By Tonneli Grüetter
Is there anything more beautiful than the emergence of delicate cherry blossoms fluttering in the spring? What about the minimalist majesty of a sweet Southern Magnolia branch kissed with ancient moss on its gently cracked bark?
It is undeniable that spring flowering branches hold a special power to muster emotions and memories. In this article, we explore six seasonal woody-stemmed blossoms that can be enjoyed no matter where you bloom. These favorites are available both locally and from flower wholesalers across North America.
Attract the attention of premium-level customers by giving these flowers special prominence in your flower designs this month, creating fresh opportunities for your business.
FLOWERING QUINCE (a.k.a. JAPANESE QUINCE)
Botanical Name: Chaenomeles speciosa
Colors: White, Pink, Red, Peach
Vase life: 7-14 days
Pro tips: Hammer the ends of the beautiful branches for better hydration; do not place cut branches in direct sunlight.
When they are in season: March-April
CHERRY BLOSSOMS
Botanical Names: Prunus avium (sweet cherry, wild cherry, bird cherry, gean)
P. cerasus (sour cherry, tart cherry, pie cherry, dwarf cherry)
P. serrulata (Japanese flowering cherry, Oriental cherry)
P. x yedoensis (Yoshino cherry, Japanese flowering cherry, Potomac cherry)
P. subhirtella (Higan cherry, rosebud cherry)
Colors: White, Pink
Vase life: 7-14 days
Pro tip: Trim 1 to 2 inches off the bottom stem end, and split the stem end for longer vase life.
When they are in season: January-May; peak season is March
APPLE BLOSSOMS
Botanical Names: Malus domestica/M. pumila (apple, common apple, orchard apple)
M. sylvestris/M. coronaria (crab apple)
Colors: White, Pink
Vase life: 5-10 days
Pro tip: Keep in a cool place and away from direct sunlight to extend bloom life
When they are in season: April-May
MOCK ORANGE / LEWIS’ MOCK ORANGE (a.k.a WILD MOCK ORANGE)
Botanical Name: Philadelphus coronarius / Philadelphus Lewisii
Colors: White, Yellow
Vase life: 7-12 days
Pro tip: The thin woody stems make an excellent support mechanic in floral design.
When they are in season: May-June
FLOWERING DOGWOOD
Botanical Name: Cornus florida
Colors: White, Pink, Green
Vase life: 10-14 days
Pro tips: Source branches in bud stage; place branches into warm low-dose flower nutrient solution, changing the solution every two or three days.
When they are in season: March-May
TULIP MAGNOLIA
(a.k.a. SAUCER MAGNOLIA, JAPANESE MAGNOLIA)
Botanical Name: Magnolia x soulangiana
Colors: White, Pink, Purple, Yellow
Vase life: 7-12 days
Pro tip: Magnolia blooms are extremely sensitive to the oils on your hands and bruises easily, so try to limit contact with the blooms to preserve their beauty.
When they are in season: January-April (some species are available year-round, depending on climate)
“Tulip Magnolia [Magnolia × soulangiana, a.k.a. as saucer Magnolia and Japanese Magnolia] are one of my favorite blooming branches to use for a few reasons: They do not shed as much as some other branches, such as Forsythia, and their color is stunning. They are so simple and elegant. Everyone who sees them cannot help but comment on them and admire their beauty.”
— Domonique Peskin; Domonique Rose; Van Nuys, Calif.
Instagram @DomoniqueRose
“I love cherry branches the most whether I use multiple tall branches to create a big statement piece or small bits incorporated with all my other spring favorites. I keep them in their vase until leaves have sprouted and there’s pink petal confetti all over my house.”
— Emily Coulter; Morrice Florist; Vineyard Haven, Mass.
Instagram @morriceflorist
Magnolia × soulangiana branches in a floral design by Domonique Peskin; Domonique Rose; Van Nuys, Calif.
