Blooming Beauty: 9 Flower Varieties that Make Perfect Gifts
Gardeners appreciate flowers that bring both beauty and practicality to their green spaces, so we’ve gathered recommendations from founders and business owners to find the perfect botanical gifts. From the versatile clematis to the elegant dahlias and lavender, explore the top nine thoughtful flower varieties that promise to add charm to any garden.
- Versatile Clematis and Charming Japanese Maples
- Begonias: Colorful Blooms for Every Gardener
- Echinacea and Hellebores: Perennial Garden Gifts
- Timeless English Roses with Fragrant Appeal
- Lavender: A Soothing, Pollinator-Friendly Gift
- Orchids and Hydrangeas: Meaningful Garden Gifts
- Hydrangeas: Versatile and Colorful Garden Additions
- Perennials and Hydrangeas for Lasting Beauty
- Dahlias and Lavender: Elegant Garden Enhancements
Versatile Clematis and Charming Japanese Maples
Clematis are versatile vines that come in a stunning array of colors and shapes, from delicate blooms to large, showy flowers. They can be trained to climb walls, trellises, or arbors, adding vertical interest and vibrant color to any garden.
For a gift that adds beauty and charm to any garden, also consider a Japanese Maple. These trees are renowned for their stunning foliage, which often displays vibrant shades of red, orange, purple, or green. They are relatively low-maintenance and can be grown in various garden styles, from formal to informal. Japanese Maples are a beautiful and long-lasting gift that any gardener will appreciate.
Shilpa Bhatia
Strategist, The SGStore
Begonias: Colorful Blooms for Every Gardener
As the owner of a garden center, I often recommend begonias as a thoughtful gift for gardeners. Begonias add beauty to any garden with their showy blooms and colorful foliage. Begonias require part shade and moist soil, making them low-maintenance once established. The Rex begonia, in particular, is a favorite with its stunning patterned leaves. Our customers love giving Rex begonias as gifts because their eye-catching foliage provides interest even when not in bloom.
For small spaces, the Begonia boliviensis “Bonfire” is ideal. This compact variety reaches just 6 to 12 inches tall with fiery orange blooms and red-orange foliage. It thrives in hanging baskets, window boxes, and small planters, bringing a pop of vibrant color to patios and balconies.
Those looking to make a bigger statement should consider the giant begonia ‘Benigo Pink’. This hardy begonia can reach up to 5 feet tall with enormous dark pink flowers held above the foliage. A single plant makes a focal point in any garden. Because of their oversized features and exotic appearance, “Benigo Pink” begonias are always a surprise and delight to receive as a gift. Begonias offer beauty, charm, and a variety for every gardener.
Josh Payne
Owner, Classic Landscape
Echinacea and Hellebores: Perennial Garden Gifts
As an experienced florist with over 10 years in the industry, I always recommend gifting perennials, especially those that bloom year after year with minimal fuss—like the beautiful echinacea (or coneflower). Not only is it hardy and low-maintenance, but its vibrant blooms add color and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a true gift for any garden. Plus, it’s resilient in both heat and drought, which means it’s perfect for gardeners who love seeing lasting beauty without too much upkeep. It’s one of those flowers that keeps on giving, a thoughtful and lasting way to show you care.
Another gem I suggest is the hellebore, often known as the winter rose. This flower has a magical quality to it, blooming in late winter to early spring when most gardens are still asleep. Its delicate, nodding blooms bring charm and elegance to any garden, especially when everything else feels a bit bare. It’s a truly thoughtful gift for gardeners who appreciate unique plants that add year-round interest and are eager to see signs of life even in the cooler months.
Sophie Marasco
Founder, Thanks A Bunch Florist
Timeless English Roses with Fragrant Appeal
One of my top picks would be the English rose. Not only do these flowers bring that timeless elegance to any garden, but they’re also incredibly resilient, blooming throughout the season with a variety of colors that range from deep reds to soft pinks and yellows. The fragrance is another bonus—it’s rich and inviting, which adds a whole new layer of charm to a garden. Plus, there’s something poetic about a rose that keeps coming back year after year, almost like a reminder of the care and love that goes into gardening.
And if you want to make it even more special, you can choose a particular variety, like the “Gertrude Jekyll” with its strong, old-rose fragrance and vivid pink petals. It’s a gift that offers not just beauty, but also a story, one that unfolds slowly as the blooms open and change over time. It’s perfect for anyone who appreciates the art and patience of gardening.
Chris Bajda
E-Commerce Entrepreneur & Managing Partner, Groomsday
Lavender: A Soothing, Pollinator-Friendly Gift
I love to recommend the stunning lavender as a thoughtful gift for gardeners. Not only does it add beauty and charm with its vibrant purple hues and soothing scent, but it also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing the garden’s ecosystem. Plus, it’s perfect for creating calming spaces—much like the serene atmosphere I aim for in my sessions.
Hajnalka Nagy
Business Owner | Reiki Healer, Cosmic Self
Orchids and Hydrangeas: Meaningful Garden Gifts
Orchids are a top choice when it comes to gifting for gardeners. These plants aren’t just about looks—though with their striking, long-lasting blooms, they certainly deliver on that front. They’re also versatile, with different types like Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium offering something unique for everyone. While orchids do need a bit of care, they’re not high-maintenance, making them a rewarding challenge for any gardener. Plus, orchids carry a lot of meaning—they symbolize luxury, love, and strength—so they’re more than just a pretty plant; they’re a meaningful gift that can thrive indoors and brighten up any space.
Hydrangeas are a fantastic gift choice for gardeners. These plants are all about making a statement with their big, bold blooms that can actually change color depending on the soil’s pH—so there’s a bit of magic involved that any gardener would appreciate. They’re versatile too; whether planted in the garden or kept in a container, hydrangeas bring a lot of visual impact. The best part? They’re pretty easy to care for, so whether you’re gifting to a seasoned green thumb or someone newer to gardening, hydrangeas are a win. Plus, they’re perennials, so they’ll keep coming back year after year, serving as a beautiful, lasting reminder of your thoughtful gift.
Roses are a timeless choice when it comes to gifting, especially for gardeners. They’re the epitome of classic beauty and elegance, and with so many varieties—from climbers to shrubs to miniatures—there’s a rose for just about any garden setting. What makes roses such a standout gift is their ability to deliver continuous blooms with the right care. Sure, they require some attention—pruning, feeding, and a bit of pest management—but the payoff is incredible: vibrant, fragrant flowers that can brighten up a garden all season long. For gardeners who love a bit of a challenge and appreciate the rewards, roses are a perfect, thoughtful gift that brings enduring charm and a touch of sophistication to any garden.
Bradley Saunders
Brand President, Heroes Lawn Care
Hydrangeas: Versatile and Colorful Garden Additions
Hydrangeas are an ideal gift for gardeners due to their beauty, charm, and versatility. Available in a range of colors, from vibrant blues and pinks to soft whites and lavenders, they enhance any garden’s aesthetic. Their adaptability to various soil types and climates makes them easy to cultivate, appealing to a wide variety of gardening preferences. Overall, hydrangeas make a thoughtful and stunning addition to any garden.
Michael Kazula
Director of Marketing, Olavivo
Perennials and Hydrangeas for Lasting Beauty
For gardeners, I recommend gifting perennials like peonies or daylilies. These flowers not only bloom year after year but also require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for any garden. Another thoughtful option is the hydrangea, known for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms that add a touch of elegance and charm to any outdoor space. Each of these flowers brings color, fragrance, and joy, making them a delightful gift for any garden enthusiast.
Amaury Ponce
Business Owner, Ponce Tree Services
Dahlias and Lavender: Elegant Garden Enhancements
For a thoughtful gift to gardeners, I recommend dahlias. These vibrant, multi-petaled flowers come in a wide range of colors and can bloom from mid-summer into autumn, adding long-lasting beauty and charm to any garden. Another great option is lavender; its fragrance and delicate purple flowers not only enhance the garden’s aesthetic but also attract pollinators like bees. Both are easy to care for and bring a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.
Ronald Osborne
Founder, Ronald Osborne Business Coach
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