15 Most Popular Varieties of Easter Flowers
As Easter coincides with the springtime blooming of many plants, there are several flowers associated with the holiday. The following list includes the most popular Easter flowers and their symbolism.
Easter is highly symbolic of rebirth. Not only because of the Christian connotation but also because the holiday is typically right when everything outside is beginning to turn green and open up after a long winter.
This symbolism has resulted in many different flowers associated with the popularly celebrated holiday. The following 15 flowers are some of the most popular flowers gifted at Easter or used as decor in celebrations.
By far the most popular Easter flower and one of the most well-known lily varieties, brilliantly white Easter lilies are a staple potted plant, adorning homes and places of worship. The large trumpet-shaped flowers set atop long stalks symbolize a fresh start or a clean slate accompanying a new beginning. They have a rich Christian history and are mentioned many times in the Bible.
Daffodils are known for their strength and tenacity, pushing through late winter weather and storms to announce the arrival of warm, spring days. These cheerful survivors bring joy and happiness as their sunny yellow and white flowers push up through the earth, showing an appreciation for being alive. They are known as symbols of new beginnings and rebirth.
Tulips are another iconic spring flower, making an appearance after daffodils to announce the arrival of warmer weather. White flowers are symbolic of asking for forgiveness, and yellow blooms represent positive thoughts. Originally a wildflower native to Central Asia, the tulip is one of the most popular garden flowers and is celebrated worldwide.
Available in many colors and types of blossoms, the traditional white daisy with a yellow center disk is a staple in many cut flower arrangements, including Easter bouquets. The bright, cheerful flowers symbolize positivity, rebirth, and new beginnings as they close their petals at night and reopen them in the morning to welcome the sun. In this case, their simplistic nature is part of their appeal.
Although small in stature, these flowers are popular at Easter because of their delicate blossoms and incredible fragrance. They have many different meanings and are often found in Christian churches symbolizing love and happiness. When given as a gift, white hyacinths mean someone is praying for the recipient. The ever-popular blue hyacinth expresses sincerity, making them a fitting flower for Easter.
Another demure little flower, the tiny crocus, blooms bright and early, bringing needed color to the landscape after a dreary, lackluster winter. The crocus’ arrival signifies spring’s beginning and delight, gladness, and youth. These cheerful Eastertime flowers come in the iconic pastel purple-tinged with yellow and shades of pink, blue, yellow, white, and orange.
The Easter cactus is a flowering succulent that blooms in springtime, lasting long after the holiday has passed. Similar in appearance to the Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti, these plants bloom just in time for Easter in shades of white, pink, orange, red, and purple. Not only does their name associate the Easter cactus with the holiday, but these plants are also a symbol of rebirth.
Gardenias are grown outdoors as an evergreen shrub, known for their intoxicating fragrance. The characteristic white flowers are symbolic of forgiveness, compassion, and purity of the heart. Giving someone a gift of gardenias — whether a potted plant or cut flowers — is also a symbol of trust, showing love and respect towards the recipient. With blooms up to four inches across, a bouquet of these aromatic flowers will be enjoyed for days to come.
Irises are also strongly linked with Christian theology and tradition. They symbolize the sufferings of Christ and the story of his arrest, trial, punishment, and resurrection. Symbolically they stand for courage, faith, hope, and wisdom that accompanies reaching a level of spiritual enlightenment. They are also famous worldwide since they were van Gogh’s flower muse.
Symbolizing understanding and gratitude, a bouquet of large hydrangea blossoms is perfect for the Easter holiday. Flowers come in different colors ranging from white, pink, purple, or blue. The large, showy blooms can span eight to ten inches in width and, when grouped, make an awe-inspiring bouquet.
Exotic in nature, orchids represent luxury, strength, fertility, innocence, and love. They are perfect for celebrating all of life’s moments, including Easter. The individual colors of the fragrant flowers also have their own symbolism. White orchids symbolize purity; yellow flowers represent new beginnings and joy; green flowers are thought to bring good fortune and health; red blossoms symbolize perseverance, desire, and passion.
Many different ranunculus species, including the joyful buttercup varieties, are popular as Easter flowers. Celebrated for their bright cheerfulness, the flowers symbolize beauty and charm. The rose-like blossoms span up to five inches across, perched on top of long stems, so they make a stunning cut flower arrangement. Flowers come in shades of creamy white and pale yellow to pink, red, orange, and burgundy lasting 10 to 12 days in a bouquet.
Giving a bouquet of azaleas at Easter expresses a desire for the lucky recipient to take care of themselves. They symbolize love, attraction, temperance, and moderation. The funnel-shaped, fragrant flowers are known for their bright, vivid colors and elegant appearance. With more than 10,000 varieties to choose from, there’s a color to suit every taste.
The rich history of the lily of the valley flowers dates to the Victorian era and meant “return of happiness.” It was believed the bell-shaped white flowers brought in good spirits, warding off evil forces. Today the sweetly scented bell-shaped blooms symbolize happiness and luck. Their dainty, delicate appearance adds a touch of elegance to Easter decor.
If you’re looking for a beautiful floral addition for your holiday celebration or something to gift to a friend or loved one, all of the above are fantastic options.