Spring, summer, fall, winter,
flowers signal the season

For a flower lover, blossoms and blooms are always in season. And Teleflora florists can provide you with the perfect flowers, hand-arranged and hand-delivered, for every occasion.

Still, many of our favorite flowers are virtually synonymous with summer, winter, spring and fall. Mention the word tulip and spring comes to mind; when you see a poinsettia, you know Christmas is around the corner.

If you’ve got a big event – a wedding or special anniversary, say – it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with flowers that will be abundantly available at the time of your celebration. (If you’re a gardener, that’s a whole other story – check your local library or book store for comprehensive guides on what’s best for your region, climate, soil and space.)

What gets us through a cold and snowy winter? The promise of healing sunlight and new life, in the form of flowers. As a kid, you probably couldn’t wait to run outside and see the bright color of a tulip pushing its way through dark soil.

The always-friendly daisy reappears and there are few things in nature more cheerful than a daffodil.

Other flowers that burst into bloom and treat us to their intoxicating scents include hyacinth, freesia and the delicate but delightful lily of the valley. The brilliant color of azaleas, irises, pansies and violets reassures us that longer, warmer days are on the horizon.

Lilac, cherry blossoms, forsythia and pussy willow also reveal their uncommon beauty.

Beaches, barbecues, lazy days and weekend getaways. And so many flowers in bloom. Naturally blue flowers – like hydrangea and delphinium – are stars of the season.

Roses and ranunculus as well as dahlias, peonies and azalea command our attention with their lush forms and vivid colors. Other summer favorites include cosmos, gardenias, daisies and zinnias.

Additionally, gladioli and snapdragons entice us with their angular elegance. The leaves of the gladiolus inspired its name – from the Latin word “gladius,” meaning sword.

Asters and sunflowers with their light-drenched hues bridge the gap between summer and fall.

Early autumn is a prime time for appreciating the loveliness of flowers and the changing colors of leaves. In early autumn, anthurium, bouvardia and liatris come to the fore. Wheat, goldenrod and marigold reach their full glory.

When the days get shorter and there’s a chill in the air, that’s the time for bouquets made up of chrysanthemums, daisies, roses, carnations, alstroemeria and lilies. Or try a potted cyclamen plant.

According to the Society of American Florists, more than 60 million poinsettias are sold annually. Poinsettia plants are striking and poinsettias as cut flowers will enhance any floral bouquet. Amaryllis, another vibrant bloom that’s ideal for the holidays, also can be bought as a plant or cut flower. Evergreens make excellent accents with a fresh, exhilarating fragrance.

Carnations and chrysanthemums are tried and true components of winter floral arrangements.