What you’ll discover below:
Get ready to discover the 5 Top Cut Flowers for May.
Here we share our expert insights into what’s back, best, and beautiful this month!
#1 Peonies
The wait is over – peonies are back! It’s time to celebrate perfect peonies as we launch into the festival of fragrance, kaleidoscope of colours, and revel in the ruffles. Phew, but let’s face it they deserve that kind of introduction.
The selection of peonies available is nothing short of incredible. Beyond the range of colours, the different flower heads are also fantastic.
They include:
- Single – One or two rows of petals with visible stamens in the centre
- Semi-Double – Multiple layers of petals with partially visible centre
- Double – Many layers of petals, full and romantic appearance, generally a large flower size
- Bomb (Double subgroup) – Large outer petals, dense spherical centre, dramatic very full appearance
Anemone, Japanese, and Itoh peonies also offer different flower forms, but are less common and not usually what we think of when commercial ‘peonies’ come to mind.
Every year, the flowers are better quality, the range increases, and this is only rivalled by their popularity. Perhaps it’s because we only enjoy them for a short window each year? We’ll let you be the judge of that, but enjoy them whilst they’re at their best throughout May.
Red Charm Peony
Karl Rosenfield Peony
Coral Sunset Peony
Duches de Nemour Peony
#2 Nigella
Don't underestimate the range!
You’d be forgiven for thinking the selection of nigella is limited. If you consider there to be the seed heads and simple blue flowers we’d even let you off. But allow the images to scroll through and you’ll see 11 different varieties, 9 very distinct colours and alternative flower shapes.
It’s fair to say nigella have moved on from the once limited selection and you’ll see them in their prime in May. Don’t overlook them, because they deserve your attention.
#3 Lathyrus | Sweet Peas
Sweet Peas! Or as you’ll find them listed, Lathyrus – their Latin name.
Many Lathyrus are available up to 50cm tall and in buying quantities as little as 10 stems, making them a great choice for everyday work.
However, we appreciate that they’re still favoured for wedding and event work.
There are too many varieties to show in this short article, but we’ve selected three alternative colours:
- Tinted or dyed – See ‘Caramel’ below
- Dual or bicolour – See ‘Wedding Blue’ below
- Single colours – See ‘Soft champagne’ below
We often think of them as soft in colour, but don’t underestimate the drama that can be created with the natural varieties of dark purple and burgundy, or vividness that can be added with orange, red, or bright pink. The organic dyes the sweet peas drink, now complete the colour range available, including blue, green, and yellow.
#4 Hydrangea
A superb selection of breathtaking Dutch Hydrangeas is now available. May sees the return of the best and most beautiful summer Hydrangea flowers, with the classic varieties coming later in the season.
Pictured below is just a fraction of the stunning selection available. Hover or tap to discover their variety names.
Remember:
Just how thirsty Hydrangeas can be (even as cut flowers). The foliage takes up a lot of water, so it’s not needed — remove most of it during the conditioning process. A long cut and cut flower food will help their water uptake. If they need a pick-me-up, they respond well to the hot water treatment.
#5 Lily Of The Valley | Convallaria
Lily of the Valley or Convallaria to give them their official Latin name are undoubtedly a special flower (for many reasons). Perhaps May is the month we most associate with them, as it is their natural flowering time in gardens. However, Lily of the Valley is certainly no longer the preserve of a few months…
Did you know Convallaria is
Available all year round!
Whilst we’re huge advocates of celebrating seasonal flowers, it would be remiss of us not to highlight that Lily of the Valley, or Convallaria, is available year-round!
There’s a dedicated Dutch grower that commits themselves to the production of this delicate flower throughout the entire year.
We appreciate it’s a specialist flower, one that many florists won’t promote, however, that doesn’t stop this much loved flower being requested by customers. So, next time you’re asked for it, you’ll probably be able to fulfil the request. That’s if they appreciate that it’s a specialist flower, grown with dedication and that’s reflected in the price. Of course, you can always review the cost online or ask us for more information.
