Best Autumn Flowers for Bouquets: What's in Season in the UK
Autumn is one of the best times of year for a bouquet. The colours deepen, the shapes get richer, and the flowers that come into their own now, dahlias, chrysanthemums, rudbeckia and more, have a warmth that's hard to match at any other point in the year. If you're wondering what's in season, what suits a bouquet and how to choose, here's a florist's guide to the best autumn flowers and how to make the most of them.
In this guide:
- Autumn flowers at a glance
- What in season actually means
- The best autumn flowers for bouquets
- Autumn colour palettes
- Choosing an autumn bouquet by occasion
- Getting the most from an autumn bouquet
- How to order
- Frequently asked questions
✿ Autumn flowers at a glance
| Flower | Typical autumn colours | Why it works in a bouquet |
|---|---|---|
| Dahlias | Burgundy, orange, deep red, blush | Showy, layered blooms that make a natural focal flower |
| Chrysanthemums | Gold, bronze, rust, cream | Hardy and long-lasting, with a good range of shapes |
| Rudbeckia | Golden yellow | Cheerful, daisy-like and slightly wild-looking |
| Asters | Purple, pink, white | Small, airy flowers that add softness and movement |
| Nerines | Pink | Delicate, sparkling petals on slim stems |
| Hydrangea and sedum | Dusty pink, green, antique tones | Textured, with a faded look that suits the season |
| Roses | Deep red, burgundy, apricot, cream | Classic, and available year-round |
| Berries and foliage | Red, orange, copper | Add depth, shape and a countryside feel |
Availability varies by week and by supplier, so what's looking best in the shop on any given day may differ from this table.
✿ What in season actually means
“In season” simply means flowers that are growing naturally at that time of year, rather than being forced under glass or flown in from elsewhere. In the UK, the autumn growing season brings a particular set of flowers into their prime, which is why autumn bouquets have such a recognisable look.
It doesn't mean every flower in an autumn bouquet is locally grown. Some flowers, such as roses, are available all year round and often come from further afield, and a good bouquet mixes seasonal stems with year-round favourites. Where possible, we choose what's looking best that week.
✿ The best autumn flowers for bouquets
Dahlias
The flower most associated with autumn. Dahlias come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, from neat pompons to large, layered blooms, and make a natural focal point in a bouquet. They're striking rather than long-lived: expect a shorter vase life than chrysanthemums, so they suit a bouquet to enjoy straight away.
Chrysanthemums
Often overlooked, but a florist's workhorse. Chrysanthemums are hardy, come in golds, bronzes, rusts and creams, and are known for lasting well in a vase, which makes them a practical choice for a bouquet that needs to look good for a while.
Rudbeckia
Golden, daisy-like and cheerful, rudbeckia brings a sunny, slightly wild feel that stops an autumn bouquet from looking too formal.
Asters
Small, star-shaped flowers in purples, pinks and whites. Asters add softness and movement around bolder blooms, and work well in more relaxed, garden-style bouquets.
Nerines
A delicate, sparkling pink flower that appears in autumn and gives a bouquet a lighter, more delicate touch. Nerines suit a softer palette and pair well with muted foliage.
Hydrangea and sedum
Both take on antique, faded tones in autumn, dusty pinks, greens and soft burgundies, which suit the season's colour palette and add texture and fullness.
Roses
Roses are available throughout the year, but deeper shades, burgundy, deep red, apricot and cream, sit particularly well alongside autumn flowers and give a bouquet a classic, romantic feel.
Berries and foliage
Berries, rosehips and copper-toned foliage add colour, shape and a countryside feel, and often make the difference between a bouquet that looks seasonal and one that's just coloured.
✿ Autumn colour palettes
Three combinations we return to again and again at this time of year:
- Rust and gold. Chrysanthemums, rudbeckia and orange dahlias with copper foliage. Warm, cheerful and unmistakably autumn.
- Burgundy and plum. Deep dahlias, dark roses and berries. Rich and dramatic, and a good choice for an evening occasion or a generous gift.
- Dusty rose and cream. Soft dahlias, hydrangea and muted foliage. Gentle and elegant, and a good fit for someone who prefers a calmer palette.
✿ Choosing an autumn bouquet by occasion
- Birthday: warm, bold colours suit the season and lift the mood as the evenings draw in. See our birthday flowers.
- Thank you: a mixed bouquet in rust and gold is generous without being over the top. See our thank you flowers.
- Get well soon: a bright, cheerful bouquet is a welcome lift. See our get well soon flowers. If they're in hospital, check the ward's rules on flowers first.
- Anniversary: deep reds, burgundies and roses suit a romantic autumn occasion. See our anniversary flowers.
- A gift with a little extra: add chocolates, a candle or a vase to make it feel more complete. See our autumn gift ideas.
✿ Getting the most from an autumn bouquet
A few simple habits make a real difference to how long a bouquet lasts. Trim the stems at an angle, use a clean vase, change the water every couple of days, and keep the bouquet away from radiators and direct heat, which are more tempting spots as the weather turns colder. Our bouquet care guide covers this in more detail.
✿ How to order
Browse our bouquets, including our bouquets of the day, or choose a hand-tied bouquet or vase arrangement. For same-day delivery, order by 2pm Monday to Saturday, or by 1pm on Sundays. We deliver across Andover, Winchester, Salisbury, Basingstoke and the surrounding villages, seven days a week, with delivery from £6.95. Collection from the shop is free. See our delivery page for areas and charges.
✿ Frequently asked questions
What flowers are in season in autumn in the UK?
Dahlias, chrysanthemums, rudbeckia, asters, nerines, hydrangea and sedum are all at their best in autumn, along with berries and copper-toned foliage. Roses are available all year round.
What colours are autumn bouquets?
Typically warm, rich shades: burgundy, orange, gold, rust, deep red and dusty rose, often with copper foliage and berries.
Which autumn flowers last longest in a vase?
Chrysanthemums are known for lasting well. Dahlias are showy but tend to be shorter-lived.
Are autumn flowers cheaper?
Prices depend on the flowers and the bouquet, and we don't set them by season alone.
Can I choose the flowers in my bouquet?
If you'd like something specific, get in touch and we'll talk through what's looking best and what suits the occasion.
If you'd like an autumn bouquet, browse our bouquets or get in touch and we'll help you choose something to suit the person and the occasion.