The 50 Best Florists

2. Jane Packer
According to Annabel Lewis, Jane Packer is “everyone’s favourite florist and helped us all appreciate the possibilities of flowers. She really began the link between flowers, fashion and lifestyle. Jane is fantastic with colour and can create classic bouquets as well as dramatic displays with the wow factor.” Kate is also a fan: “Jane’s creativity combined with her fresh and innovative ideas has greatly influenced floristry in this country, making it just as exciting as fashion or interior design.”
Where - Jane Packer (0845 074 6000; www.janepackerdelivered.com)
How much - £50

3. John Carter
Described by Vogue as “the Christian Dior of flowers”, John Carter is also a big hit with Annabel. “For any event, John Carter’s flowers are the pièce de résistance. Excellent old-fashioned glamour with the wow factor. A true florist to the stars.” And if you have a celebrity-sized budget, his weekly “house flowers” service means your home will always be resplendent with beautiful blooms.
Where - John Carter (020-7731 5146; www.johncarterflowers.com)
How much - bouquets from £35, table arrangements from £50 

4. David Austin Roses
“Someone once sent me a David Austin Roses bouquets of full-blown English roses in gorgeous pastel colours,” says Victoria Summerley, “and it scored a wow rating of 11 out of 10 among friends and family who dropped by.” Great for birthdays, anniversaries or as a treat for anyone who loves classic, English-garden nostalgia.
Where - David Austin Roses (01902 376301; www.davidaustinroses.com)
How much - bouquets from £39.95

5. Scent from the Islands
Offering great-value boxes of fantastically fragranced narcissi, fresh from the Isles of Scilly, Scent from the Islands’ site is a brilliant place to buy affordable – and gorgeous – flowers. Each box includes enough flowers and foliage for you to create your own beautiful arrangement, whether you go for the £9 posy pack or a selection box of 60 narcissi.
Where - Scent from the Islands (01720 422169; www.scillyflowers.co.uk)
How much - from £9

6. Give with Flowers
Buying someone a beautiful bouquet is a lovely gesture and by buying one from Give with Flowers you can also help the fight against cancer. Cancer Research UK receives 20 per cent of the price of all flowers on this site, so even purchasing the smallest posy from the site’s extensive range will help fund potentially life-saving research. Check out the spring flowers section for a selection of seasonal blooms.
Where - Give with Flowers (0845 026 0945; www.givewithflowers.org)
How much - primula basket £22 

7. McQueens
Victoria’s twin sister sends her McQueens flowers on their birthday each year: an annual treat. No relation to the fashion designer, but just as glamorous (McQueens have decorated post-Oscar parties, no less). As well as fabulous hand-tied bouquets, wedding and event flowers, the company also runs a range of courses at its floristry school and will deliver in the London area.
Where - McQueens (020-7251 5505; www.mcqueens.co.uk)
How much - £170

8. Mary Jane Vaughan at Fast Flowers
“Mary Jane’s base is Fast Flowers in Fulham,” explains Kate. “It’s the place to pop in to if you want to buy something suitably gorgeous for a friend or loved one. She does romantic and feminine brilliantly and I think she’s the perfect wedding florist.” Kate’s not the only one to hold her in high regard – Mary Jane Vaughan is the winner of the British Bridal awards and has brides clamouring for her beautifully composed bouquets.
Where - Mary Jane Vaughan at Fast Flowers (020-7385 8400; www.fastflowers.co.uk)
How much - bouquets from £25

9. Columbia Road Market
Take a Sunday stroll down Columbia Road in London’s Tower Hamlets and you’ll be treated to serried ranks of stalls bearing a huge range of plants, shrubs, bulbs and freshly cut flowers at competitive prices. Although traders start setting up at around 4am, the market is open to customers from 8am to 2pm every Sunday. And if you turn up for the last hour or so, you can pick up some fantastic bargains.
Where - Columbia Road, London E2
How much - prices vary 

10. Flower Preservation Workshop
The Flower Preservation Workshop isn’t a place to go to buy flowers but a service that freeze dries special blooms forever. Hugely popular with brides, the company will whisk away your bouquet, treat it and mount it one of its elegant frames. It can take up to two months to complete the process, but as the company says, the procedure cannot be rushed.
Where - Flower Preservation Workshop (01458 274325; www.flowerpreservationworkshop.co.uk)
How much - frames from £75, deposit and collection £90, final price depends on bouquet size

11. Next Flowers
The high street stalwart Next doesn’t just sell comfortable court shoes and splashy prints – its online arm offers a mind-boggling array of floral treats. As well as pretty bouquets the site offers indoor and outdoor plants, flowers of the month, specially designed bunches for new homes and babies and a very tasteful collection of sympathy arrangements. I particularly like the Sunshine bouquet, which will add a touch of summer to any interior.
Where - www.nextflowers.co.uk
How much - Sunshine bouquet £22

12. Paula Pryke
“Most flower-lovers will have heard of Paula Pryke,” states Kate. “She’s the queen of colour, hugely innovative and always a name to watch. While mostly working on events, you can treat yourself to Paula’s designs at her shop, at Liberty, Selfridges or from her website.” And if you fancy learning from the mistress herself, check out the courses that are offered at her London flower school.
Where - Paula Pryke (020-7837 7336; www.paula-pryke-flowers.com)
How much - willow cube £85

13. The Black Tulip
A literary name (after the novel by Dumas père), and a lovely shop, in fashionable Clerkenwell. The Black Tulip describes itself as “precipitating an aesthetic renaissance”, which basically means it sells fabulous floral arrangements and a quirky range of vases and glassware, perfume and champagne. “A practical touch is the diary service, which offers telephone reminders for friends’ or relatives’ birthdays,” says Victoria.
Where - www.theblacktulip.co.uk; 020 7689 0068
How much - Bouquets from £40

14. Imogen Stone
The elegant classic flowers collection at www.imogenstone.com has been thoughtfully put together, with romantic flowers, wedding flowers, anniversary flowers, birthday flowers, get-well flowers and new-baby flowers on offer. This flowers-by-post operation may exist in cyberspace but it does traditional flower arrangements, like these rich red roses, just as well as contemporary ones.
Where - Imogen Stone (0870 286 3757; www.imogenstone.com)
How much - 12 Fairtrade roses £19.80

15. Value Flora
As long as you keep the name of this florist a secret from loved ones it’s a great source of well-priced flowers. As well as heaps of special offers and regular reductions, the prices quoted include delivery costs, too. This bold bouquet of 10 blue roses can be doubled in number for an extra £10. A blooming bargain.
Where - www.valueflora.com
How much - 10 blue roses £23.98

16. Arena Flowers
The first UK florist to sell ethically sourced Fair Flowers Fair Plants (FFP) products, Arena Flowers cuts out middlemen and buys direct from growers. The FFP label is applied to flowers and plants grown by farmers throughout the world, employing strict socially and environmentally ethical working practices. As well as being ethical, the flowers on this site are amazingly varied and beautifully arranged and orders can be delivered in the London and South-east area on the same day they’ve been made.
Where - Arena Flowers (0800 035 0581; www.arenaflowers.com)
How much - blue hyacinth cube £35.99

17. Robbie Honey
“Unusual and unique are the adjectives I’d use to describe florist and TV presenter Robbie Honey,” says Annabel. “He’s the new kid on the block or, as some say, one of London’s hottest young florists. As well as sensational party designs he can also create readymade bouquets and deliver to your door.” Described as a couture service, the bouquets are only available in London but come nestled in hand-tied, ribbon clad boxes or ready-arranged in vases.
Where - Robbie Honey (020-7720 3777; www.robbiehoney.com)
How much - bouquets from £50

18. Mathew Dickinson
“Mathew really thinks outside the box,” says Kate. “And he encourages corporate clients and brides to be daring in their choices.” After training in horticulture, Mathew Dickinson fell into flowers by accident after helping a pal with her wedding blooms. He worked with Constance Spry for five years, then set up Mathew Dickinson Flowers in 2000. He specialises in weddings and parties, but also runs classes teaching floristry skills in the UK and Japan.
Where - Mathew Dickinson (020-7503 0456; www.mathewdickinsonflowers.com)
How much - table arrangements from £50

19. Moyses Flowers
A burgeoning empire, with five shops in London (including Canary Wharf) and another just about to open in Marylebone High Street. However, the online ordering service is available nationwide, serviced by their base at New Covent Garden Flower Market. Sustainability and social responsibility is part of the company philosophy. “Their style is classic with a twist,” says Victoria.
Where - Moyses Flowers (020-7501 0550; www.moysesflowers.co.uk)
How much - £75

20. Edible Arrangements
Can’t decide whether to buy a special someone flowers or something sweet to eat? Try an Edible Arrangement, which consists of tons of fresh fruit made to look like a bright bouquet. The idea originated in – where else – the US, but has crossed the Atlantic and is proving popular for parties and for anyone who doesn’t do cut flowers. Choose from pure fruit versions of ones that feature berries dipped in molten chocolate. I know which I’d go for...
Where - Edible Arrangements (0115-947 0500; www.ediblearrangements.co.uk)
How much - bouquets from £25

21. Flowers for Friends
Unlike many online florists, Flowers for Friends designs, packs and dispatches all orders itself, rather than passing them on to the nearest florist in your area. Approaching its ninth birthday, the company has gone from strength to strength and delivers flowers anywhere in the UK from its Hastings base. Top buys are the impossibly pretty posies and the slightly sturdier basket bouquets like this one, which includes chrysanthemums, gerberas and an elegant royal wedding lily.
Where - Flowers for Friends (01424 461144; www.flowersforfriends.co.uk)
How much - Rustic floral basket from £22.99

22. Scarlet and Violet
“Innovative, original and always stylish, this relatively new florist always captures the mood of what I want to send,” says Tricia. Established in March 2006 by Vic Brotherson, this stylish flower shop now delivers flowers across London, installs house flowers and does wedding and event flowers with flair as well as care. Vic says, “I wouldn’t change my job for anything else.”
Where - Scarlet and Violet (020-8969 9446; www.scarletandviolet.co.uk)
How much - retro enamel jug £45

23. Absolute Flowers
The effect of buying a beautiful bouquet for a friend’s birthday can be ruined if said bunch of flowers fails to smell sweetly. That’s never a problem for customers of Absolute Flowers – one fan at The Independent swears that “its flowers always smell gorgeous and they last and last”. They also come highly recommended for weddings, although it’s advisable to contact the shop well in advance of your ceremony to ensure the best possible service.
Where - Absolute Flowers, 14 Clifton Rd, London W9 (020-7286 1155)
How much - bouquets from £35

24. Local market
“On the radio recently I heard someone saying ‘just go and buy flowers from your local market and then wrap in lovely paper and tie with a beautiful ribbon or unusual trim’,” says Annabel. “All flowers are beautiful, so just be confident and inventive with colours, combinations and finally the wrapping. Keep it simple or go over the top depending who the lucky recipient is!”
Where - nationwide – to find out about markets in your area visit www.direct.gov.uk
How much - prices vary

25. Tesco
With bouquets starting at £15, there are worse places to shop for flowers than Tesco if you’re looking to keep costs down. This bunch of 10 orchids comes in at under £20 and can be posted anywhere in the UK. Tesco’s floral deliveries come packed fresh in a simple, robust box to insure they arrive in the best possible condition. The site also offers 22 fetching Fairtrade roses for just £19.
Where - direct.tesco.com/flowers
How much - dendrobium orchids £17

26. Aquarelle
Online outfits don’t come much slicker than Aquarelle. Not only will the site send bouquets abroad, you can also decide exactly how you want your flowers to look and with every order you place, you will receive an email with a link to a photo of your bouquet, taken just before it was dispatched. And, according to their destination, bouquets are delivered in water or a gel specially developed to keep the flowers fresh. In both cases, they can be set down as they are for several days.
Where - Aquarelle (020-8772 9924; www.aquarelle.co.uk)
How much - la vie en rose £38

27. Rob Van Helden
“Rob Van Helden has established himself as one of the most recognised floral designers in London, providing flowers for events such as Elton John’s parties, Pierce Brosnan’s wedding, and Claudia Schiffer’s wedding,” says Annabel. But despite his A-list clientele, “he does create beautiful bouquets for us lesser mortals and offers flowers for all occasions and gifts. His displays are quite sculptural and remind me of beautiful still lives.”
Where - Rob Van Helden (020-7720 6774; www.rvhfloraldesign.com)
How much - £50, excluding VAT and delivery

28. Daisy Chain
“Established in 1984, Daisy Chain is imaginative, but also hugely experienced – always a good combination,” says Kate. “Whether you want to buy a bouquet online or plan an event, the company can turn its hand to various styles. I particularly love its colourful, contemporary designs.” One example of what makes this company really stand out from the crowd is their buttonholes. Forget carnations – these miniature works of art are made from velvety red roses and lilies.
Where - Daisy Chain (0113-266 3039; www.daisychain-leeds.com)
How much - bouquets from £25

29. Country Roses
Founded by the writer and journalist Danae Brook and her husband, Robin Duthy, in 2001, as the name suggests, this Essex company specialises in real English roses, grown on the couple’s farm. Victoria is a big fan of its blooms and their environmentally friendly style. “The couple’s green approach means no carbon footprint, no air miles, and even left-over rose petals are recycled into potpourri, sold through the website.”
Where - Country Roses (01206 273565; www.countryroses.co.uk)
How much - bouquets from £45

30. Cox and Cox
They don’t need watering and they should last longer than your average bunch of flowers. The only catch? You – or your little ones – have to make these pretty paper flowers. Suitable for children aged over five, this bright kit from Cox & Cox contains enough tissue paper and pipe-cleaners to create 30 giant tissue paper flowers. A brilliant bouquet for grandma’s birthday.
Where - Cox & Cox (0870 442 4787; www.coxandcox.co.uk)
How much - £12

31. John Lewis
Around 25 per cent of all the flowers John Lewis sells are now Fairtrade. An additional 8 per cent premium of the price paid to each farm for the flowers goes straight back to the farm workers who invest it in healthcare, housing, education and social facilities to build a better community. This fetching Fairtrade arrangement comes in a pretty pink jug and once open, the delicately scented blooms last exceptionally well, staying fresh for up to a week.
Where - www.johnlewis.com
How much - Fairtrade peach nostalgia arrangement £37

32. Veevers Carter
“Very vibrant, decorative, inventive and really quite theatrical,” is how Annabel describes this luxurious floral-design company. As well as creating floral arrangements for high-end events, Veevers Carter can provide blooms for private parties and dinners, fashion shows and launches. The company has even done the flowers for state banquets across Europe. As you’d expect, this kind of service doesn’t come cheap but for flowers that will turn heads, it’s invaluable.
Where - Veevers Carter (020-7237 8800; www.veeverscarter.co.uk)
How much - table arrangements from £80

33. Detta Phillips
Another go-to florist for those with a generous budget is Detta Phillips. “It’s a case of the bigger the better for Detta, who takes on some amazing projects, from small parties to stunning venues such as the Natural History Museum and TateModern,” says Annabel. “Classical, modern, exotic, she can do it all effortlessly.” As well as floral design, Detta offers equipment rental – I love her collection of sculptural candlesticks and candelabras.
Where - Detta Phillips (020-7498 2728; www.dettaphillips.com)
How much - table arrangements from £50

34. New Covent Garden Flower Market
The UK’s premier specialist flower market boasts 55 companies selling flowers, plants, foliage and sundries. The Market dates back to medieval times and was granted a charter in 1670. Despite its name, it moved to Vauxhall, south London in 1974. Open Monday to Friday 3am to 11am and Saturdays 4am to 10am, expect dizzying choice but be warned – you have to buy blooms by the bunch, box or tray as the market caters to the wholesale trade.
Where - New Covent Garden Flower Market (020-7720 2211; www.cgma.gov.uk)
How much - prices vary  

35. Flowers by Post
As well as offering roses, orchids, freesias and carnations, Flowers by Post operates a reward scheme for regular buyers, which allows them to qualify for free flowers. Every time you buy as a registered member, it records that sale and keeps a running total of your purchases. When the total exceeds £50, as a registered member you will automatically qualify for a free box of 10 Rainbow Carnations.
Where - www.flowersbypost.com
How much - heaven scent freesias £11.45

36. Marks and Spencer
Thanks to a freshness guarantee, which promises that flowers and planted arrangements will stay looking beautiful for at least seven days, or your money back, Marks and Spencer’s bouquets are as reliable as their ready meals. This sweet spring selection features two-dozen tulips arranged with folded aspidistra leaves in a chic gift bag with twine handles – a thoughtful present for friends.
Where - www.marksandspencer.com
How much - tulip gift gag £25

37. Stephen Woodhams
“Modern and stylised, Stephen Woodhams’s displays are designed for both indoors and outside interiors, gardens and events,” explains Annabel. “I am just waiting to see his exquisite garden in Ibiza!” It’s sure to be an impressive sight. His outdoor arrangements will up the ante of any garden, while his bouquets are fantastically sculptural even when he’s only using classic white roses.
Where - Stephen Woodhams (020- 7730 3353; www.woodhams.co.uk)
How much - bouquets from £40

38. Snapdragon
The former curator Jane Lindsey gave up her job at Glasgow University to start her own cutting garden in 2003, and now specialises in anything from homegrown wedding flowers to herbal cushions and lavender hearts. She’s based in central Scotland, and, at present, delivers cut flowers locally, but is hoping to roll out nationwide service in June.
Where Snapdragon (01360 660903; www.snapdragongarden.co.uk)
How much - bouquets from £28

39. The Flower Bar
Flower Bar Florists in Hertford specialise in beautifully traditional bouquets, arrangements, tributes, displays for weddings, funerals and parties. All its flowers are sent out hand tied and the company delivers nationwide. I particularly like the company’s lovely charity bouquets – for every Isabel Hospice and Willow Foundation bouquet ordered, the Flower Bar will donate £5 to each charity.
Where - The Flower Bar (01992 500390;www.theflowerbar.co.uk)
How much - bouquets from £30-£80

40. Giftaplant
According to Giftaplant, plant breeders and collectors across the world have been naming their favourite new plants after friends and family for centuries. This company grows and supplies the largest range of plants that are specific to both first and surnames in the UK. But if you don’t fancy a Betty magnolia or Lucy rose, the novelty plants section has gems like the Dianthus Slap‘N’Tickle.
Where - 01483 281859; www.giftaplant.com
How much - Dianthus Slap‘N’Tickle £5.99

41. Interflora
Although some might balk at ordering their blooms from a faceless behemoth, Interflora has been at it for years and as well as a dizzying array of flower options offers wines, experience gifts, hampers and chocolates. The spring selection that is currently available has a variety of arrangements, all of which feature seasonal flowers. This one also includes an attractive glass vase.
Where - Interflora (0870 366 6555; www.interflora.co.uk)
How much - spring vase £39.99

42. Rebel Rebel
“These are florists with attitude,” says Victoria, “who pride themselves on sourcing British flowers and have the sort of creative approach that turns a mere bunch of daffodils into a magical evocation of British springtime.” The eclectic shop in east London’s Broadway Market also sells the wonderful and hard-to-find Manuel Canovas scented candles and floral handbags.
Where - Rebel Rebel (020-7254 4487; www.rebelrebel.co.uk)
How much - bouquets from £30

43. Sarah Horne
“Sarah’s a Chelsea Gold Medal winner so she knows her stuff,” says Kate. “She’s well known for her innovative style and structured designs, and is famous for incorporating crystals and intricate wiring to her eye-catching arrangements.” Sarah’s bridal bouquets are something to behold with their trailing shape and beautiful flowers – check out the blushing brides holding them on her website’s gallery.
Where - Sarah Horne, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire (01926 424826; www.hotflowers.co.uk)
How much - Desire £90

44. Kenneth Turner
Despite perfecting an English country-house style, the florist Kenneth Turner’s arrangements are never dull. Turner trained in landscape design and horticulture before going to work for Pulbrook and Gould. Famed for his flower arrangements, Turner also writes books that are full of gorgeous blooms and does an impressive line in candles and fragrance.
Where - Kenneth Turner (01442 838181; www.kennethturner.com)
How much - freesia bouquet from £45

45. Bunches
Costing only £9.99, including free postal delivery, personal message card and free milk chocolates, this bunch of bright carnations might not win any awards for originality but, my god, they’re cheap. Bunches boasts that it hasn’t put prices up since 1990 and that these blooms will last for at least two weeks. However, if you have a little more to spend, there are plenty more luxurious options in the luxury bouquets range, which start at around £24.
Where - Bunches (0800 626249; www.bunches.co.uk)
How much - from £9.99

46. Jo Plant
Offering nationwide delivery of chocolates, champagne and gifts, Jo Plant is a must-have for any internet favourites list. Offering not only wedding and events flowers but a garden design team, too, this company’s bouquets range from the pretty – the Babylicious bouquet for new parents is gorgeous – to the contemporary, like the glass tank-planted hyacinths surrounded by soft moss.
Where - Jo Plant (020-8992 8937; www.joplant.com)
How much - bouquets from £30

47. Wild at Heart
Established in 1993 by Nikki Tibbles, Wild at Heart has three London stores and whether you swing by the Ledbury Road branch, pop into the specially designed shop space in the Great Eastern Hotel or visit the original Westbourne Grove “portaloo” outlet, you’ll be seriously impressed with her gorgeous designs and quality blooms. “Nikki always manages to surprise and delight with her creations,” says Tricia.
Where - Wild at Heart (020-7727 3095; www.wildatheart.com)
How much - £65

48. Silk Bouquets
Although some brides may feel that fresh is best when it comes to their bouquets, silk flowers will last a lifetime. This company is run by qualified florists Cathy Frith and DebbieSkyes who originally owneda “real” flower shop. They took the best of what they learned in bespoke flower arranging and applied it to creating a selection of beautiful silk bouquets.
Where - Silk Bouquets (0845 603 6064; www.silkbouquets.co.uk)
How much - rose and calla lily bridal bouquet £75

49. Pulbrook and Gould
“A bouquet from Pulbrook and Gould will always deliver classic beauty and elegance,” says Tricia. “They always seem to have gorgeous garden flowers.” The Sloane Square-based florists was established by Lady Pulbrook and her friend, Rosamund Gould, in 1956 and is now run by Sonja Waites. All the foliage used in the shop’s arrangements is grown in England as are the gorgeous orchids.
Where - Pulbrook and Gould (020-7730 0030; www.pulbrookandgould.com)
How much - bouquets from £55

50. Unusual Bouquet
Not all of the flowers from Unusual Bouquet are bonkers – there are some beautiful tulips and roses that would make any florist proud – but the company does seem to excel at creating crazy arrangements. The special cook bouquet is made up of a selection of fresh vegetables, foliage and kitchen utensils. Just the gift for the chef in your life…
Where - Unusual Bouquet (020-8350 7183; www.unusualbouquet.co.uk)
How much - special cook bouquet £35.99