As we say farewell to winter’s chill and embrace the vibrancy of spring, I’m highlighting three perennial plants that not only make excellent fresh cut flowers, but also wonderful foliage for floral design: Forsythia, Baptisia, and Spirea.

Forsythia: Sunshine on a Stem

Gah, Forsythia – that unapologetic harbinger of spring with its showers of golden blooms. This early blooming shrub is a must-have for any flower farmer-florist.

👩🏽‍🌾 Growing Forsythia is a breeze – they thrive in US Hardiness Zones 5-9 in well-drained soil and full sun, though they can tolerate some shade. Plant them in the fall or early spring for a burst of color when the days start to lengthen. Give them plenty of room to spread out and you’ll be rewarded with prolific fresh cuts for decades!

✂️ Clip stems when the buds are just beginning to show color but haven't fully opened yet. Forsythia is also a great choice for forcing: pick stems a little earlier, before buds are showing color, and watch the magic unfold as the flowers bloom indoors within 4 to 5 days.

🌿 Long after the blooms have dropped, forsythia can be cut for its foliage to use in floral arrangements. It even holds up well out of water! Come autumn, the foliage turns a lovely shade of reddish-purple, perfect for fall wedding floral design.

🏺 Forsythia has a 7-day vase life.

Baptisia: Double Duty Beauty

If you're in the market for a perennial that's as stunning in foliage as it is in flowers, take a look at Baptisia. Also known as false indigo, this plant boasts spikes of pea-like blooms in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white; complemented by blue-green foliage. Baptisia is darn tough, thriving in poor soil and drought conditions once established.

👩🏽‍🌾 Baptisia is a bit of a slow-grower, hardy in Zones 3-9. Look for liners from your perennial wholesaler if you have a while to wait and want to establish a sizeable patch. Otherwise, grab some quart or gallon pots from your local nursery, or search online to source newer specialty colors. Once established, they require minimal maintenance, making them a favorite among busy flower farmers.

✂️ Harvest Baptisia stems when about a third of the flowers on the spike have opened for the longest vase life.

🌿 For foliage, cut anytime after flowers have faded, cutting low in the plant to reach woody stem.

🏺 With proper care, these beauties can last up to 10 days in a vase.

Spirea: Spring Elegance

Spirea – the epitome of spring elegance with its delicate clusters of blossoms adorning arching branches. This versatile shrub comes in a variety of cultivars, offering a range of flower colors from white to pink to deep rosy hues. Spirea is a breeze to grow, thriving in a wide range of soil conditions and tolerating both sun and partial shade.

Pro tip: Many garden centers now sell compact varieties. Look for the O.G. Vanhoutte Spirea AKA bridalwealth for high production to give you lots of fresh cuts. We find white to be the most versatile for event work.

👩🏽‍🌾 To grow Spirea in Zones 3-9, plant in the fall or early spring in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Prune them after flowering to encourage bushiness and prolific blooms the following year.

✂️ When harvesting Spirea for floral arrangements, select stems with half-opened blooms for the longest vase life.

🌿 For foliage, harvest anytime after flowers have dropped and let their graceful, arching stems shine in arrangements and wedding bouquets.

🏺 Spirea can last 7-10 in a vase with proper care.

Fast Favorites for a Reason

Forsythia, Baptisia, and Spirea are three of my favorite spring blooming perennials that every flower grower and floral designer should have, for both their beautiful blooms and versatile foliage.

These prolific performers are easy to grow and low maintenance, making them a great choice for both beginners and busy flower farmers alike.

Do you have a favorite way to grow or use these springtime perennial cut flowers? Let me know below in the comments.