Birthday
HydrangeasPrepared with UFL flower delivery. Purple flowers appear in bouquets less often than pink or white ones, which is a shame: the colour looks noble and mysterious and, in the language of flowers, means admiration. Here are 12 purple flowers for bouquets, the main shades and florist tips.
Shades of purple
Purple is a whole palette, from pale lavender to deep plum. Light shades make a bouquet tender; dark ones make it formal.
1. Roses
Purple and lilac roses range from lavender to deep plum. Popular cut varieties are Ocean Song, Memory Lane, Deep Purple and Cool Water; garden favourites include Blue Moon, Rhapsody in Blue and Ebb Tide. They pair well with white, pink and green flowers, eucalyptus and berries. Bouquets: ufl.ua/en/kyiv/catalog/roses-kyiv.
2. Hydrangeas
Lush heads from pale lilac to purple. The colour of bigleaf hydrangea depends on soil: acidic turns it blue, alkaline turns it pink, and in between it can be purple. Hydrangeas are almost scentless, so they suit allergy sufferers; roses, lisianthus and callas pair well with them. Bouquets: ufl.ua/en/kyiv/catalog/buket-z-hortenziiamy-kyiv.
3. Freesias
Freesia comes from South Africa. Its lilac and purple flowers have a fresh citrusy-floral scent, which makes them popular in wedding bouquets. It looks good alone or with roses, peonies and tulips.
4. Lavender
Small purple spikes with a spicy scent. In a bouquet lavender adds line and texture and goes well with wildflowers and grasses. It keeps its colour and fragrance when dried.
5. Tulips
Purple tulips range from soft lilac to almost black (Queen of Night): a spring classic that says admiration. Bouquets: ufl.ua/en/kyiv/catalog/fioletovi-tyulpany-kyiv.
6. Orchids
Dendrobium and vanda come in rich purples and last up to three weeks when cut; a potted phalaenopsis is a long-lasting gift. Bouquets: ufl.ua/en/kyiv/catalog/orhidei-kyiv.
7. Lisianthus
Delicate rose-like flowers; purple and white-edged lilac forms are among the most popular. It lasts up to two weeks.
8. Iris
Blue-violet flowers with a yellow blaze, a symbol of hope and wisdom. They open quickly, so keep them cool.
9. Hyacinth
Dense, fragrant spikes; in the language of flowers a purple hyacinth means «forgive me». In season from February to April.
10. Chrysanthemums
Lilac and purple spray chrysanthemums add volume and last 2–3 weeks.
11. Lilac
May fragrance and lush panicles from white to deep purple. Cut lilac lasts a few days; split the stem and use cool water.
12. Anemones
Purple anemones with a dark centre look graphic; in season in winter and spring.
What to pair with
- With white — fresh and festive, a wedding classic.
- With pink — romantic; try pink peonies, roses or alstroemeria.
- With yellow — a bright spring contrast.
- With greenery — eucalyptus, pistachio and grasses for a natural look.
- Monochrome — several shades of purple together.
Care tips
- Re-cut stems at an angle by 1–2 cm with a sharp knife.
- Use a clean vase and cut-flower food.
- Keep the bouquet cool, away from sun, radiators and fruit.
FAQ
What do purple flowers mean?
Admiration, nobility, mystery and creativity; lilac shades also stand for first love.
Who should I give a purple bouquet to?
A woman with a bold personality, a creative person, or a colleague or boss as a sign of respect. Add pink for romance.
Do blue roses exist?
Not in nature. Blue roses are either dyed or genetically engineered, and they look more lilac.
Read also
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
