Get excited, all you florists, designers, and flower lovers out there—this is your sign to embrace something a little out of the ordinary this season. The Fritillaria (commonly also known as fritillary) cut flower season is officially underway, and if you haven't yet worked with these remarkable crown jewels of floriculture, now is the perfect time to start. Here's all you need to know about these crowny flowers and how to get them from the growers of the Coloríginz label All I Am.
Fritillaria - A Flower With History and Character
Delicate, intricate, and with a touch of the unexpected, Fritillarias are unlike any other cut flower. Whether you prefer deep, moody hues or soft, crown or bell-like forms that add elegance to arrangements, these flowers bring a distinctive look that customers will remember. Let’s roll into what makes Fritillarias so special, the growers behind the varieties available this season, and how you can best use them in your floral designs.
Fritillarias belong to the Liliaceae family and have been admired for centuries. With origins spanning across Europe, North Africa, and Asia, these flowers have long been associated with nobility and artistry. Back in the Renaissance, Fritillarias appeared in still-life paintings as symbols of refinement and prestige. Their intricate forms and captivating colors made them a favorite among botanists and artists alike.
Today, these bulb flowers still hold that air of exclusivity. While not as mainstream as roses or tulips, their appearance offers something that feels rare and unique—a quality that florists and designers are always looking for.
What Makes Fritillarias Special?
Fritillarias stand out for a few key reasons. The first thing, that meets the eye is their strong presence. Despite their delicate look, these flowers have a strong architectural quality, making them excellent focal points in arrangements. When there are Fritillarias in the floral design, you will know it! Of course, that has to do with their striking colors, from deep purples and bronzed hues to creamy whites and fiery oranges. These flowers often have a downward-facing, bell-shaped form, giving them a soft and elegant appearance. And, last but not least, it's the limited availability that makes them a highly sought-after cut flower, particularly for florists and designers who want to create something truly special during this time of year.
Meet the Growers Bringing Fritillarias to the Market
There aren't many Fritillaria growers. After all, they are still a niche product. So, to find a good one may seem like looking for a needle in a haystack. Two of the growers from the All I Am label from Coloríginz have proven their skills already, offering stunning varieties that should definitely be on your radar. Meet Dutch growers C. Hogewoning and De Jong-Velsma.
C. Hogewoning from the bulb region of Katwijk, just a little south of the world-famous bulb gardens Keukenhof, is a well-known name when it comes to specialty cut flowers. This season, they are offering two exceptional Fritillaria varieties with the All I Am label:
Fritillaria Persica – Known for its deep, almost-black purple blooms, Fritillaria Persica brings drama and sophistication to any floral composition. The tall, stately stems and clustered bell-shaped flowers make it an ideal choice for striking arrangements.
Fritillaria Ivory Bells – If you're looking for something softer, Fritillaria Ivory Bells, also a 'Persica' variety is a perfect choice. With its pale greenish-white flowers, this variety exudes elegance and pairs beautifully with both muted and bold color palettes.
In this short reel, Marty Star from Coloríginz visits grower C. Hogewining:
Besides being a grower, De Jong-Velsma is also a breeder of Fritillaria, so they are the inventors of new crown imperial varieties! This Frisian company offers stunning orange-hued varieties; blooms that add warmth and energy to designs, making them perfect for spring and early summer arrangements. From De Jong-Velsma is available at All I Am:
Fritillaria Orange Beauty – Available until week 18, the end of April, this variety takes the orange theme even further, with striking, bright blooms that command attention. If you’re working on wedding designs, large event pieces, or striking retail arrangements, this is the variety to use.
Fritillaria Orange Sweet – Available until the end of March, this variety has a rich, warm orange tone that complements both rustic and modern designs. It works beautifully in bouquets that need a pop of color without overpowering the rest of the arrangement. One major feature for people with a sensitive nose: Orange Sweet has only little smell!
How to Use Fritillarias in Floral Design
Fritillarias are incredibly versatile, but they do require a bit of thoughtful handling. To get the most out of these fine flowers, keep in mind that hydration is key because Fritillarias can be a little sensitive, so ensure they are well-hydrated before designing with them. also be sure to support their stems, since some varieties have softer stems, so consider using floral wire or structuring them carefully in arrangements. Like with most flowers, it's important to keep them cool to make them last longer. Finally, prevent bacteria buildup in the water by changing this regularly. This will significantly extend their vase life.
Here are some of the best ways to use them in floral arrangements:
1. As a Statement Flower: Fritillarias have an architectural beauty that makes them perfect as a focal flower. Whether in a tall, structured vase arrangement or a dramatic wedding centerpiece, they draw attention effortlessly.
2. In Soft, Romantic Bouquets: Paired with soft pastels and textured greenery, Fritillaria Ivory Bells or Fritillaria Persica can add a touch of elegance to romantic, garden-style bouquets.
3. For High-Contrast Designs: Fritillarias, particularly in deep purples and bright oranges, work well in bold, contrast-heavy arrangements. Pair Fritillaria Persica with white Ranunculus or use Fritillaria Orange Beauty with dark green foliage for an eye-catching display.
4. In Minimalist Designs: If you love simplicity, try using just a few stems of Fritillarias in a tall, clear vase. Their natural shape and movement make them beautiful even when displayed alone.
5. Mixing with Seasonal Favorites: Spring is the perfect time to mix Fritillarias with other seasonal flowers. Try them with tulips, anemones, hellebores, or even delicate branches for a fresh, organic look.
The Time to Use Fritillarias Is Now
With the Fritillaria season now in full swing until the end of April, this is your chance to experiment with these stunning crown jewels of floriculture. Whether you’re looking for something dramatic, soft, or unexpected, there’s a Fritillaria variety that will fit your design needs.
From the deep purples of Fritillaria Persica to the creamy elegance of Ivory Bells, and the fiery warmth of Orange Sweet and Orange Beauty, there’s no shortage of inspiration to be found in this season’s offerings.
So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to bring these exceptional flowers into your shop and let their beauty work its magic. The season won’t last forever—make the most of it while you can!
Header Image by @botanica_florens. Feature image by @cultivatedbychristin.
