Let’s be honest—unless you’re a florist, a gardener, or someone whose nan taught them the Latin names for every backyard bloom, walking into a florist shop can feel a bit like flipping open a wine list at a fancy restaurant. You know what you like, kind of. But the names? The options? The unspoken pressure to not confuse carnations for camellias?
We get it. That’s why we’ve pulled together this beginner’s guide to some of the most popular cut flowers—so you can go from “the pink ones with the frilly bits” to confidently picking out peonies and posies with purpose.
No judgement, no jargon. Just a friendly stroll through the stems you’re most likely to see at your local florist.
Roses: The Reigning Classic
You already know roses. They’re the Beyoncé of the flower world—timeless, adaptable, and forever in style. But what you might not know is just how versatile they really are.
There’s more to roses than Valentine’s clichés and long-stemmed red drama. Think buttery apricot garden roses with ruffled petals, soft pink spray roses for daintier arrangements, or bold orange varieties that pair perfectly with natives.
What they say: love, yes—but also admiration, gratitude, and celebration.
Care tip: Trim the stems on an angle and refresh the water every couple of days. Keep them away from fruit (seriously—it shortens their lifespan).
Tulips: Sleek, Simple, Emotional
Tulips are what you give when you want to say “I’m thinking of you” without writing a whole novel. They’re elegant without being showy, vibrant without being too much.
They also keep growing after they’ve been cut—so if they start stretching toward the light in a lopsided way, don’t panic. It’s just what tulips do.
What they say: thoughtfulness, comfort, and quiet confidence.
Care tip: Keep them in shallow water, and trim the stems every few days to prevent drooping.
Peonies: The Drama Queens (In the Best Way)
Peonies are that flower. You know the one—fluffy, romantic, and slightly ridiculous in their beauty. They arrive tightly balled, like they’re keeping secrets, and then—bam—within a day or two they explode into layers of petals that make people gasp.
They’re not around forever (peony season in Australia is late spring to early summer), but when they’re here, they’re the moment.
What they say: romance, indulgence, softness, and luxury.
Care tip: Give them space in the vase—they open wide—and use cool water to help them last longer.
Chrysanthemums: The Unsung Heroes
Mums don’t always get the same fanfare as peonies or roses, but they’re hard-working, beautiful, and surprisingly diverse. (Sound like someone’s actual mum?)
They come in more shapes and sizes than you’d expect—spiky disbuds, classic button mums, and soft pom-poms that hold their shape for days. Bonus: they’re one of the longest-lasting cut flowers.
What they say: longevity, joy, and resilience.
Care tip: Remove any leaves below the waterline and refresh water every 2–3 days.
Gerberas: The Cheerful Optimists
Gerberas are like the friend who always shows up with a bright idea and a better mood. Bold colours, open faces, and zero fuss. They’re especially great for birthdays or cheer-up bouquets.
Yes, they’re simple—but sometimes, simple is the exact right thing.
What they say: energy, warmth, and uncomplicated happiness.
Care tip: Keep them in shallow water and change it often—they’re prone to stem rot if left sitting too long.
Lisianthus: Soft-Spoken Beauties
Lisianthus often gets mistaken for roses, but they have their own quiet charm. With delicate petals that come in soft pinks, purples, whites, and creams, they’re romantic without being overly sentimental.
You’ll often see lisianthus used in wedding arrangements or paired with natives for a soft-meets-structured feel.
What they say: elegance, charm, and genuine affection.
Care tip: They’re surprisingly hardy—just keep them in clean water and away from direct sun.
Carnations: The Comeback Kids
Carnations used to get a bad rap (think sad school formals and supermarket bouquets), but they’ve made a strong return in modern floristry.
When styled well, they’re ruffly, romantic, and incredibly long-lasting. And their colour range? Phenomenal. Deep burgundy, soft lilac, classic white, even latte tones—there’s a carnation for every vibe.
What they say: admiration, warmth, and quiet strength.
Care tip: Snip the stems on a sharp angle and remove any low-hanging leaves.
Natives & Wildflowers: Textured and Timeless
Proteas, banksias, billy buttons, flowering gums—Australia’s native flowers bring texture, architecture, and longevity to any bouquet. They’re earthy, unique, and often chosen for their sculptural shapes as much as their symbolism.
Pair them with fresh greenery or dried elements for a look that feels grounded and striking.
What they say: individuality, pride, and grounded beauty.
Care tip: These guys last and last. Minimal water, minimal fuss.
So, Where Do You Begin?
If you’re building a bouquet, start with a base flower you’re drawn to—maybe it’s the structure of a protea, the romance of a peony, or the vibrance of a gerbera—and then add textures, accents, and something a little unexpected.
The truth is, you don’t need to know everything about flowers to love them. But the more you learn, the more fun it is to choose with intention. Whether you’re buying blooms for someone else or just because your hallway felt too quiet, flowers are a small, beautiful rebellion against the ordinary.
They don’t need to be perfect. They just need to be you.
Need help picking out the right blooms for your space or someone special?
Shop at B&M Florist—we’re always happy to talk stems, colours, stories, and everything in between.
