Easter in Autumn: What every florist needs to knowYvette

Flowers symbolise new life, hope and rebirth, which are central to the Easter message. It’s the perfect time to enjoy your flowers, rest and be with the ones that bring you joy. Giving flowers at Easter is a popular tradition that dates back many years. It is a way to express love and gratitude (especially important to us at Bloom). Whether sending a bouquet to a loved one or styling a table with a beautiful centrepiece, flowers are a meaningful way to share the joy of Easter with others.

But when choosing your flowers for Easter, it’s important to understand the culture and tradition behind the holiday. In this blog, we’ll look at the tradition of autumnal equinox, what Easter looks like for the southern hemisphere, and what types of flowers and arrangements you should go for at this time of year.

Easter on the autumnal equinox

Have you ever wondered why Easter falls on a different date every year? 

Unlike other annual holidays, such as Christmas or Valentine’s Day, the date of Easter changes from year to year. This is because the date of Easter is tied to the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. The date of Easter is set using the timing of the autumnal equinox. Once the date of the autumnal equinox has been determined, the date of the next full moon is calculated and Easter Sunday is set as the first Sunday following the first full moon after the autumnal equinox. 

This means that in the southern hemisphere, Easter Sunday can fall between March 22 and April 25, which is in excess of a four-week period and that can be significant in the world of flowers.

Depending on weather conditions and other factors, certain flowers like hydrangeas and dahlias may not be available towards the end of the Easter period. It’s important to take this into account when planning your Easter floral arrangements and consider alternative options that are in season during this time. By doing so, you can ensure that your festive blooms are not only beautiful but also readily available.

Easter in the southern hemisphere

Easter also holds great significance for many people around the world and flowers are a popular way to celebrate the holiday. From the lilies that adorn church altars to the pastel-coloured tulips in Easter baskets, flowers are a symbol of new life, hope and rebirth––central to the Easter message.

In many cultures, Easter is associated with the arrival of spring and new beginnings. However, in the southern hemisphere––where Easter falls during autumn––the typical Hallmark holiday depictions of new beginnings may not be as applicable. Instead, Easter can be seen as a time of renewal and reflection, as the leaves turn golden and the weather cools down. It’s important to remember that the seasons and climate can vary greatly around the world and what may be traditional in one part of the world may not be as relevant in another. Just as there’s no snow at Christmas in Australia, Easter in the southern hemisphere is a unique experience that reflects the natural rhythms of the region.

Popular Easter flowers

There’s a shift in the types of flowers and produce that are available at Easter. Some of the most popular flowers for Easter in the southern hemisphere include chrysanthemums, sedum, snapdragons, achillea, matricaria, dahlias and asters. These flowers are often used in autumnal colour palettes, with warm oranges, reds and yellows that reflect the changing leaves of the season. Additionally, flowers like orchids, lilies, roses and carnations are available year-round and are popular choices for Easter arrangements.

These are some of our favourites:

Chrysanthemums

These beautiful flowers bloom in a range of colours, including white, yellow, pink and purple, and are often associated with autumn. They symbolise joy, happiness and longevity and are commonly used to decorate homes and churches during Easter.

Roses 

These beauties come in a range of colours, including pink, red, purple, orange, yellow and white, and are often used to create beautiful displays during Easter. They represent femininity and elegance and are a popular choice for gift-giving during the holiday.

Hyacinth 

Hyacinth flowers have a sweet fragrance and come in a range of colours, from soft pink to vibrant purple. They symbolise new growth and rebirth, making them a popular choice for Easter celebrations. These have already made an appearance at markets. Buy them in buds and watch them bloom.

Tulips 

Similar to daffodils, tulips are often associated with the Northern Hemisphere’s spring season, but can also be found in the southern hemisphere during autumn. These are available in abundance. They come in a range of colours, including white, yellow, pink, red and purple, and represent love, passion and rebirth.

Proteas 

These beautiful flowers are native to South Africa and come in a range of stunning colours, including pink, red, orange and yellow. They symbolise courage, diversity and transformation and are a popular choice for Easter displays.

Popular Easter arrangements

There are really no rules when it comes to creating an Easter arrangement. Easter flowers may range from simple to intricate, according to your individual taste and styling. It is essential to select flowers and hues that you love to work with and that will look beautiful in your home. 

Floral wreaths 

Wreaths are a popular choice for Easter and can be made using a variety of different flowers and foliage. Some common options include lilies, roses, tulips and ivy.

Centrepiece arrangements 

Many people like to decorate their Easter table with a beautiful centrepiece arrangement. These can be made using a variety of different flowers and colours, but pastel shades are often used to create a soft calming theme.

Nest-inspired arrangements

Another idea is to create an arrangement that resembles a bird’s nest, using flowers like ferns and ivy to create a nest-like base. Add flowers in shades of blue, pink and yellow to represent eggs and top with decorative birds or feathers.

Easter Basket

We cannot forget a classic Easter basket. Use lots of beautiful autumnal blooms to create an arrangement in a basket, sticking with the pastel colour palette.

Get creative with your Easter arrangements and decorate your home with flowers as you rest and recover over the Easter break. For simple arrangement how-to’s, you can check out our Bloom Basics Online Course.