Classic doesn’t mean boring, especially when it comes to flowers. These popular flowers have stood the test of time and are unlikely to ever go out of style. They are suitable for just about any occasion so if you’re not sure what flowers to choose, you really can’t go wrong with any one of these classics. You may be familiar with all of the flowers we’ve listed but we wonder if you know some of the fun facts we’ve included about each of them?!
Roses
We had to start the list with the quintessential rose. Timeless, elegant and beautiful are just some of the most common descriptions used for the rose. More than a Valentine’s Day cliche, the rose is one of the oldest flowers and most popular of all time. The rose scent is one the flower’s most treasured characteristics.
Fun fact: Famous rose breeder David Austin spent 15 years breeding a rare rose he called the Juliet. It sold for US$15.8 million in 2006, making it the world’s most expensive rose cultivar.
BYDEAU's Pick: Purple Roses
Carnations
Once one of the most popular flowers in the world, carnations can often get a bad wrap for being “old fashioned” but there’s a lot to love about them. Their ruffled appearance has a delicate nature and you can find them in nearly every color of the rainbow. They are the most common Mother’s Day flower.
Fun fact: Dubbed the “Flower of the Gods”, carnations were revered in Ancient Greece and by the Ancient Romans. They wore carnations as ceremonial garlands and used them in coronations, which is where many believe the name is derived from.
BYDEAU's Pick: The Agnes
Orchids
Always considered exotic, orchids have a lot of positive meanings attributed to them - from fertility and love to good fortune, luxury and more. The orchid is a beautiful flower to adorn any home or office. They make great gifts for birthdays or other meaningful occasions such as anniversaries, housewarmings and new office openings.
Fun fact: Orchids are the world’s largest plant family. They make up around 10 percent of all the plant species on the planet.
BYDEAU'S Pick: The Ellen
Sunflowers
No list would be complete with the sunflower. You can’t help but smile when you see a sunflower. Depending on the variety, these North and Central American natives grow up to eight feet tall. Though the blooms look like a single flower, they are actually made up of many smaller flowers. Their seeds are great snacks and their oil can be used for a multitude of purposes.
Fun fact: Sunflowers were a favorite of artist Vincent van Gogh. He inspired his artist friend Paul Gaugin to paint “The Painter of Sunflowers”, an image of van Gogh creating his sunflower paintings.
BYDEAU's Pick: The Aurora
Hydrangeas
Making a statement has never been easier with these big, beautiful blooms which are a favorite amongst florists and home gardeners the world over. Their name is derived from the Greek meaning of ‘water vessel’. By far the greatest species diversity is in Asia - notably, China, Korea and Japan. Hydrangeas symbolize sincere emotions, gratitude and understanding.
Fun fact: The color of hydrangeas depends on the acidity of the soil. Acidic soils produce blue or purple flowers, whereas soils which are more alkaline produce pink or red flowers.
BYDEAU's Pick: The Luisia
Tulips
Nothing says springtime like the tulip. Although tulips are one of the iconic flowers of Holland, they are in fact native to Central Asia and were first cultivated in the Ottoman Empire. The name tulip is derived from the word tulipan, meaning “turban”.
Fun fact: Tulips are part of the Lily family. They continue to grow another extra inch after they are cut and will also bend and grow towards the light.
BYDEAU's Pick: The Maia
Some other timeless flowers that are just as worthy to make the list are Peonies, Ranunculus and Calla Lilies!