You don’t need to be a florist to know your flowers, but it does make you sound clever at dinner parties. This guide is your behind-the-scenes pass into the flower world: which ones last the longest, which ones secretly hog the spotlight & which ones should stay far away from your pet’s snack list.

1. Amaranthus

Vase Life: 5–7 days fresh, and it also dries beautifully for long-lasting décor.

Colour Range: Deep reds, burgundies, greens, and sometimes golden or cream tones.

Best Occasion: Perfect for rustic, boho arrangements, festive décor, and dramatic center pieces.

Pet & Safety Notes: Generally non-toxic & considered safe for pets.

Amaranth is a striking, tassel-like flower known for its cascading, rope-like blooms that add dramatic texture to arrangements. It’s often associated with immortality and enduring beauty, as its name comes from the Greek word meaning “unfading.”

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2. Asiatic Lily

Vase Life: 7–10 days (blooms open gradually, so they stay interesting all week!)

Colour Range: Fiery oranges, sunny yellows, blush pinks, snow whites, and deep reds

Best Occasion: Brightening up birthdays, get-well bouquets, or any “just because” moment

Pet & Safety Notes: Toxic to cats, even a little pollen or leaf nibble can be harmful. Dogs are less sensitive, but keep out of reach just to be safe.

Originating in East Asia, Asiatic lilies are colorful, early-blooming relatives of the Oriental lily. Unlike Orientals, they are usually unscented but produce more varied color patterns.

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3. Aster

Vase Life: 5–8 days; they’re hardy but appreciate fresh water daily.

Colour Range: White, pink, purple, blue, delicate, daisy-like blooms.

Best Occasion: Sweet, nostalgic gestures; perfect for birthdays or friendship bouquets.

Pet & Safety Notes: Non-toxic to pets.

Cheerful, daisy-like blooms that usually appear in late summer. Native to Europe and Asia, their name comes from the Greek word for "star,”. Popular in late summer, asters were once burned in ancient times to ward off snakes (no idea if it worked, but worth knowing).

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4. Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily)

Vase Life: 7–14 days (one of the longest-lasting cut flowers)

Colour Range: Pastels to bold jewel tones, often with freckled petals.

Best Occasion: “Just because” flowers, they keep giving for weeks.

Pet & Safety Notes: Non-toxic to pets, though ingestion can still upset tummies

Native to South America, alstroemeria is known as the "friendship flower." They look delicate but are surprisingly tough, lasting long in arrangements. Its simple beauty and long-lasting trumpet-flute petals make it one of the more popular florist flowers. For allergy sufferers, this variant of the flower is ideal due to the complete lack of scent.

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5. Anthurium

Vase Life: 14–28 days (yes, almost a month!).

Colour Range: Reds, whites, pinks, greens, with their glossy, sculptural look.

Best Occasion: Minimalist spaces, tropical vibes, or luxury gifting.

Pet & Safety Notes: Mildly toxic, can cause irritation if chewed

Known as the “flamingo flower,” Anthuriums are tropical and exotic. They’ve been used as ornamental houseplants since the 19th century and are known for their glossy red spathes.

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6. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

Vase Life: 7–14 days with fresh water and sunlight.

Colour Range: Vibrant orange, blue, and green, like a tropical bird in bloom.

Best Occasion: Statement gifting, housewarmings, or tropical-themed parties.

Pet & Safety Notes: Mildly toxic if ingested, best kept on higher shelves.

Native to South Africa, this striking flower is named for its resemblance to a tropical bird in flight. Botanically, it’s remarkable for its complex pollination mechanism: the horizontal orange “beak” holds nectar, and visiting birds trigger pollen release onto their feet. Introduced to Europe in the 18th century, it fascinated botanists with its unusual structure and vivid colors.

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7. Calimero Daisy

Vase Life: 10–14 days (super long-lasting)

Colour Range: White, yellow, green, pink, tiny, cheerful pompom blooms.

Best Occasion: Daily joy, perfect for desks, bedside tables, and casual gifting.

Pet & Safety Notes: Non-toxic, safe for most households.

This daisy variety is named after its compact, tidy petals resembling the 1960s cartoon character “Calimero.” Though small, it’s genetically robust, with each flower capable of producing hundreds of seeds. Its ability to bloom in slightly cooler indoor temperatures makes it surprisingly easy to keep fresh in a vase.

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8. Carnation

Vase Life: 7–14 days, one of the longest-lasting cut flowers.

Colour Range: Reds, pinks, whites, yellows, purples & even dual shades.

Best Occasion: Versatile, from romantic to festive, they suit almost any occasion.

Pet & Safety Notes: Mildly toxic; avoid letting pets chew.

Cultivated for over 2,000 years, carnations were worn in ancient Greek ceremonies and are still one of the most used cut flowers globally. They were the first flowers ever cloned in a lab (in 1980s Japan).

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9. Chrysanthemum (Mums)

Vase Life: 10–14 days (champions of longevity)

Colour Range: White, yellow, orange, red, purple, green, every colour imaginable.

Best Occasion: Festivals, Diwali décor, and hearty bouquets.

Pet & Safety Notes: Toxic to cats and dogs, avoid pet access.

Originating in China, chrysanthemums symbolize longevity and joy in Asia, but in parts of Europe, they’re linked to funerals. So, a bouquet of mums can mean "Happy Birthday!" or "Condolences," depending on geography.

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10. Cockscomb (Murga Daisy)

Vase Life: 5–7 days, and they dry beautifully.

Colour Range: Vivid reds, yellows, oranges, pinks, with velvety, brain-like blooms. 

Best Occasion: Quirky, bold arrangements or festive gifting.

Pet & Safety Notes: Non-toxic and generally safe.

Here “murga” literally means rooster, look at the crested, brainy bloom and you’ll see why. Celosia’s crested forms (cristata) have been grown across Asia and the tropics for centuries as ornamentals; young leaves and stems are also edible in some regions.

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11. Daisy

Vase Life: 7–10 days; hardy and low maintenance.

Colour Range: Classic white with yellow centres, but also pink, red, and lavender.

Best Occasion: Friendship bouquets, casual décor, and feel-good gifting.

Pet & Safety Notes: Mildly toxic, can cause stomach upset in pets.

Daisies are native to Europe and Asia, but they can be found in almost every continent (besides Antarctica). The common name daisy originates from the Old English phrase ‘Daes eage', which means ‘day's eye.' This name came about because daisies close during the night, and then reopen in the morning.

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12. Delphinium

Vase Life: 4–8 days

Colour Range: Sky blue, deep indigo, purple, white

Best Occasion: Elegant, tall arrangements or formal events.

Pet & Safety Notes: Toxic, keep away from pets and children.

The delphinium is native to the Northern Hemisphere, thriving in the cool and moist climate of the African tropics. With a commanding presence and vibrant colouring, it is easily identified by its long green stalk and abundance of single or double flower stems. According to Greek mythology, the Delphinium flower is said to have blossomed from the blood of the Greek god and Trojan war hero Aias.

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13. Eucalyptus

Vase Life: 14–21 days fresh (and then dries beautifully).

Colour Range: Silvery-green, blue-green foliage.

Best Occasion: Minimalist arrangements, or as a filler.

Pet & Safety Notes: Toxic to pets if chewed.

Native to Australia, the eucalyptus plant adds dimension and a burst of greenery to bouquets, flower arrangements, and table decor. With several health benefits, many people hang fresh eucalyptus in their shower - helping to reduce anxiety and ease congestion

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14. Gerbera Daisy

Vase Life: 5–10 days; keep stems supported in water to avoid drooping.

Colour Range: Almost every bright, happy colour.

Best Occasion: Birthdays, congratulations, or any “cheer up” moment.

Pet & Safety Notes: Non-toxic and safe.

The gerbera daisy is also commonly known as the African daisy due to this flower blooming in South Africa. However, whilst it is native to Africa, the plant has since been introduced into Asia and Latin America. They were first described in 1889 by Joseph Dalton Hooker for Curtis' Botanical Magazine

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15. Gladiolus

Vase Life: 7–10 days; blooms open successively from bottom to top.

Colour Range: Rainbow of colours, white, pink, red, yellow, purple, orange.

Best Occasion: Tall, dramatic arrangements and festive celebrations.

Pet & Safety Notes: Mildly toxic, avoid pet nibbling.

Among the top best-selling florist flowers worldwide, it's fair to say that we are big fans of the gorgeous gladiolus. As a cheerful and versatile flower, its uplifting presence elevates any arrangement. In the Victorian language of flowers, the sword-like gladiolus is symbolic of ‘piercing' a lover's heart.

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16. Guldavari

Vase Life: 7–14 days

Colour Range: Yellows, whites, oranges, classic festive tones.

Best Occasion: Perfect for Diwali décor, temple offerings, and garlands.

Pet & Safety Notes: Toxic to cats and dogs, keep away.

Indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, guldavari is traditionally used in ceremonial garlands. Botanically, it belongs to a family of compact, high-flowering plants adapted to the seasonal monsoon cycles. Its resilience allows it to retain shape and color for several days after being cut, which is why it has been cultivated extensively for over a century in local nurseries.

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17. Heliconia

Vase Life: 10–14 days

Colour Range: Fiery reds, oranges, and yellows with green accents.

Best Occasion: Bold centrepieces, tropical weddings, exotic gifting

Pet & Safety Notes: Generally non-toxic, but best kept away from nibblers.

Native to Central and South America, heliconias are closely related to bananas. Their dramatic, claw-shaped bracts evolved to attract hummingbirds for pollination, and some species can grow over 3 meters tall in the wild. Their striking geometry fascinated 19th-century botanical explorers who brought them to European conservatories.

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18. Jasmine (Mogra/Chameli)

Vase Life: 3–5 days, delicate but powerfully fragrant.

Colour Range: Mostly white, sometimes yellow or pink.

Best Occasion: Romantic evenings, pujas, or fragrance-focused arrangements.

Pet & Safety Notes: Generally safe but avoid ingestion

Although difficult to pinpoint, the jasmine flower is believed to have originated in Iran. Star-like in appearance and widely recognised for its heavenly scent, the jasmine flower is immersed in myth and symbolism. Regarded as the epitome of beauty, romance, and femininity, the flower is often connected to the Greek goddess Aphrodite and the figure of Venus in Roman mythology.

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19. Lisianthus (Eustoma)

Vase Life: 10–14 days, delicate but surprisingly hardy.

Colour Range: Whites, pinks, purples, creams, often ruffled and rose-like.

Best Occasion: Weddings, elegant gifting, and soft romantic arrangements.

Pet & Safety Notes: Safe for pets.

Found in North American prairies, Lisianthus was historically overlooked due to its fragile stems. What makes these flowers more uncommon is the fact that they can take quite a while to grow - up to 20 months in some situations. However, being patient is its own reward, as these gorgeous bell-shaped flowers bloom in the following colours: purple, pink, blue and white.

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20. Lotus

Vase Life: 2–4 days, short but spectacular bloom life.

Colour Range: Pink, white, cream, sacred and serene

Best Occasion: Religious ceremonies, meditative spaces, and cultural décor.

Pet & Safety Notes: Safe for pets.

Native to Australia & Southern Asia, the lotus is a sacred flower in many religions and a source of artistic inspiration, this flower has been celebrated for centuries and frequently symbolises the Divine. A regular sight in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, the lotus was associated with rebirth, creativity, and the sun.

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21. Marigold (Genda)

Vase Life: 5–7 days fresh

Colour Range: Orange, yellow, saffron.

Best Occasion: Festivals, weddings, temple décor, the quintessential celebration flower.

Pet & Safety Notes: Non-toxic, but keep away from chewers (can cause mild irritation)

Widely used in India for festivals and weddings. Symbolizes creativity, passion, and positive energy. Known for vibrant orange and yellow hues.

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22. Nargis

Vase Life: 5–7 days

Colour Range: White petals with a golden-yellow centre, simple, elegant, unmistakable.

Best Occasion: Spring celebrations, festive gifting, and moments where you want a soft, nostalgic fragrance in the room.

Pet & Safety Notes: Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, keep out of reach.

Nargis is a delicate, early-spring bloom known for its pure white petals and cheerful yellow centre. With its soft, nostalgic fragrance and graceful, nodding heads, it’s often seen as a symbol of renewal, hope, and fresh beginnings.

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 23. Orchid

Vase Life: 7–21 days depending on variety

Colour Range: White, purple, yellow, pink, green, often spotted or striped. 

Best Occasion: Luxury gifting, anniversaries, and elegant décor.

Pet & Safety Notes: Safe for pets one of the few worry-free exotic flowers.

Orchids are of different types, classified by their growth patterns, flower shapes & longevity.

A. Mokara Orchid: Mokara orchids are a striking hybrid variety, celebrated for their bold, tropical personality. Their petals are often speckled or patterned, creating a playful, exotic look that instantly draws the eye

B. Dendrobium Orchid: Dendrobiums are the elegant, minimalist stars of the orchid family. They grow on slender, cane-like stems that carry multiple blooms, giving them a tall, graceful appearance. The flowers themselves are delicate and dainty, ideal for creating arrangements that feel airy and refined.

C. Cymbidium Orchid: Cymbidium orchids are the statement-makers, big, bold, and incredibly long-lasting. Their waxy, clustered blooms come in a variety of shades, from subtle pastels to dramatic, rich tones. Known for their impressive durability, cymbidiums can last up to three weeks in a vase with the right care

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24. Oriental Lily

Vase Life: 8–14 days with regular water changes and stem trims.

Colour Range: Mostly white, pink, and red, often fragrant and speckled.

Best Occasion: Romantic, formal, or sympathy arrangements, they’re the elegant choice. 

Pet & Safety Notes: Highly toxic to cats, even pollen is dangerous.

Originally from East Asia, Oriental lilies are known for their explosive fragrance and large, bold blooms. Fun fact: the scent is so strong it can overpower a room, making them the “drama queens” of the lily family.

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25. Pom-Pom Daisy

Vase Life: 10-14 days with good care

Colour Range: Found in white, yellow, green, pink, purple & dual shades

Best Occasion: Great for brightening everyday spaces because they last so long

Pet & Safety Notes: Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if eaten

Pom pom daisies are a type of chrysanthemum, bred for their neat, globe-shaped flower heads that look like tiny cheerleader pom poms (hence the name). Native to Asia, chrysanthemums have been cultivated for over 3,000 years, first recorded in ancient Chinese medicinal texts.

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26. Rose (Gulab)

Vase Life: 5–10 days depending on variety and care.

Colour Range: Every colour except true blue or black (though there are near-black hybrids).

Best Occasion: Universally perfect, romance, gratitude, sympathy, or “just because.”

Pet & Safety Notes: Non-toxic, just watch out for thorns.

Perhaps the most iconic flower, roses have been cultivated for over 5,000 years, making its origin difficult to pinpoint. However, most species of rose are thought to grow in Asia. They are a familiar sight, with their characteristic scent and beautiful flower petals. It is estimated that the oldest living rose is 1,000 years old! Hildesheim Cathedral in Germany has it mounted on its wall.

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27. Spray Carnation

Vase Life: 10–14 days, one of the longest-lasting cut flowers if water is refreshed regularly.

Colour Range: White, pink, red, yellow, orange, purple, & dual shade, often with ruffled edges.

Best Occasion: Great for everyday gifting, mixed bouquets, and cheerful filler flowers.

Pet & Safety Notes: Mildly toxic to cats and dogs

Spray carnations (also called mini carnations) grow with multiple smaller blooms on each stem, making them perfect for adding fullness and colour variety to arrangements. They’re hardy, long-lasting, and available year-round.

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28. Sunflower (Helianthus)

Vase Life: 5–7 days, change water frequently for happiest blooms.

Colour Range: Yellow with brown centres, sometimes orange or red-toned.

Best Occasion: Cheer-up bouquets, summer décor, or rustic celebrations.

Pet & Safety Notes: Safe for pets.

Native to the Americas, nothing brightens someone's day more than a sunflower. With its gorgeous, brilliant height and petals and the way it seems to radiate light, it's no wonder that this flower is so beloved.

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29. Tuberose (Rajnigandha)

Vase Life: 5-7 days

Colour Range: Pure white is the most common (and iconic), but some cultivars have soft cream or blush tones.

Best Occasion: Perfect for evening events, dinner parties, or any occasion where fragrance plays a role.

Pet & Safety Notes: Mildly toxic to pets if ingested (can cause stomach upset).

Native to Mexico, the tuberose is known for its intense perfume and delicate star-shaped blooms. It is is characterised by a tall stalk with clusters of waxy flowers that bloom at night, with single and double-flowering types. Victorians believed that the bewitching scent of the tuberose was overwhelmingly erotic and young women and girls were forbidden from visiting a tuberose field (A forbidden flower!)

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And then there are the head-turners, the flowers you don’t see every day, the ones that make arrangements feel a little more special, a little more unexpected. These are the ones we reach for when we want an arrangement to feel just a little bit extra.

1. Agapanthus

Vase Life: Approximately 2 weeks

Colour Range: Blue, lavender and white

Best Occasion: As agapanthuses are symbols of love, they're flowers best suited for Valentine's Dayor as anniversary presents

Pet & Safety Notes: Generally non-toxic, but avoid letting pets chew stems (mild stomach upset possible)

The agapanthus is a flower sometimes known as the ‘Lily of the Nile' or ‘The African Lily', which is native to South Africa. These beautiful plants bloom in the summertime and have big blue flowers, which are dazzling to behold. They also come in lavender and white varieties, although the blue variations are most common

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2. Babies Breath (Gypsophila)

Vase Life: 5–7 days fresh (but dries beautifully).

Colour Range: Classic white, sometimes blush pink or dyed.

Best Occasion: Weddings, baby showers, or whimsical fillers.

Pet & Safety Notes: Mildly toxic; keep away from curious cats.

Gypsophila, or Baby’s Breath, has a long history in European floral traditions. Its delicate, cloud-like clusters are deceptively resilient, which is perhaps why florists love it: it fills arrangements without overwhelming them.  A treat for the eyes and the taste buds - Gypsophila is used in many cuisines as an edible garnish on desserts and herbal cheese

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3. Calla Lily

Vase Life: 7–10 days; keep water level just covering the stems.

Colour Range: Elegant whites, deep purples, oranges, pinks, and more.

Best Occasion: Weddings, anniversaries, and elegant décor.

Pet & Safety Notes: Toxic to pets if chewed.

The calla lily originated in the wilds of South Africa & is known for its simplicity and elegance, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. The word 'calla' is derived from the Greek word for beautiful, and its association with Hera, the goddess of women, marriage and childbirth, makes this flower a favourable symbol for many brides-to-be.

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4. Dahlia  

Vase Life: 4–6 days, short-lived but stunning.

Colour Range: Almost every colour except true blue.

Best Occasion: Show-stopping center pieces or luxe gifting. 

Pet & Safety Notes: Mildly toxic, best kept out of pet reach.

For a flower that embodies luxury, elegance, and beauty, look no further than the dahlia. The dahlia, with its distinctive blooms and vibrant colour, has long been a staple of floral arrangements. With over 100 varieties, dahlias are a versatile choice for any occasion.

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5. Daffodil (Narcissus)

Vase Life: 5–7 days; keep separate from other flowers (they secrete sap).

Colour Range: Sunshine yellow, white, cream.

Best Occasion: Springtime, fresh starts, and cheerful surprises.

Pet & Safety Notes: Toxic to pets if eaten.

They are native to Southern Europe and North Africa, finding a home within the Iberian Peninsula of the Western Mediterranean. There are several different types of daffodil available - ‘paperwhites', ‘narcissus' and ‘jonquils' - however, they're all part of the Narcissus genus. Daffodils are classed as perennials, meaning they can flower each year on their own, making them effortless to grow.

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6. Hydrangea

Vase Life: 5–9 days (longer if you rehydrate stems often).

Colour Range: Soft blues, pinks, whites, greens, and purples, colour may shift with soil pH.

Best Occasion: Bridal bouquets, baby showers, and luxe home décor.

Pet & Safety Notes: Toxic to pets if eaten.

It’s origins can be traced back to China and Japan, where it was originally used as a medicinal herb. With their big, beautiful blooms and classic colour palette, they're a classic choice for any bouquet. They come in a range of colours, including white, pink, blue, purple and red

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7. Lavendar

Vase Life: 5–7 days fresh, then dries beautifully.

Colour Range: Purple, blue, and soft lavender-grey tones.

Best Occasion: Relaxing, calming arrangements or rustic gifting.

Pet & Safety Notes: Non-toxic, but strong scent might deter pets.

Lavender is widely believed to have originated from the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and India. Although a colour often associated with royalty, its recognisable purple tone has been adopted by many as a symbol of calm and serenity. Popped under your pillow or added to your bath oil, lavender isn't just an ornamental plant and is commonly used for its refreshing fragrance and soothing properties.

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8. Peony

Vase Life: 5–7 days

Colour Range: Pinks, corals, whites, reds, with lush, ruffled petals.

Best Occasion: Romantic gestures, wedding season favourites, or “just because you deserve it.”

Pet & Safety Notes: Non-toxic but not meant for pet snacking.

Native to China and Europe, they have a delightfully fresh scent that fills your home with springtime freshness, but they also add a regal touch to any room. Their blooms, which tend to be on the larger side, come in a variety of colours and shades, from soft pink to deep red. They can also be found in white and purple hues, but the blush pink is perhaps the most popular with customers.

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9. Snapdragon

Vase Life: 5–10 days, blooms open from bottom up.

Colour Range: White, yellow, pink, red, purple, sometimes dual shade

Best Occasion: Playful, vertical arrangements or whimsical gifting.

Pet & Safety Notes: Non-toxic.

The ultimate symbol of grace and strength, the snapdragon is characterised by its slender stalk, snout-like shape and bright colouring. These short-lived perennial plants have a captivating bloom and an even more intriguing symbolism. With their unique appearance and delightful, fruity scent that intensifies at night, these flowers appear otherworldly.

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10. Tulip

Vase Life: 5–7 days; they keep growing even after cutting!

Colour Range: All spring tones, from pastels to brights.

Best Occasion: Springtime gifting, fresh starts, and minimal arrangements.

Pet & Safety Notes: Toxic to pets if eaten

The tulip was originally discovered in the mountains of Kazakhstan. With their symmetrical shape and striking shades, the tulip is loved by many around the world. This plant flowers in spring and is associated with rebirth and new beginnings. Although a universally popular plant, Holland has become closely associated with tulips - where each spring, the landscape is transformed into a rainbow of blossoming flowers.

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11. Waxflower

Vase Life: 7–10 days; sturdy and long-lasting

Colour Range: White, pink, purple, tiny, star-like blooms.

Best Occasion: Rustic, textural arrangements, fillers, and winter weddings

Pet & Safety Notes: Non-toxic and safe.

Native to Western Australia, its delicate blossoms and vibrant foliage are often used to enhance statement flowers. If you're not such a fan of the more intensely perfumed floral arrangements, then the waxflower is the bloom for you.

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That’s us done. Your flowers, however, still need you.
For all the care tips you need, our flower care guide is right here