The 40 Best Cut Flowers to Feed Your Floral Arranging Habit All Summer Long

If you’ve been reading this blog or following me on Instagram for a while, you might have noticed that flowers for cutting make up a lot of my pictures. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been obsessed with growing flowers and turning them into bouquets. To feed my obsession, I need a garden filled with cut flowers that will hold up well in various arrangements!

Here are my favourite plants to keep me in floral arrangements from June to September and what I consider some of the best flowers to grow for bouquets. Whether you’re a seasoned flower farmer or a cut flower beginner, pick at least three flowers from each section to plant in your garden, and you’ll have cut flowers all season long!

A person in a red shirt arranges a bouquet of flowers in a glass jar. In the foreground, various yellow flowers, including sunflowers and small yellow blooms, are spread out on a white surface. The background is blurred, focusing attention on the flowers.

Want to know how to start your own cutting garden on the cheap and what a professional flower farmer grows? Click here to learn more!

Disclaimer #1: I am writing from USDA Hardiness Zone 2-3, so all plants listed will grow in this location. The good news is that if you live almost anywhere else, you should be able to grow these flowers. The bad news is your success with these flowers can vary depending on your area’s growing and soil conditions.

Disclaimer #2: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read more about it in my privacy policy. Thanks for supporting Shifting Roots!

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON FLOWER USED IN FLORAL ARRANGING?

The short answer is, don’t worry about it!

Your homegrown flowers are much more interesting than the carnations and other flowers you’d commonly find at the grocery store. Building an eye-catching bouquet is all about taking risks and showing off your personality. A good mix of different colours and types of flowers will go much further than trying to grow “one magical flower” that will do it all. Although, cosmos do come close for versatility 😉

Of course, if you’re looking to sell those bouquets, you might want to take some other things into consideration. If you want to learn more about my journey to becoming a flower farmer, I document all the ups and downs in my Backyard Business series on YouTube.

A woman with long brown hair and wearing a pink cardigan over a white dress is kneeling and smiling in a garden. She is surrounded by various colorful flowers and green foliage, with sunlight filtering through the trees behind her.

ANNUALS VS. PERENNIALS

A cut flower garden should have a nice mix of annual and perennial flowers for cutting to help ensure that there will be something to cut all season. Annual flowers will not come back again the following year they are planted but generally provide blooms all season long. Perennials will return every year once planted but usually have a much shorter bloom time.

Annual flowers are cheaper, but you must purchase them every year. Perennial flowers are more expensive, but you usually only have to purchase them once.

A good portion of annual flowers meant for cutting will also need to be seed-started anywhere from 4 to 10 weeks before you plant them outdoors. I go into more detail about the easiest annual flowers for beginners to grow here and provide detailed growing information in my book, Cut Flowers Made Simple.

With that out of the way, let’s get on to my favourite cut flowers!

ALL SEASON CUT FLOWERS

1. Daisies

Daisies are beautiful and simple. They look good on their own or with any colour flower. They can have a spreading habit, so be ready to divide them up and pass them on to a friend or neighbour.

A cluster of white daisies with bright yellow centers blooms in a garden. The green foliage around them enhances the vibrant colors of the flowers. The daisies are fully open, basking in the sunlight.

2. Gypsophelia

More commonly known as baby’s breath, these flowers make a beautiful filler in any arrangement. In some places, including Saskatchewan and Alberta, perennial baby’s breath is considered a noxious weed and is illegal to plant. Annual baby’s breath is fine.

Close-up of a field of small, delicate white and light purple flowers with thin green stems and leaves, seen from above. The flowers create a dense, intricate pattern against a blurred background of foliage and earth.

3. Marigolds

Larger varieties like Mary Helen or Crackerjack look better in floral arrangements. Most other varieties do not have long enough stems for cutting.

Bright orange marigold flowers bloom amidst lush green foliage in a garden. The background is slightly blurred, showing a mix of garden equipment and a wooden shed, creating a rustic outdoor setting.

4. Sedum

Even though some sedums flower only in one part of the year, or even not at all, I love using them all year round for their interesting shapes and textures. Autumn Joy sedum gets a bad rap for being boring, but it is one of the few perennials available to cut at the end of the season.

Close-up image of several green succulent plants with rosette-shaped leaves. The plants have fleshy, overlapping leaves arranged in a circular pattern, resembling small, open roses. The vibrant green color dominates the image, giving it a lush and fresh appearance.

P.S. Once you’re done reading about the right flowers to plant, come back and see How to Make a Bouquet Look Stunning with 3 Simple Rules.

SPRING AND EARLY SUMMER CUT FLOWERS

5. Allium

A member of the onion family, alliums are a striking addition to spring bouquets, especially when there are not a lot of other flowers to work with.

Purple allium flowers in full bloom, standing tall and clustered together in a garden. The spherical flower heads are composed of numerous small star-shaped blossoms. The green stems and leaves create a lush background, with more flowers stretching into the distance.

6. Daffodils

There are so many more types of daffodils than the bright yellow ones you see in grocery stores. Look for ones with creamy tones, peaches, and even hints of pink!

Close-up of a white double daffodil blooming in a garden bed. The flower features multiple layers of petals along with a yellow center. The surrounding greenery includes long green leaves and grass, with a few brown leaves scattered on the soil.

7. Hyacinths

These grape hyacinths are the ones most commonly grown in Zone 3. I love them in a small teacup arrangement. Warmer zones can grow many more and larger varieties of Hyacinths.

A close-up of numerous grape hyacinths in full bloom, showcasing clusters of small, vibrant purple flowers. The background is filled with green leaves, indicating a dense and colorful garden setting.

8. Irises

You’ll most commonly see irises in purple, but yellow and blue can be fun, unexpected choices.

A vibrant purple iris flower with raindrops on its petals stands out among green leaves. A weathered wooden fence forms the background, contrasting with the flower’s vivid color. A metal fence and some other plants are also visible.

9. Lilacs

Lilacs are shrubs and not perennials. However, I had to include them, as spring wouldn’t be the same without a large bouquet on my kitchen table. The new varieties might have extended bloom times or multiple flushes, but I like the old varieties better, as they tend to have a nicer scent.

A white bucket filled with blooming purple lilacs sits on a grassy woodland path. The bucket has "Shifting Roots" written on it. A forest with lush green foliage provides a serene, natural background.

10. Lily of the Valley

Lily of the Valley is fragrant and beautiful, but it spreads if left unchecked. Worried about planting something you might regret later? Check out my list of perennials you’ll regret planting.

Close-up of blooming lily of the valley flowers with delicate white bell-shaped blossoms. The plants have large, glossy green leaves and are set against a lush green background, creating a serene and natural scene.

11. Peonies

I am obsessed with peonies! We had eight bushes of them on our old property, and I couldn’t bear to give any of them away. Did you know that when you get a new peony plant, it won’t bloom for three years!? Learn what you need to know about taking care of peonies here.

A lush bouquet of light pink peonies in full bloom is interspersed with several green buds. The delicate petals and soft hues create a fresh, romantic, and elegant display. Green leaves peep through, adding contrast to the predominantly pink arrangement.

12. Tulips

To me, tulips are the ultimate floral expression of spring. I loved our simple yellow and red ones growing up.

Close-up of several tulip flowers on a light surface. The tulips are in various shades of pink and red, with green leaves surrounding each bloom. The arrangement is casual and natural, displaying the delicate petals and lush greenery.

Related: How to Plant Tulips like a Flower Farmer

SUMMER CUT FLOWERS

13. Asiatic Lilies

Asiatic lilies are so easy to grow and come in an endless variety of colours.

Close-up of several Asiatic lily flowers on a light surface. The lilies are in various shades of pink and red, with green leaves surrounding each bloom. The arrangement is casual and natural, displaying the delicate petals and lush greenery.

14. Bee Balm

These make a gorgeous filler plant and are great for attracting bees to your garden.

Vibrant pink bee balm flowers bloom amidst lush green leaves, surrounded by hostas with white-edged foliage in a garden setting.

15. Bells of Ireland

Bells of Ireland are unusual flowers with an almost citrusy/minty scent. They give any bouquet a little something special and are always the flower that gets compliments.

Close-up of several tall, green stalks of Bells of Ireland flowers growing in a garden. The stems are adorned with numerous bell-shaped, lime-green calyces. A blurred background of additional foliage and flowers is visible.

16. Blanket Flower

Blanket Flowers are a great choice on the prairies, as they’re a native plant and don’t require much water or care once established.

A vibrant blanket flower with a central yellow-green disc, surrounded by petals that transition from red at the base to yellow at the edges. The flower is set against a background of green leaves.

Want to grow more native plants? Here are some of my favourites!

17. Blazing Star Liatrus

Another gorgeous, easy-to-grow native plant. The varieties you buy in stores are likely naturalized ones, so to get a truly native plant, you’ll need to order from a specialty seed shop like Prairie Originals.

Close-up of two vibrant purple Liatris flowers, also known as blazing stars or gayfeathers, standing tall amid green foliage. The feathery blooms of the plants are surrounded by smaller white and purple flowers, creating a lush garden scene.

18. Clustered Bellflower

Shopping for a bellflower plant? Make sure to get the clustered variety and not the regular bellflower. The regular kind is more weed than flower and can easily take over your flower bed in a few years.

A bouquet of vibrant purple flowers with some light pink blossoms interspersed is held above a garden path made of brick pavers. The surrounding garden is lush with greenery and additional purple and white flowers.

19. Coral Bells

Coral bells can tolerate a bit of shade and make a stunning filler.

Close-up of a flowering Heuchera plant, also known as coral bells, displaying clusters of small, vibrant pink-red flowers on thin stems against a background of green leaves.

20. Delphinium

An old-fashioned favourite that’s easy to grow. I have found in my garden that they seem to need five years to really establish, although you’ll get blooms every year. Make sure you stake them because they will be the first thing to break in a summer storm! The Pacific Giant series has some beautiful shades of blue, white, pink, and purple.

A bouquet of vibrant purple and blue delphinium flowers with green stems and leaves against a plain light gray background.

21. Dianthus

Close-up of vibrant pink and red blooms of Sweet William flowers (Dianthus barbatus) surrounded by green leaves and stems. The flowers have fringed petals with a mix of white and darker shades, forming dense clusters in a garden setting.

22. Gladiolas

Glads are a staple of late summer floral arrangements. In colder climates, you’ll need to dig the bulbs out every fall and replant in the winter. You can learn how I start mine early to ensure success in this post.

A tall green stem with multiple white gladiolus flowers in various stages of bloom stands amidst long, slender green leaves. The background features lush, blurred greenery, suggesting a garden or natural setting.

23. Hydrangea

Be careful of what you purchase in Zone 2 or Zone 3! Often the hydrangeas in the big box store will not be hardy enough for these climates. Check on the tag that the plant is hardy to at least -30 degrees celsius.

Close-up of vibrant purple hydrangea flowers in full bloom, surrounded by lush green leaves, basking in sunlight. The background features blurred greenery, creating a serene and natural atmosphere.

24. Lady’s Mantle

A beautiful and easy-to-grow filler that can handle a shady spot in the garden.

A cluster of small, vibrant greenish-yellow flowers blooming on a plant. The delicate flowers are dispersed among green stems and leaves, creating a dense and lush appearance. The background is out of focus, highlighting the intricate details of the flowers.

25. Lupin

A lovely spike-type perennial that blooms around the same time as peonies.

A vast field of colorful lupines in full bloom, featuring a variety of shades including pink, purple, yellow, and blue, all standing tall amidst green foliage under soft, natural daylight.

26. Coneflowers

There are many types of Coneflowers and all of them are good candidates for your next cut flower arrangement. Some of my favourite coneflowers are echinacea and rudbeckia. They don’t only have to be yellow either! You can find many lovely shades of pink and red, too.

A vibrant orange coneflower with a dark brown center stands amidst green foliage in a garden. The petals are wide and slightly curved, radiating in all directions, creating a striking contrast against the leafy background.

27. Snapdragons

Snapdragons are a staple in the garden and are a cut and come again flower. Just be careful when purchasing them–not all varieties are good for cutting. Long-stemmed varieties like Madame Butterfly and Rocket are easily found in garden centres if you don’t want to seed start.

A garden path lined with a variety of tall, vibrant snapdragons in full bloom. The flowers range in colors, including shades of red, pink, yellow, and white, surrounded by lush green foliage. The background is softly blurred, giving a serene and peaceful ambiance.

28. Sweet Peas

The smell of Sweet Peas just can’t be beaten! Grow them up a trellis so you can smell them every time you walk by.

Close-up of a light purple sweet pea flower blooming in a garden. The background is slightly blurred, showing green foliage, grass, and trees, with hints of other colorful flowers. The lighting is soft, suggesting a pleasant outdoor scene.

Related: How to Grow Sweet Peas in a Cold Climate

29. Veronica

A classic old-fashioned perennial.

A garden scene featuring vibrant blue spiked flowers in the foreground, possibly Veronica spicata, with pink flowers, likely phlox, and green foliage in the background. The mix of colors and textures creates a visually appealing and serene setting.

30. Yarrow

Some varieties of yarrow bloom almost the entire summer, but even the ones that don’t stay in bloom for quite a long time. Yarrow can be grown in poor soil, which is nice if you don’t have an established yard with good soil.

A cluster of small, vibrant pink and yellow flowers bloom amid green, fern-like leaves against a dark, blurred background. Several stages of the flowers' bloom are visible, adding texture and contrast to the image.

FALL CUT FLOWERS

31. Aster

Asters come in both perennial and annual varieties. Try experimenting with larger annual varieties like Coral and Lavender China!

A cluster of pale pink flowers is in bloom amongst green foliage. The flowers have multiple layers of delicate petals, giving them a fluffy appearance. The background shows more leaves and blurred blooms, with one prominent flower in sharp focus at the top of the image.

32. Amaranth

If you want to bring on the drama in an arrangement, just add amaranth! Amaranth also loves poor soil and can be a prolific self-seeder if it likes your soil.

Close-up of a blooming red amaranth flower with vibrant green leaves. The flower has spiky, elongated clusters in the center, standing out against the blurred green background.

Looking for the best places to buy cut flower seeds? Check out my favourite companies here!

33. Black Eyed Susan

See coneflower above.

A field of yellow coneflowers with dark brown centers blooms under a sunny sky. The background is filled with blurred greenery and patches of purple flowers, creating a vibrant and colorful garden scene.

34. Chinese Lantern

Chinese lanterns can be invasive, depending on your soil.

Close-up of a branch of Chinese lantern plants with five hanging lantern-like pods. The pods are heart-shaped, with a mix of orange and green colors. The background is softly blurred, emphasizing the delicate texture and vibrant hues of the pods.

35. Chrysanthemum

You know it’s fall when the pots of mums appear at the big box stores.

A cluster of vibrant orange and red flowers with yellow centers, set against a backdrop of dark green foliage. The flowers are in full bloom, displaying their bright, radiant petals under the sunlight.

36. Dahlias

So many dahlias, so little time. Dahlias come in practically every colour of the rainbow, and the sizes can range from one inch to the size of a dinner plate. They’re a must-have for the garden, although the bulbs must be dug out every fall and replanted in the spring. I’ve included everything you need to know about removing and storing dahlia tubers here.

A white bucket with the label "Shifting Roots" holds an assortment of colorful flowers, predominantly in shades of pink, red, and yellow. The bucket is placed on a black surface with a backdrop of lush green plants and more flowers in the background.

Related: How to Grow Dahlias in a Short Growing Season and Cold Climate

37. Goldenrod

Goldenrod grows wild where I live. Hurray for free cut flowers! If you decide to forage, make sure you have permission to cut flowers, and that what you’re cutting isn’t considered a noxious weed.

A person in a white dress is cutting a bouquet of yellow wildflowers in a grassy field. A white bucket filled with more yellow flowers is placed on the ground nearby. The individual's face is not visible in the image.

38. Strawflowers

Strawflowers are one of my favourite flowers. Light as air and super pretty! They last forever in and out of the vase and are very easy to collect seeds from.

A close-up photograph of three strawflowers in bloom. The central flower is fully open, revealing its yellow and white center surrounded by numerous pink petals, while the two smaller blooms are partially open. The green foliage and dark background create contrast.

Related: 25+ Best Flowers to Grow for Dried Flower Arrangements

39. Sunflowers

Sunflowers come in so many different heights, and even in shades of orange, red, plum, brown, and almost white. Plant at least one every spring for the children in your life.

A bunch of sunflowers with light yellow petals and brown centers, placed on a white tablecloth. A person in a red shirt, partially visible from the waist down, stands in the background. The scene appears to be in an outdoor garden or market.

40. Zinnias

Zinnias hold a special place in my heart, and I go a little crazy each year planting them. It’s so worth it once they bloom! For something different in your garden, try the Queen Lime or Zowie Flame series.

A person faces away from the camera, holding a large and colorful bouquet of zinnias with various shades of pink, orange, yellow, and red. Green foliage adds contrast. The background is a lush, out-of-focus green garden.

What is your favourite cut flower? Let me know what I’ve missed!

If you liked this blog post, follow me on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram for more cold-climate gardening tips, delicious recipes, and cut flower goodness! I also make weekly videos over on my YouTube channel. I hope to see you there!

Ready to grow your own beautiful cut flower garden, without the hassel?

I’ve taken all the guesswork out of creating a cut flower garden with my e-book, Cut Flowers Made Simple. Whether you’re a farmer florist, a beginner gardener, or anything in between, you’ll be able to start your own cut flower garden, with or without seed starting, growing annual flowers.

Prefer a physical copy? Find it now on Amazon!

A collage of vibrant flowers in various colors and types, with the text "40 Cut Flowers for Floral Arranging" displayed in the middle. The flowers include pink lilies, red dahlias, yellow marigolds, sunflowers, and more, atop a blurred garden background.

A collage of flowers divided into four sections. The top features a mix of white and purple lilacs. The second section shows vibrant zinnias. The third section displays pink tulips. The bottom part showcases a variety of colorful dahlias. Text reads: "best flowers for floral arranging" and "shiftingroots.com."

Comments

Lyn

Gardening is not my thing. I'm allergic to most of it, but I love the way it looks. I have a huge yard, but need advice on plant-it-and-forget it no maintenance bushes, flowers, and trees to plant that won't cost me a fortune. Thanks!

- Kristen Raney
  
  Oh that's too bad! I'm so sorry your allergies make it pretty much impossible. I'm glad you enjoyed the post.
  
Inger

Hey Kristen I’m Inger. I have a flower that I haven’t a clue of it’s name I was wondering if you could possibly tell me it’s name. It’s white with brown specks in a little circle, when it open the flower looks like a bell . I hope this is enough information. Thanks yours truly Inger Girtman

- Kristen Raney
  
  Is it maybe lily of the valley? I'd need a picture to have a better idea.
  
- Marie
  
  That sounds like foxglove to me :)
  
John Weitz

How long can I store bulbs in the fridge? Daffodils and gladiolus.

Gordon and Karin

Thank you so much, planting flowers in blocks is a great idea! Blessings from Alberta

JOEL A SAMUELS

I planted 350 daffodil bulbs last fall on a steep hill they all came to life this spring but I was only able to cut a couple flower arrangements before all the flowers had died if lots of more space on this steep hill if plat a couple hundred tulip bulbs will that extend the time for cutting flowers

Anna

I'm just going to put some flowers in my new apartment. I don't know which one to choose yet. Will, for example, Hebe (a plant somewhat like a round hedge) also work well at home? It always grows into a ball, with small green leaves. I mean dense plants that are easy to grow. I also invite you to my little lifestyle blog: https://obserwise.blogspot.com/

Benjamin

I read your article on the best petals flowers for floral arranging and was captivated by your insights. Your expert recommendations for selecting the right flowers are truly valuable. I was particularly impressed by your suggestions for incorporating unique textures and colors to create stunning arrangements. Your emphasis on longevity and ease of care also caught my attention, making it a comprehensive guide. For those looking to elevate their floral design skills, your article is a must-read. To delve deeper into arranging techniques, check out these creative tips for floral enthusiasts.