The flowers we work with, and what each one says

Short answer: roses, sunflowers and gypsophila last longest in a vase; lilies, tulips and peonies last the shortest but make the strongest impression. Knowing the difference helps you match the flower to both the occasion and the room.

The main flowers

Roses

The most requested flower, and the clearest in meaning. They hold their shape and last well in water. Red reads as love, white and ivory as purity and respect, peach and pink as gratitude and affection.

Browse rose bouquets.

Lilies

One tall stem carries several buds that open in turn, so the arrangement renews itself over several days. Oriental and stargazer lilies are strongly scented; white lilies are the familiar choice for weddings and for condolences alike.

Sunflowers

Big presence, one honest colour. Perfect for congratulations, get-well wishes and thank-yous, and never right for condolences. Thick stems drink heavily, so check the water daily.

Browse sunflower bouquets.

Gypsophila (baby's breath)

A cloud of small white flowers that fills gaps and softens everything around it. The longest-lasting thing we use, and it dries well once the rest of the bouquet is finished.

Hydrangeas

One large, dense head fills an arrangement quickly. They drink more than anything else, and misting the head with water usually revives one that has started to flag.

Gerberas

Round, frank, cheerful colour — the closest thing to a birthday in flower form. The stems are soft, so they look best in a narrow-necked vase that supports them.

Tulips

Seasonal, and the season is short. They keep growing in the vase and bend towards the light, which is part of their charm rather than a fault.

Peonies

The fullest and most romantic of them all, usually arriving in tight bud and opening over a day or two. Also seasonal and limited in supply.

Bird of paradise

A sculptural tropical shape in orange and blue that makes a striking desk or congratulations arrangement. It lasts a very long time in water.

Foliage and fillers

Eucalyptus adds movement and a quiet scent; leafy greens build volume and depth around the main blooms. These aren't padding — they are what makes a bouquet read well from every side.

Availability and substitutions

Some flowers are seasonal — tulips and peonies especially — and availability shifts through the year. If something runs out on the day of delivery we substitute a bloom of equal value, keeping the colour and character of the design, and the price does not change.

For a single piece that combines several of these, browse vase arrangements. Delivery areas and timings are on the delivery page.

Quick answers

Which flowers last longest in a vase?

Gypsophila first, then bird of paradise, sunflowers and roses.

Which last the shortest?

Peonies and tulips — also the most seasonal and the least predictable in supply.

Can I request a specific flower?

The designs on the site are fixed, and availability shifts with the season. If something runs out on the day, we substitute a bloom of equal value in the same colour range.