12 Best Winter Flowers & Foliage for Bouquets

Winter might seem like the quietest time of year for flowers, but it’s actually one of the most magical seasons to design in. When the air turns crisp and light becomes golden, floral design takes on a new kind of beauty - softer, more intentional, and full of texture.

At PIERR Flowers, we love winter because it allows us to play with tone, depth, and longevity. Our winter bouquets often blend sustainably sourced fresh flowers with preserved foliage and blooms, creating designs that last and evolve gracefully through the season.

Whether you’re planning a winter wedding, designing floral gifts, or simply dressing your home, these are our 12 favourite flowers and foliage to use in winter bouquets.

1. Amaryllis

A true winter showstopper. Tall, elegant, and full of drama, amaryllis brings structure and volume to arrangements. We love pairing it with soft foliage or preserved hydrangea to create contrast. Its long stems make it ideal for statement bouquets and entrance arrangements.

2. Hellebores

Often called the Christmas Rose, hellebores are winter’s quiet treasure. Their soft tones - ivory, blush, green, and mauve - bring a gentle, romantic feel. They thrive in cooler temperatures, making them perfect for London events or home arrangements during the colder months.

3. Anemones

With their dark centres and delicate petals, anemones bring a striking, modern contrast to soft winter palettes. They work beautifully in corporate event florals or bridal bouquets that need a touch of sophistication and depth.

4. Ranunculus

Known for their layers of silky petals, ranunculus add movement and richness. Their colour range - from ivory to peach, coral, and burgundy - fits both romantic weddings and minimal, modern settings. Ranunculus are long-lasting and pair perfectly with preserved roses or dried textures.

5. Tulips

Simple, elegant, and full of symbolism, tulips remind us that spring is coming. For winter arrangements, we recommend creamy whites, soft purples, or blush tones. Their clean lines suit contemporary events and complement both fresh and preserved materials.

6. Roses

No season feels complete without them. In winter, we favour classic garden roses in neutral shades - ivory, dusty pink, and champagne. Their scent softens formal spaces, while preserved roses offer endurance in venues with heating or limited airflow.

7. Hypericum Berries

These glossy red or coral berries bring vibrancy to winter bouquets. They work beautifully with fresh greenery and preserved eucalyptus, adding color and structure without overwhelming the design.

8. Eucalyptus

A signature PIERR favourite. Its silvery tones and calming scent add movement and elegance. We use both preserved and fresh eucalyptus, depending on the desired finish - fresh for fragrance, preserved for long-lasting texture.

Eucalyptus pairs perfectly with almost any bloom, especially in minimalist or Nordic-inspired bouquets.

9. Pine and Spruce Foliage

Winter wouldn’t feel complete without a hint of evergreen. Pine and spruce foliage add body, texture, and a seasonal scent that immediately evokes warmth and comfort. Use them as a base for arrangements or to frame focal flowers.

10. Dusty Miller

Soft, velvety, and subtly silver, Dusty Miller adds a touch of frost to any bouquet. It’s ideal for modern, neutral colour palettes and pairs beautifully with white roses, hellebores, or ranunculus. It also reflects candlelight beautifully - a perfect detail for evening events.

11. Dried Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are stunning when preserved. Their faded tones, oatmeal, blush, or caramel, create depth and softness. Dried hydrangeas are a sustainable way to add volume without increasing cost or waste, and they last beautifully in winter humidity.

12. Magnolia Leaves

Glossy and structured, magnolia leaves are perfect for architectural florals or corporate installations. Their rich brown undersides contrast elegantly against green or ivory blooms. We love using them in large arrangements and seasonal tablescapes for their sculptural quality.

How to Build the Perfect Winter Bouquet

The secret to designing an unforgettable winter bouquet lies in contrast and balance.

• Combine fresh flowers for movement and fragrance with preserved elements for texture and durability.

• Focus on tone-on-tone layering rather than stark colour contrasts - warm neutrals, golds, and muted greens always feel elegant.

• Play with height and shape. Winter arrangements should feel organic, not rigid. Let stems curve and breathe.

• Incorporate lighting and scent. Soft candlelight and subtle fragrance can elevate even the simplest arrangement.

A well-designed winter bouquet doesn’t shout; it whispers — and that quiet confidence is what makes it unforgettable.

Key Takeaways

• Winter florals thrive on texture and tone. Think velvety petals, preserved accents, and warm neutrals.

• Amaryllis, hellebores, and ranunculus are essential seasonal staples for both bridal and event bouquets.

• Preserved and sustainable materials ensure long-lasting beauty and eco-conscious design.

• Foliage like eucalyptus, pine, and magnolia brings structure, movement, and scent.

• Lighting transforms winter flowers. Always consider how candlelight or warm bulbs will interact with your bouquet’s palette.

A Final Thought

Winter floral design is about more than colour - it’s about emotion. When the world outside feels muted, flowers remind us of life’s quiet beauty.

At PIERR Flowers, we love helping clients embrace that magic through sustainable, timeless designs. Whether you’re walking down the aisle, hosting a celebration, or gifting someone special, a winter bouquet can carry the warmth of the season in every petal.