

| Instead of | Consider |
| --- | --- |
| [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/) | [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/), [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/), [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) |
| [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) | [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/), [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/) |

## What florists should know

- Lily is highly toxic to cats — swap it for homes with cats.
- Lily pollen stains clothing — remove the anthers before delivery.
- Qingming is for tomb-sweeping: white and yellow chrysanthemums and white lilies in muted colours; avoid celebratory red.

## FAQ

### When is Qingming in 2026, 2027, 2028?

2026: 2026-04-05; 2027: 2027-04-05; 2028: 2028-04-04 (Chinese mainland).

### Which flowers get more expensive before Qingming, and by how much?

Chrysanthemum, Lily wholesale prices typically run 1.5–2× normal.

### How far ahead should florists stock up for Qingming?

About 14 days ahead — around 2026-03-22 for 2026 — and quote at holiday prices.

### What can florists offer instead of the flowers that surge before Qingming?

Instead of chrysanthemum: carnation, orchids (cut), heliconia, rose; Instead of lily: gerbera daisy, calla lily, rose, lisianthus.

## Other holidays for the same flowers

[Chinese New Year](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/chinese-new-year/) · [Women's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/womens-day/) · [Mother's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/mothers-day/)

[Holiday flower price calendar](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holiday-flower-prices/)

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Surges are typical wholesale ranges for stocking and quoting; local markets vary.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/mothers-day/ -->

# Mother's Day flowers: a florist's stocking guide

Before Mother's Day (Chinese mainland, United States, Japan), carnation, lily, rose wholesale prices typically run 1.5–2.5× normal; stock up about 21 days ahead. Dates and order-by dates for 2026–2028.

- **Market:** Chinese mainland, United States, Japan

- **Flowers affected:** [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/)

- **Typical price:** 1.5–2.5× normal wholesale

- **Stock up:** 21 days ahead

## Dates and order-by dates

| Year | Date | Start stocking by |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | 2026-05-10 | 2026-04-19 |
| 2027 | 2027-05-09 | 2027-04-18 |
| 2028 | 2028-05-14 | 2028-04-23 |

## How people buy for it

The second Sunday of May in the United States, China, Japan and many other countries (the UK's Mothering Sunday falls in March instead). Carnations are the emblem: pink and red for mothers who are living, while white traditionally honours a mother who has died. Roses, lilies and hydrangeas fill out mixed bouquets.

## The flowers that surge

| Flower | Role | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) | Focal flower | 10–14 days | Year-round | Light | mildly toxic |
| [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) | Focal flower | 7–10 days | Year-round | Strong | ⚠ toxic to cats |
| [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | Focal flower | 5–7 days | Year-round | Light | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |

## What the surge does to material cost

If the affected flowers make up the share of a design's material cost shown below, a 1.5–2.5× surge raises the whole design's material cost by:

| Affected flowers as share of material cost | At 1.5× | At 2.5× |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | +20% | +60% |
| 60% | +30% | +90% |
| 80% | +40% | +120% |

[How florists price arrangements: cost, markup and margin](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/florist-pricing-and-margin/)

## Alternatives that are not priced up

Flowers with the same role that are available at this time of year and not on this holiday's surge list — the basis for a "holiday-proof" option:

| Instead of | Consider |
| --- | --- |
| [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) | [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/), [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/), [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) |
| [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/) | [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/), [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/), [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/) |
| [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/), [Lisianthus](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lisianthus/), [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/) |

## What florists should know

- Lily is highly toxic to cats — swap it for homes with cats.
- Lily pollen stains clothing — remove the anthers before delivery.
- Rose lasts about 5–7 days: lock in prices early, but do not make up arrangements too far ahead.
- For Chinese, Japanese and Korean clients avoid 4 stems (it sounds like "death"); for Japanese clients also avoid 9.

## FAQ

### When is Mother's Day in 2026, 2027, 2028?

2026: 2026-05-10; 2027: 2027-05-09; 2028: 2028-05-14 (Chinese mainland, United States, Japan).

### Which flowers get more expensive before Mother's Day, and by how much?

Carnation, Lily, Rose wholesale prices typically run 1.5–2.5× normal.

### How far ahead should florists stock up for Mother's Day?

About 21 days ahead — around 2026-04-19 for 2026 — and quote at holiday prices.

### What can florists offer instead of the flowers that surge before Mother's Day?

Instead of carnation: orchids (cut), heliconia, bird of paradise, calla lily; Instead of lily: gerbera daisy, calla lily, lisianthus, heliconia; Instead of rose: gerbera daisy, calla lily, lisianthus, orchids (cut).

## Other holidays for the same flowers

[Valentine's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/valentines-day/) · [Chinese New Year](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/chinese-new-year/) · [Women's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/womens-day/) · [White Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/white-day/) · [Qingming](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/qingming/) · [Parents' Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/korean-parents-day/) · [520 (May 20)](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/520/) · [Qixi](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/qixi/) · [Teachers' Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/chinese-teachers-day/)

[Holiday flower price calendar](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holiday-flower-prices/)

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Surges are typical wholesale ranges for stocking and quoting; local markets vary.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/korean-parents-day/ -->

# Parents' Day flowers: a florist's stocking guide

Before Parents' Day (Korea), carnation wholesale prices typically run 1.5–2.5× normal; stock up about 21 days ahead. Dates and order-by dates for 2026–2028.

- **Market:** Korea

- **Flowers affected:** [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/)

- **Typical price:** 1.5–2.5× normal wholesale

- **Stock up:** 21 days ahead

## Dates and order-by dates

| Year | Date | Start stocking by |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | 2026-05-08 | 2026-04-17 |
| 2027 | 2027-05-08 | 2027-04-17 |
| 2028 | 2028-05-08 | 2028-04-17 |

## How people buy for it

On 8 May in Korea, children pin a red carnation to their parents' chests or give carnation baskets and corsages. Demand is almost entirely carnations, in red and pink.

## The flowers that surge

| Flower | Role | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) | Focal flower | 10–14 days | Year-round | Light | mildly toxic |

## What the surge does to material cost

If the affected flowers make up the share of a design's material cost shown below, a 1.5–2.5× surge raises the whole design's material cost by:

| Affected flowers as share of material cost | At 1.5× | At 2.5× |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | +20% | +60% |
| 60% | +30% | +90% |
| 80% | +40% | +120% |

[How florists price arrangements: cost, markup and margin](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/florist-pricing-and-margin/)

## Alternatives that are not priced up

Flowers with the same role that are available at this time of year and not on this holiday's surge list — the basis for a "holiday-proof" option:

| Instead of | Consider |
| --- | --- |
| [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) | [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/), [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/), [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Bird of paradise](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/strelitzia/) |

## What florists should know

- For Chinese, Japanese and Korean clients avoid 4 stems (it sounds like "death"); for Japanese clients also avoid 9.

## FAQ

### When is Parents' Day in 2026, 2027, 2028?

2026: 2026-05-08; 2027: 2027-05-08; 2028: 2028-05-08 (Korea).

### Which flowers get more expensive before Parents' Day, and by how much?

Carnation wholesale prices typically run 1.5–2.5× normal.

### How far ahead should florists stock up for Parents' Day?

About 21 days ahead — around 2026-04-17 for 2026 — and quote at holiday prices.

### What can florists offer instead of the flowers that surge before Parents' Day?

Instead of carnation: orchids (cut), heliconia, rose, bird of paradise.

## Other holidays for the same flowers

[Women's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/womens-day/) · [Mother's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/mothers-day/) · [Teachers' Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/chinese-teachers-day/)

[Holiday flower price calendar](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holiday-flower-prices/)

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Surges are typical wholesale ranges for stocking and quoting; local markets vary.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/520/ -->

# 520 (May 20) flowers: a florist's stocking guide

Before 520 (May 20) (Chinese mainland), rose wholesale prices typically run 1.5–2× normal; stock up about 14 days ahead. Dates and order-by dates for 2026–2028.

- **Market:** Chinese mainland

- **Flowers affected:** [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/)

- **Typical price:** 1.5–2× normal wholesale

- **Stock up:** 14 days ahead

## Dates and order-by dates

| Year | Date | Start stocking by |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | 2026-05-20 | 2026-05-06 |
| 2027 | 2027-05-20 | 2027-05-06 |
| 2028 | 2028-05-20 | 2028-05-06 |

## How people buy for it

"520" sounds like "I love you" in Mandarin, which has turned 20 May into an internet-born Valentine's Day in China; the 21st extends it. Roses in meaningful numbers dominate, as they do at Qixi and on 14 February.

## The flowers that surge

| Flower | Role | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | Focal flower | 5–7 days | Year-round | Light | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |

## What the surge does to material cost

If the affected flowers make up the share of a design's material cost shown below, a 1.5–2× surge raises the whole design's material cost by:

| Affected flowers as share of material cost | At 1.5× | At 2× |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | +20% | +40% |
| 60% | +30% | +60% |
| 80% | +40% | +80% |

[How florists price arrangements: cost, markup and margin](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/florist-pricing-and-margin/)

## Alternatives that are not priced up

Flowers with the same role that are available at this time of year and not on this holiday's surge list — the basis for a "holiday-proof" option:

| Instead of | Consider |
| --- | --- |
| [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) |

## What florists should know

- Rose lasts about 5–7 days: lock in prices early, but do not make up arrangements too far ahead.
- For Chinese, Japanese and Korean clients avoid 4 stems (it sounds like "death"); for Japanese clients also avoid 9.

## FAQ

### When is 520 (May 20) in 2026, 2027, 2028?

2026: 2026-05-20; 2027: 2027-05-20; 2028: 2028-05-20 (Chinese mainland).

### Which flowers get more expensive before 520 (May 20), and by how much?

Rose wholesale prices typically run 1.5–2× normal.

### How far ahead should florists stock up for 520 (May 20)?

About 14 days ahead — around 2026-05-06 for 2026 — and quote at holiday prices.

### What can florists offer instead of the flowers that surge before 520 (May 20)?

Instead of rose: gerbera daisy, carnation, lily, calla lily.

## Other holidays for the same flowers

[Valentine's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/valentines-day/) · [Women's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/womens-day/) · [White Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/white-day/) · [Mother's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/mothers-day/) · [Qixi](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/qixi/)

[Holiday flower price calendar](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holiday-flower-prices/)

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Surges are typical wholesale ranges for stocking and quoting; local markets vary.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/qixi/ -->

# Qixi flowers: a florist's stocking guide

Before Qixi (Chinese mainland), rose wholesale prices typically run 1.5–2.5× normal; stock up about 21 days ahead. Dates and order-by dates for 2026–2028.

- **Market:** Chinese mainland

- **Flowers affected:** [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/)

- **Typical price:** 1.5–2.5× normal wholesale

- **Stock up:** 21 days ahead

## Dates and order-by dates

| Year | Date | Start stocking by |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | 2026-08-19 | 2026-07-29 |
| 2027 | 2027-08-08 | 2027-07-18 |
| 2028 | 2028-08-26 | 2028-08-05 |

## How people buy for it

The seventh day of the seventh lunar month, from the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, is China's traditional Valentine's Day. It falls in the August heat, when cut flowers travel and keep less well, so buy closer to the day and keep stock cool.

## The flowers that surge

| Flower | Role | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | Focal flower | 5–7 days | Year-round | Light | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |

## What the surge does to material cost

If the affected flowers make up the share of a design's material cost shown below, a 1.5–2.5× surge raises the whole design's material cost by:

| Affected flowers as share of material cost | At 1.5× | At 2.5× |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | +20% | +60% |
| 60% | +30% | +90% |
| 80% | +40% | +120% |

[How florists price arrangements: cost, markup and margin](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/florist-pricing-and-margin/)

## Alternatives that are not priced up

Flowers with the same role that are available at this time of year and not on this holiday's surge list — the basis for a "holiday-proof" option:

| Instead of | Consider |
| --- | --- |
| [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/) | [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/lily/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) |

## What florists should know

- Rose lasts about 5–7 days: lock in prices early, but do not make up arrangements too far ahead.
- For Chinese, Japanese and Korean clients avoid 4 stems (it sounds like "death"); for Japanese clients also avoid 9.

## FAQ

### When is Qixi in 2026, 2027, 2028?

2026: 2026-08-19; 2027: 2027-08-08; 2028: 2028-08-26 (Chinese mainland).

### Which flowers get more expensive before Qixi, and by how much?

Rose wholesale prices typically run 1.5–2.5× normal.

### How far ahead should florists stock up for Qixi?

About 21 days ahead — around 2026-07-29 for 2026 — and quote at holiday prices.

### What can florists offer instead of the flowers that surge before Qixi?

Instead of rose: gerbera daisy, carnation, lily, calla lily.

## Other holidays for the same flowers

[Valentine's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/valentines-day/) · [Women's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/womens-day/) · [White Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/white-day/) · [Mother's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/mothers-day/) · [520 (May 20)](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/520/)

[Holiday flower price calendar](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holiday-flower-prices/)

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Surges are typical wholesale ranges for stocking and quoting; local markets vary.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/chinese-teachers-day/ -->

# Teachers' Day flowers: a florist's stocking guide

Before Teachers' Day (Chinese mainland), carnation, sunflower wholesale prices typically run 1.2–1.5× normal; stock up about 14 days ahead. Dates and order-by dates for 2026–2028.

- **Market:** Chinese mainland

- **Flowers affected:** [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/), [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/)

- **Typical price:** 1.2–1.5× normal wholesale

- **Stock up:** 14 days ahead

## Dates and order-by dates

| Year | Date | Start stocking by |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | 2026-09-10 | 2026-08-27 |
| 2027 | 2027-09-10 | 2027-08-27 |
| 2028 | 2028-09-10 | 2028-08-27 |

## How people buy for it

10 September in mainland China. Students give single stems and small bouquets — carnations for gratitude, sunflowers for warmth — so demand is for many low-priced items rather than large pieces.

## The flowers that surge

| Flower | Role | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) | Focal flower | 10–14 days | Year-round | Light | mildly toxic |
| [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/) | Focal flower | 6–10 days | Summer | None | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |

## What the surge does to material cost

If the affected flowers make up the share of a design's material cost shown below, a 1.2–1.5× surge raises the whole design's material cost by:

| Affected flowers as share of material cost | At 1.2× | At 1.5× |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | +8% | +20% |
| 60% | +12% | +30% |
| 80% | +16% | +40% |

[How florists price arrangements: cost, markup and margin](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/florist-pricing-and-margin/)

## Alternatives that are not priced up

Flowers with the same role that are available at this time of year and not on this holiday's surge list — the basis for a "holiday-proof" option:

| Instead of | Consider |
| --- | --- |
| [Carnation](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/carnation/) | [Orchids (cut)](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/orchid/), [Heliconia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/heliconia/), [Rose](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/rose/), [Chrysanthemum](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/chrysanthemum/) |
| [Sunflower](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/sunflower/) | [Marigold](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/marigold/), [Gerbera daisy](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/gerbera/), [Celosia](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/celosia/), [Calla lily](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/calla/) |

## What florists should know

- For Chinese, Japanese and Korean clients avoid 4 stems (it sounds like "death"); for Japanese clients also avoid 9.

## FAQ

### When is Teachers' Day in 2026, 2027, 2028?

2026: 2026-09-10; 2027: 2027-09-10; 2028: 2028-09-10 (Chinese mainland).

### Which flowers get more expensive before Teachers' Day, and by how much?

Carnation, Sunflower wholesale prices typically run 1.2–1.5× normal.

### How far ahead should florists stock up for Teachers' Day?

About 14 days ahead — around 2026-08-27 for 2026 — and quote at holiday prices.

### What can florists offer instead of the flowers that surge before Teachers' Day?

Instead of carnation: orchids (cut), heliconia, rose, chrysanthemum; Instead of sunflower: marigold, gerbera daisy, celosia, calla lily.

## Other holidays for the same flowers

[Women's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/womens-day/) · [Mother's Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/mothers-day/) · [Parents' Day](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/korean-parents-day/)

[Holiday flower price calendar](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holiday-flower-prices/)

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Surges are typical wholesale ranges for stocking and quoting; local markets vary.


---

<!-- https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holidays/christmas/ -->

# Christmas flowers: a florist's stocking guide

Before Christmas (Worldwide), pine, holly wholesale prices typically run 1.2–1.6× normal; stock up about 30 days ahead. Dates and order-by dates for 2026–2028.

- **Market:** Worldwide

- **Flowers affected:** [Pine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pine/), [Holly](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/holly/)

- **Typical price:** 1.2–1.6× normal wholesale

- **Stock up:** 30 days ahead

## Dates and order-by dates

| Year | Date | Start stocking by |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | 2026-12-25 | 2026-11-25 |
| 2027 | 2027-12-25 | 2027-11-25 |
| 2028 | 2028-12-25 | 2028-11-25 |

## How people buy for it

Evergreens, holly and berries go into wreaths, garlands and table pieces in red, green, white and gold. Wreath-making starts in late November for Advent, so greens are needed well before the day itself.

## The flowers that surge

| Flower | Role | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Pine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pine/) | Branch | 14–30 days | Year-round | Light | — |
| [Holly](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/holly/) | Branch | 14–30 days | Winter | None | mildly toxic |

## What the surge does to material cost

If the affected flowers make up the share of a design's material cost shown below, a 1.2–1.6× surge raises the whole design's material cost by:

| Affected flowers as share of material cost | At 1.2× | At 1.6× |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 40% | +8% | +24% |
| 60% | +12% | +36% |
| 80% | +16% | +48% |

[How florists price arrangements: cost, markup and margin](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/florist-pricing-and-margin/)

## Alternatives that are not priced up

Flowers with the same role that are available at this time of year and not on this holiday's surge list — the basis for a "holiday-proof" option:

| Instead of | Consider |
| --- | --- |
| [Pine](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pine/) | [Bamboo](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bamboo/), [Pussy willow](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pussywillow/), [Red-twig dogwood](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dogwood/), [Plum blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/plum/) |
| [Holly](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/holly/) | [Bamboo](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/bamboo/), [Red-twig dogwood](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/dogwood/), [Pussy willow](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/pussywillow/), [Plum blossom](https://floreboard.com/en/flowers/plum/) |

## FAQ

### When is Christmas in 2026, 2027, 2028?

2026: 2026-12-25; 2027: 2027-12-25; 2028: 2028-12-25 (Worldwide).

### Which flowers get more expensive before Christmas, and by how much?

Pine, Holly wholesale prices typically run 1.2–1.6× normal.

### How far ahead should florists stock up for Christmas?

About 30 days ahead — around 2026-11-25 for 2026 — and quote at holiday prices.

### What can florists offer instead of the flowers that surge before Christmas?

Instead of pine: bamboo, pussy willow, red-twig dogwood, plum blossom; Instead of holly: bamboo, red-twig dogwood, pussy willow, plum blossom.

[Holiday flower price calendar](https://floreboard.com/en/guides/holiday-flower-prices/)

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Surges are typical wholesale ranges for stocking and quoting; local markets vary.