The Best Ombre Flower Varieties for Florists
Ombre flowers, with their stunning gradient of colors, add a unique and artistic touch to floral arrangements. Whether for weddings, events, or everyday bouquets, these blooms create a mesmerizing effect. This florist guide highlights the best ombre flower varieties, their characteristics, and how florists can best use them.
1. Roses (Rosa spp.)
Why They’re Great:
Naturally available in ombre shades, especially varieties like ‘Cherry Brandy’ (red to orange) and ‘High & Magic’ (yellow to orange).
Can be dyed or airbrushed for custom ombre effects.
Long-lasting and versatile for bouquets, centerpieces, and installations.
Best Ombre Varieties:
‘High & Magic’ – Yellow to red-orange
‘Cherry Brandy’ – Red to orange
‘Abracadabra’ – Red and yellow striped with gradient tones
2. Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
Why They’re Great:
Naturally occurring ombre effect, especially in fringed and parrot tulips.
Soft, romantic aesthetic for spring bouquets.
Best Ombre Varieties:
‘Blushing Apeldoorn’ – Yellow to deep pink
‘Princess Irene’ – Orange with hints of red and purple
‘Parrot Estella Rijnveld’ – Red and white swirled with pink hues
3. Dahlias (Dahlia spp.)
Why They’re Great:
Large blooms with seamless color transitions.
Available in a wide range of hues, perfect for late summer and autumn arrangements.
Best Ombre Varieties:
‘Bora Bora’ – Pink to coral-orange
‘David Howard’ – Orange with bronze highlights
‘Labyrinth’ – Peach, pink, and coral blend
4. Peonies (Paeonia spp.)
Why They’re Great:
Luxurious, ruffled petals with subtle color shifts.
A favorite for bridal work and upscale arrangements.
Best Ombre Varieties:
‘Coral Charm’ – Coral to soft pink
‘Bowl of Beauty’ – White and pink blend
‘Sorbet’ – Creamy white, pink, and yellow layers
5. Orchids (Orchidaceae spp.)
Why They’re Great:
Exotic and long-lasting.
Naturally occurring gradients, particularly in phalaenopsis and dendrobium varieties.
Best Ombre Varieties:
Phalaenopsis ‘Sogo Yenlin’ – White to pink-purple
Dendrobium ‘Sunset’ – Yellow, orange, and pink blend
Cymbidium ‘Ice Cascade’ – Cream to blush pink
6. Lisianthus (Eustoma spp.)
Why They’re Great:
Delicate, rose-like blooms with elegant ombre shades.
Long vase life and perfect for romantic bouquets.
Best Ombre Varieties:
‘Rosita Blue Picotee’ – White with deep purple edges
‘Mariachi Carmine’ – Pink-red blend
‘Arena Champagne’ – Soft blush to peachy pink
7. Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Why They’re Great:
Large, showy blooms with multi-tonal petals.
Excellent for event work and statement pieces.
Best Ombre Varieties:
‘Endless Summer’ – Blue to purple-pink
‘Pistachio’ – Green to red and pink
‘Vanilla Strawberry’ – White to pink to deep red
8. Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia spp.)
Why They’re Great:
Sleek, modern aesthetic with beautiful color gradation.
Ideal for contemporary and elegant arrangements.
Best Ombre Varieties:
‘Sunrise’ – Yellow to orange-red
‘Captain Romance’ – Pink with deep magenta tones
‘Flame’ – Yellow-orange blend
Tips for Working with Ombre Flowers
Pair complementary colors to enhance the ombre effect.
Use color-blocking techniques to transition colors smoothly in arrangements.
Experiment with lighting as natural and artificial light can enhance gradient tones.
Hydration is key—ombre flowers, like all cut flowers, last longer with proper care.
Florists can leverage the beauty of ombre flowers to create eye-catching arrangements that stand out. Whether in soft pastels or bold, fiery tones, these blooms add depth and artistry to floral designs.
