Flower Guides

Everything you need to know about specific flowers — their meanings, varieties, care tips, and when to choose them.

14 articles

All articles Flower Guides The Art of Giving Seasonal Blooms Flowers at Home Love & Occasions

Close-up of deep red roses in soft natural light

The Language of Roses: What Every Colour Means

For centuries, roses have spoken a language all their own. A single stem can say what words struggle to capture — but only if you choose the right colour.

Rich arrangement of mixed garden flowers in soft warm light

Flower Guides7 min read

The Secret Language of Flowers: Your Bouquet Decoder

Every flower has something to say. Before you send a bouquet, discover what each stem silently communicates — and how to compose a message in petals.

Fresh carnation bouquet in a glass vase — one of the longest-lasting cut flowers

Flower Guides5 min read

10 Flowers That Last Longer Than a Week

Some flowers are gone in three days. Others stay beautiful for two weeks or more. Know the difference before you order — and make every bouquet count.

Bright sunflowers and cheerful daisies — both safe for households with pets

Flower Guides5 min read

Pet-Friendly Flowers: Safe Choices for Every Home

Many popular flowers are toxic to cats and dogs. Before you order your next bouquet, here's what to avoid — and what's perfectly safe to send.

Diverse floral arrangement mixing varieties from different global traditions

Flower Guides7 min read

Flowers Around the World: What Each Culture Sends and Why

A white flower means purity in the West and mourning in parts of Asia. A red envelope is good luck in China; a red rose is a declaration in Britain. Flowers speak many languages.

Close-up of vivid pink and white carnations with layered fringed petals

Flower Guides5 min read

Why Carnations Deserve a Second Chance

Carnations have been dismissed as cheap and cheerless for decades. That reputation is entirely undeserved. Here is the case for the most underrated flower in the world.

Vibrant arrangement of mixed tulips in pink, orange, and red tones

Flower Guides7 min read

The Complete Tulip Guide

From species tulips to dinner-plate parrot varieties, tulips are more varied and interesting than most people realise. Here is everything worth knowing.

Elegant white phalaenopsis orchid on a bright windowsill

Flower Guides6 min read

Orchids Demystified: How to Keep Them Alive and Reblooming

Orchids have a reputation for being difficult. That reputation is almost entirely wrong. Here is the straightforward truth about keeping orchids happy.

Lush bowl of blush pink peonies at full bloom

Flower Guides6 min read

The Peony Handbook

Peonies are the most beloved flower in Britain, and for good reason. Here is everything you need to know about buying, conditioning, and enjoying them at their finest.

Dried flower arrangement with pampas grass, bunny tails, and preserved roses in warm earthy tones

Flower Guides6 min read

Everything You Need to Know About Dried Flowers

Dried flowers have moved far beyond dusty Victorian arrangements. Today they offer a genuinely beautiful, long-lasting alternative to fresh flowers. Here is the complete guide.

Close-up of a mixed bouquet showing eucalyptus and gypsophila alongside pink roses

Flower Guides5 min read

Gypsophila, Eucalyptus, and the Fillers That Make a Bouquet

Filler flowers and foliage are the unsung heroes of any great arrangement. Here is what the best ones do, and how to use them with confidence.

British wildflower meadow with cornflowers, poppies, and ox-eye daisies in full summer bloom

Flower Guides7 min read

The British Wildflower Guide

Britain's native wildflowers are among the most beautiful in the world. Here is what grows where, when, and how to bring that wild quality into your home without leaving a hedgerow bare.

White oriental lilies with open blooms and prominent stamens

Flower Guides6 min read

Lilies: Varieties, Fragrance, Safety, and Style

Lilies are majestic, fragrant, and sometimes dangerous. Here is the complete guide to the different types, their scent levels, toxicity concerns, and how to use them well.

Tall sunflowers in a field against a bright blue sky

Flower Guides5 min read

The Complete Sunflower Guide

Sunflowers are the most reliably joyful flower in existence. Here is everything worth knowing about varieties, care, and how to use them beyond the obvious.