What are the best seasonal spring flowers for a funeral?

For todays blog, we asked our in-house florist, James Crompton, to share some of his knowledge on seasonal spring flowers to be used in funeral tributes.

Sometime in early February, the world of flowers bursts into life seemingly overnight to treat us to the most exquisite choice of Spring colours and variety which are always a welcome sight after what often feels like a long winter. The religious symbolisms of new life, rebirth and renewed hope always feel hugely prevalent for funeral flower arrangements during the Spring months with more people electing to adorn coffins with vibrant displays bursting with colour.

Many people already know about Daffodils and Tulips but often aren’t armed with the knowledge beyond those two very traditional spring blooms. When speaking to clients about funeral flowers, it’s an important part of the florist’s job to listen carefully to their needs and make suggestions that will enhance the design and provide knowledgeable, sensitive advice with the goal of achieving the best possible result.

What flowers should I choose for a spring funeral?

Choosing seasonal flowers for your loved one’s floral tribute carries enormous environmental benefits too. Many spring blooms are grown here in the UK and most others are readily available from Holland. Using these flowers eliminates the higher transport carbon impact of importing out of season blooms from further afield.

Spring is one of my favourite times of the year, seeing the garden returning to life after the winter months is so rewarding. Some of my favourite spring flowers are a mainstay in my garden so naturally I adore working with them as often as possible whilst they’re in season.

Here are just a few of my most loved spring blooms.

Parrot Tulips

A quirky and eye-catching alternative to traditional strains, the frilly, dancing petals on display on a fully open parrot tulip are a sight to behold.

Available in a plethora of different colours, tones and shapes, there are very few blooms that symbolise spring better than the tulip.

Lilacs (Syringa)

One of my personal all-time favourites. Lilac trees are popular garden plants due to their ease of care, attractive foliage and stunning flowering habits during the middle of spring. Available in various shades and tones of lavender, lilac and mauve with exceptional varieties also grown in pure white and variegated purple/white. Cut lilacs look perfect in larger coffin spray and church pedestal style arrangements.

Viburnum (Viburnum Opulus/Roseum)

Differing slightly from the traditional ‘tinus’ garden variety from the same family. The gorgeous pale green sphere-shaped blooms offered by this stunning plant in mid-late Spring are another one of my all time favourites. In a way, the small blooms are reminiscent of a miniature Hydrangea and bring a similar element of luxury to any arrangement lucky enough to be graced with its presence. Viburnum is usually very near the top of my list for spring flower suggestions, and why wouldn’t it be? Just look at it!

Grape Hyacinth (Muscari)

Many reading this will be well familiar with grape hyacinths as they’re often present in gardens, window troughs and spring planters. Many people I speak to aren’t always aware that they’re grown as a cut flower which is why they’re included on this list. The stems are only very short which somewhat limits their versatility, so they’re usually best suited to smaller displays or set lower down into traditional sprays to create a more natural look.

I adore the detail these gorgeous little flowers show, considering how small they are. Few spring flowers bring me the level of joy that a fully formed Grape Hyacinth does.

Anemone (Windflowers)

Anemones are part of the Ranunculus family and these totally charming flowers bring life and a stunning natural vibe to any spring display.

Available in pink, purple, red and white with varying pastel shades in between, Anemones are often confused with poppies and it’s not hard to see why (especially with the red variant).

At their absolute best during February, March and April as cut flowers.

Peonies

Peonies quite rightly carry a reputation as an indulgent luxury flower that are hugely popular in the wedding sector, so it shouldn’t take much persuasion from me to tell you just how magnificent they look when utilised a focal flower in funeral displays too.
Layers upon layers of highly scented, frilly petals make them one of the flower world’s greatest spectacles. Peonies are available in varying shades of pink, white and red with some charming variations in between and are at their best during May and early June. You can take a peek at some of the beauties on offer from my favourite grower by visiting My Peony Society.

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria)

Lily of the Valley’s delicate, tiny bell-shaped blooms have been a national favourite here in the UK for generations. They carry a sweet, strong scent that most wouldn’t expect from such a small flower.

Their higher than average price tag means they’re often used in small quantities as a sentimental inclusion or an accent flower in larger displays. This however rarely stops them from being noticed in arrangements by relatives with a keen eye and they remain one of my very favourite flowers to work with.