Collection: Types of Flowers

A florist's guide to the main types of flowers

Every flower carries its own character, season and meaning. Here's how our florists think about the types of flowers we work with every day — and where each one shines. Click through to any flower for its full guide, care tips and arrangements.

Roses

The world's most loved flower, and the one with a colour for every message — red for love, pink for admiration, white for remembrance, yellow for friendship. From long-stem hybrid teas to ruffled garden roses, they're available year-round from Victorian growers and last a week or more in the vase. Read our roses guide →

Tulips

Elegant, cheerful and wonderfully simple — tulips are the flower of cool seasons, at their Melbourne best from autumn through spring. They keep growing in the vase (that graceful bend is part of the charm) and suit anyone who loves a clean, modern look. Shop tulips →

Peonies

The most anticipated flower of the year. Peonies have a famously short Victorian season — roughly November to early January — with huge, romantic ruffled blooms that open from tight buds into showstoppers. If it's peony season, send them; if it isn't, it's worth the wait. Read our peony guide →

Lilies

Dramatic, long-lasting and — in the case of white orientals — richly fragrant. Lilies deliver in bud and open over two weeks, making them one of the best-value cut flowers there is. One caution from our florists: true lilies are toxic to cats, so choose roses or orchids for feline households. Read our lily guide →

Sunflowers

Pure joy on a stem. Sunflowers are the warm-season mood-lifter — bold, tall and impossible to be gloomy around — which makes them the go-to for cheering someone up or celebrating good news. Shop sunflowers →

Orchids

Premium, sculptural and remarkably long-lasting. Cut phalaenopsis stems are virtually scent-free and low-pollen — a hospital-visit classic — while potted orchids bloom for months as a living gift. Orchids say luxury without saying a word. Shop orchids →

Australian natives

Waratah, banksia, kangaroo paw, protea and friends — natives symbolise strength, resilience and home. They're the longest-lasting flowers we sell, dry beautifully, and give arrangements unmistakable texture. Right for nearly every occasion, from congratulations to sympathy. Shop native flowers →

And the supporting cast

Some of our favourite flowers don't have their own page (yet): dahlias and hydrangeas rule the warmer months, lisianthus brings a rose-like softness with extraordinary vase life, chrysanthemums own autumn, and ranunculus and anemones light up winter and spring. You'll meet them all through our seasonal bouquets and vase arrangements as the year turns.

Shopping by style instead?

If you're choosing by look rather than flower, browse our boho, bright and colourful and rustic collections — or send a living gift from our plants range, including peace lilies. Planning a wedding? Our wedding flowers team designs with whatever the season does best.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most popular types of flowers for bouquets?
Roses lead by a distance, followed by tulips, lilies, peonies (in season), sunflowers and orchids. Most of our bouquets mix a hero flower with seasonal blooms and foliage for texture.

Which flower types last the longest?
Australian natives and orchids are the marathon runners — natives can last for weeks and dry beautifully. Lilies and lisianthus give around two weeks; roses and tulips about a week with good care.

Which flowers are safe for homes with pets?
Roses, orchids and most Australian natives are safe choices for cats and dogs. True lilies are highly toxic to cats and should never be sent to a feline household — see our lily guide for details.

What flowers are in season right now in Melbourne?
It changes month to month — tulips and ranunculus rule the cooler months, peonies arrive in November, and dahlias and hydrangeas own summer. Our florists design with whatever is freshest each morning, or call us on (03) 5985 7040 and we'll tell you exactly what's beautiful today.

Order online now with Flowers Alley

Our website is easy to explore by occasion, style and flower type. If you've got questions about our flowers, placing an order, or the status of your delivery, chat with our floral experts — call (03) 5985 7040, use our online chat, or get in touch here.