Callicarpa
Purple is definitely the new green. It feels like the last drops of summer have soaked into Callicarpa's tiny bright berries. These bursts of purple are a pleasant surprise in any seasonal autumn bouquet, where the fresh bright colours of spring and summer are swapped for darker shades of brown and red. Commonly known as beautyberries, they make the change of season very easy on the eye indeed.
CHRYSANTHEMUM
The name chrysanthemum is derived from the Greek words for 'gold' (chrys) and 'flower' (anthemom). This beautiful flower didn't get this 'golden name' for nothing! It is originally golden yellow in colour, gives warmth, sparkles in every bouquet and is a symbol of happiness and health.
CROCOSMIA
The blooms of the beautiful crocosmia, flaming brightly on the stem in a comb of flowers, capture the whole astounding colour palette of the season. Create sculptural arrangements in your vase with stems in every shade, from soft orange to deep red, all filled with the warmth of autumn. A delightfully fiery flower, it's perfect for brightening up your home on a cloudy day.
Euphorbia
These joyous flowers erupt in all directions. The female blooms sit proudly in the centre, surrounded by a group of attentive male flowers. Euphorbia, also known as spurge, has around 2,300 varieties so there are plenty of stems to choose from. Take your pick of various autumnal colours: yellow, orange, red and white.
Be careful while trimming this flowers, as the milky juice that can come out of the stem when you cut the flower is poisonous. If it gets on your hands, wash them well to avoid skin irritation.
HYPERICUM
For a long-lasting flower arrangement, include hypericum and watch it work its magic. After flowering, this plant produces beautiful berries on the branch, awarding you two bouquet styles in one. The berries will create depth, texture and contrast in an arrangement of softer petals, and their transformational qualities make this the perfect low-maintenance autumn flower.
Hypericum has some powerful symbolism behind its pretty colours. In the past, this plant was used to chase away the devil and evil spirits - making it an ideal pick for the time around Halloween!
Physalis
With red-orange Physalis decorating shop windows, autumn is in full swing. It's instantly clear where its common name of Chinese lantern plant comes from: the cheerful fruit is wrapped in leaves shaped like a natural paper lantern, whose glowing flame colour makes it appear as though its lit up by a candle. In the past, these plants were grown in homes to drive away bad spirits, with people believing the lanterns imprisoned the ghosts. Now, the flower symbolises safety, comfort and protection. Enjoy these stems freshly cut or dry them at home.
Scabiosa
The pincushion flower, or scabiosa, helps soften the shock of autumn. When it's cold and raining outdoors, brighten your home with these fabulous flowers in shades of white, yellow, red, blue and purple. The dancing petals of this cheerful upright field flower with its sweet pinhead stamens will capture the attention of the whole room. Plus, it symbolises true love, so works beautifully in a bouquet to a treasured friend, partner or other loved one.
Rosehips
Rose bushes produce marvellous fruit, called rosehips. When the summer flowers have died back, these interesting, sculptural berries take centre stage. They are essential ingredients in any autumn bouquet. If you have any single friends, a bunch of rosehips is the perfect gift: it symbolises waiting for your true love.
VERONICA
A pretty bouquet of field flowers is a genuine crowd-pleaser. This is especially true in autumn, when summer meadows have disappeared and wildflowers are thin on the ground. For a seasonal variety with bold shapes and soothing shades, put Veronica on your list of stems. This bloom will lend a relaxed, laid-back feel to any gentle bouquet.
Veronica's conical flower with ascending spike makes it a stately and graceful beauty. Interestingly, the flower was once attributed with healing properties.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AUTUMN BOUQUETS
Can't get enough of all these beautiful autumn flowers? Channel your inspiration into a gorgeous seasonal bouquet! Check out these classic autumn flowers, a large bouquet made with dried flowers and a playful, mood-boosting bouquet.
MORE AUTUMNAL GIFT IDEAS
Looking for more gift ideas for autumn? Roll up your sleeves and get stuck into some fun and rewarding DIYs. Surprise someone with a homemade autumn wreath, get started on an autumn altar, or host an autumn high tea with the tastiest, cosiest recipes.
