Guides · United Kingdom
Spring flowers in the UK: what to choose from March to May
For a spring gift in the UK I would start with narcissi or tulips early in the season. In April you can also ask about ranunculus and in May compare peonies according to the week. Decide whether a particular flower or British-grown stems matter most. That priority will help you choose an alternative if your supplier’s crop is not ready yet.
March: start with narcissi or tulips
One Scilly supplier sends scented narcissi from October to April and British-grown tulips from February to April. These are examples from one supplier’s range. Ask what they can include for your date before confirming the order.
For a visit I would choose tulips in a colour they like. If you prefer scented narcissi consider where the flowers will go. A less fragrant bouquet may suit a dining table better. Mothering Sunday moves with Easter and can fall in March or April. Check the British date before arranging your gift.
April: compare tulip cups with layers of ranunculus petals
On the north-east Norfolk coast one flower farm makes April bouquets with tulips and ranunculus. Your bouquet does not have to be pastel. You can request a bold colour and keep that spring feel.
Tulips can suit you if you like cup-shaped flowers. I would choose ranunculus for layered petals and a more compact arrangement. Ask for a photo of the available flowers and the bouquet’s dimensions. A double tulip and a ranunculus flower will not necessarily provide the same volume.
May: check both the origin and the week for peonies
In Knapton in north Norfolk one farm offers its peonies from mid-May through June and early July. Do not assume that crop will be ready for an early-May gift. Another grower may have a different timetable.
If you want peonies for their full petals ask what can be prepared for your gift week. If British growing matters more leave the species open. You can keep your chosen pink or white and compare another flower if the peonies are not ready yet.
What seasonal means for your bouquet
A bouquet sold in the UK can contain both British-grown and imported stems. A nearby florist may also source from another area. The shop’s location does not tell you where the flowers were grown.
Ask about the origin of the flowers that matter to you and about substitutions. If British growing is your priority include the foliage in that request too. If a particular species matters most agree whether you would accept another origin. Local flowers will not necessarily cost less and their origin alone cannot promise a longer vase life.
Two orders for different dates
For March you could ask: “I would like a small yellow and white bouquet for Mothering Sunday, preferably British-grown. Tulips are my first choice but please suggest another flower if needed for that week. Include a container for a small table.” Add the delivery date and destination.
For a birthday in late May you could write: “I am looking for pink peonies for Saturday. Do you have British-grown ones for that date? If they are not ready yet I would rather keep the colour and gift size with another flower.” Ask for the full price and how the bouquet will arrive.
Which flowers to choose
Compare flowers to choose the format, colours and care that suit the occasion.
Tulip
Tulips can make a birthday or anniversary gift for someone who enjoys their shape. We also suggest them for Valentine’s Day when they prefer something other than roses. Ask for a bouquet if you want flowers to enjoy that day. Bulbs suit someone who would like to plant them and watch them grow.
Peony
Peonies can suit a birthday or anniversary gift for someone who likes flowers with plenty of petals. We also suggest them for Mother’s Day in Spain. Choose a full-flowered variety and ask whether it can be supplied for your gift date. Agreeing on an alternative gives you a fallback if peonies are unavailable.
Ranunculus
Ranunculus can suit someone who enjoys flowers with many layers of petals. For an anniversary you could order a small bouquet in their favourite colours and agree on its appearance on arrival. Look at the shape and opening stage of the available flowers before choosing. If you are bringing it to dinner, consider the container and the journey too.
Daffodil
Daffodils can accompany a spring birthday or a thank-you note. We suggest them for someone who enjoys their central corona and pale or yellow shades. Ask which variety can be supplied for the delivery date. The link with spring describes the plant rather than guaranteeing your florist’s stock.
Guides to help with your decision
Mother’s Day in the UK: Mothering Sunday and flowers
Mothering Sunday is the UK’s Mother’s Day, three weeks before Easter. Choose flowers for home and plan the handover around your gathering.
Easter in the UK: date, flowers and delivery
Easter Sunday falls on 28 March in 2027. Choose daffodils or tulips for a UK visit and arrange flowers to arrive before the meal.
How to care for a bouquet when it arrives
How to care for a bouquet on arrival and what to check if it looks limp. Water, stem cutting, flower food and different care needs within a mixed bouquet.
How to order flowers from a distance and plan delivery
How to send flowers from afar and choose the format, date and handover. Includes UK letterbox flowers and addresses and deliveries in other countries.
Winter bouquets in the UK: flowers for January and February
Compare Scilly narcissi, greenhouse tulips and dried flowers for a winter gift in the UK. Choose a bouquet by growing origin and format.
Frequently asked questions
Can I order British-grown peonies for March?
For March I would choose narcissi or tulips if British growing matters most. If you prefer peonies check the origin and availability of that particular offer before planning your gift.
Should I give a bouquet or buy a bucket of flowers to arrange?
For a gift that is ready to hand over I would choose a bouquet. A bucket of stems can work if you want to make the arrangement yourself. Check whether preparation, a container and care instructions are included and allow time to put it together.
Can I repeat a bouquet from a photo taken another spring?
Use the photo to explain colour and shape. Confirm what can be prepared for your date and which changes you would accept. A photo of a previous harvest does not reserve those species or the same stage of opening.
Sources and what they support
- Scilly Flowers · Flowers in season
Own range: Scilly scented narcissi October–April and British-grown tulips February–April; no guarantee for another shop or date.
- Flowers from the Farm · An April bouquet
A grower on the north-east Norfolk coast uses tulips and ranunculus in April. Local example, not a national stock calendar.
- English Peonies · Norfolk-grown peonies
Own Knapton, Norfolk peony offer from mid-May through June and early July. Not extrapolated to all growers.
- Flowers from the Farm · British flowers through the seasons
Examples of members’ spring tulips, narcissi and ranunculus; no uniform dates or availability in every shop.
How we put these guides together
We review dates, care and recommendations to help you plan each gift.
Spotted something we should review? Contact Agenda Floral.