The Flowers I Always Reach for in May
May is one of my favourite months in the flower season. The garden really begins to come into its own, and many of the flowers I have been looking forward to all spring finally start appearing. There’s something special about May flowers, soft colours, delicate scent, and plenty of movement making them perfect for creating natural, seasonal arrangements. Whether I’m designing wedding flowers or hand-tied bouquets, there are certain blooms i find myself reaching for again and again.
Peonies
Peonies are undoubtedly one of the stars of May. Their large, ruffled blooms bring softness and fullness to arrangements, making them a popular choice for weddings at this time of year. I love watching them gradually open over several days, revealing layer upon layer of delicate petals.
Available in shades ranging from creamy white and blush pink to deeper red and coral tones, peonies are perfect for creating romantic, seasonal designs and pair beautifully with other spring flowers.
Ranunculus
Ranunculus are another seasonal favourite that I use throughout May. Their intricate, layered petals add texture and interest to arrangements without feeling heavy or structured. They come in a beautiful range of colours, from soft creams, blush pinks and buttery yellows to warm apricots, vibrant oranges, deep reds and burgundy tones.
Whether i’m working with soft, romantic tones or something a little bolder, I often include ranunculus in my designs to add depth and detail while maintaining a light, natural feel.
Sweet Peas
Few flowers capture the feeling of spring quite like sweet peas.
Their scent is one of the most beautiful in the garden, and their delicate stems bring movement and softness to arrangements. I often use them to soften bouquets and give them a more relaxed, garden-inspired feel.
They are often one of the flowers clients comment on most, both for their fragrance and charming, slightly whimsical appearance.
Other Favourite May Stems
Alongside these seasonal favourites, I also love using:
Sweet Rocket for softness and texture
Cornflowers for small pops of colour
Clary Sage for it’s delicate, watercolour-like tones
Small delicate Alliums for shape and detail
These supporting flowers help create arrangements that feel fresh, natural, and truly reflective of the season.
Why I Love Working with Seasonal Flowers in May
One of the things I enjoy most about working seasonally is that the flowers naturally guide the design. May flowers lend themselves beautifully to relaxed, garden-style arrangements, whether for weddings, special events or flowers for the home.
Choosing flowers that are naturally in season often creates a more cohesive and authentic look, while celebrating what’s growing at its best.
Working with seasonal flowers is one of the joys of May. If you’re planning a wedding or special celebration and would like to chat about seasonal flowers, I’d love to hear all about your plans.