Guide to Popular Flower Varieties for Florists and Their Origins
1. Rose (Rosa)
Origin: Native to Asia, Europe, North America, and northwest Africa
Overview: The quintessential flower of romance, roses come in thousands of varieties and colors, each with its own symbolism (red for love, yellow for friendship, white for purity).
Use: Bouquets, centerpieces, corsages
2. Tulip (Tulipa)
Origin: Central Asia and Turkey, famously cultivated in the Netherlands
Overview: Tulips are beloved for their simple, elegant shape and vibrant spring colors. They symbolize perfect love and rebirth.
Use: Spring floral arrangements, garden displays
3. Orchid (Orchidaceae)
Origin: Tropical Asia, South America, and Australia
Overview: Orchids are exotic and elegant, often used to symbolize luxury, beauty, and strength. They come in a huge range of shapes and colors.
Use: High-end bouquets, corsages, decorative potted plants
4. Lily (Lilium)
Origin: Temperate Northern Hemisphere (Asia, Europe, North America)
Overview: Lilies are striking flowers often associated with purity and refined beauty. They feature prominently in wedding and sympathy arrangements.
Use: Weddings, sympathy flowers, bouquets
5. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum)
Origin: East Asia and northeastern Europe
Overview: In Asia, chrysanthemums symbolize longevity and rejuvenation, while in Europe they often represent honor and respect. They have a wide variety of shapes and colors.
Use: Bouquets, fall arrangements, memorial flowers
6. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera)
Origin: South Africa and Asia
Overview: Known for their bright, cheerful colors, gerberas symbolize innocence and purity. They’re perfect for vibrant, joyful arrangements.
Use: Cheerful bouquets, mixed floral arrangements
7. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Origin: North America
Overview: Sunflowers symbolize adoration, loyalty, and longevity. Their bold yellow petals bring warmth and energy to any floral design.
Use: Summer bouquets, rustic and country-style arrangements
8. Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
Origin: Mediterranean region
Overview: Carnations are hardy flowers symbolizing fascination and love. They are often used in boutonnieres, corsages, and mass floral arrangements.
Use: Wedding flowers, corsages, mass arrangements
9. Hydrangea (Hydrangea)
Origin: Asia and the Americas
Overview: Hydrangeas have large, lush blooms and symbolize gratitude and heartfelt emotions. They are popular for their volume and texture.
Use: Wedding bouquets, centerpieces, large displays
10. Peony (Paeonia)
Origin: Asia, Europe, and western North America
Overview: Peonies are lush and fragrant flowers symbolizing prosperity, romance, and honor. Highly prized in weddings.
Use: Bridal bouquets, romantic arrangements
