It’s Delphinium Time: Introducing the 2026 Flower of the Year
Why this uplifting, elegant bloom is poised to define the year ahead.
Dec 08, 2025
The delphinium (del-FIN-ee-um) is a flower that has a way of commanding attention without ever raising its voice. Its tall, graceful spires and calming wash of sky blues, soft whites, and lavender tones have appeared for centuries in fine art, folklore, and cottage gardens. Today, the bloom feels especially resonant, almost as if it has stepped into its moment.
As we enter a year shaped by reflection and a renewed desire to look upward, the delphinium embodies the mood of 2026. It carries optimism, serenity, and a sense of lift that feels both grounding and inspiring. For all these reasons, 1-800-Flowers.com selected delphinium as the 2026 Flower of the Year.
Once you spend time with it, it may become one of your favorites as well.
"There is a quiet strength in delphinium," she says. "It rises, but it rises gently. People are responding to that energy right now," says 1-800-Flowers.com's head floral designer Mallory Green.
Nature's exclamation point
One of the reasons designers treasure delphinium is its unmistakable shape. Few flowers offer such height without heaviness. A single stem rises confidently before tapering gently, creating an effect that Green affectionately calls nature's exclamation point.
"Delphinium stems are tall, bold, and full of intention," she says. "Their upward growth symbolizes aspiration and progress, and the blossoms clustered along the stem feel like a reminder of unity and interconnectedness."
Each small floret reveals soft texture and intricate beauty, while the collective form creates height and lift. The flower's ability to balance drama with delicacy makes it a natural expression of quiet luxury. If the delphinium could speak, Green imagines it would say, "Keep rising. Even small blooms aligned with purpose create something magnificent."
This visual messaging makes delphinium a thoughtful and expressive gift. It works beautifully for celebrations of growth such as graduations and promotions, for moments of healing including sympathy and get well, for birthdays and anniversaries, and for creative or expressive gestures. Green explains, "Delphinium is a beautiful way to tell someone, I see your strength. I believe in your direction."
The designer's muse
Florists often consider delphinium a storytelling flower. Its blue shades inspire calm and introspection, while its lavender tones bring a sense of romance and imagination. Its upward movement conveys aspiration. Designers rely on it to build arrangements that communicate emotion, whether that emotion is tranquility, creativity, or hope.
The flower thrives in many styles. In garden inspired designs, it adds height that mimics the open rhythm of a meadow. In minimalist compositions, a single stem stands powerfully on its own. Throughout the year it complements peonies in spring, dahlias in late summer, and roses across every season. This versatility is why it has become a favorite among floral artists.
A connection through history and culture
Delphinium has appeared throughout art and literature, including in works such as Flowers in a Glass Vase (c. 1667) by Nicolaes van Verendael. Its name comes from the Greek delphinion, meaning dolphin, and it carries associations with Delphi and the god Apollo. Across time, it has symbolized new beginnings, clarity, and hope, themes that continue to resonate today.
A modern resurgence
Although rooted in history, delphinium is experiencing a modern resurgence. It appears often in airy and sculptural arrangements and in monochromatic installations where its blues take center stage. Designers highlight it in textural works that combine fresh blooms with dried elements, grasses, or sculptural greenery, giving arrangements a contemporary yet natural feel.
A flower that once played a supporting role is now becoming the star.
Green notes that this shift aligns with larger design trends. "Delphinium fits beautifully into what people are loving right now," she says. "Blues and cool toned florals are surging, especially with the calm luxury movement. Designers are using delphinium to create vertical flow and serene, airy compositions."
Its architectural beauty is celebrated in several 1-800-Flowers.com florist designed bouquets, including Cerulean Dreams, Watercolor Skies Delphinium Bouquet, and Delphinium Meadow.
What the flower expresses
For Green, delphinium evokes serenity and clarity. "There is something grounding about its blues," she says. "They remind me of calm oceans and clear sky. But the height gives a sense of momentum and encouragement. It is rare for a flower to bring both peace and purpose."
Growing and caring for the bloom
Delphinium grows wild in temperate mountains and forests of North America, Asia, and Europe. Domestically, it is most available in spring. Imported delphinium is grown year-round at high altitudes in the Andes, where long days and cool nights provide ideal conditions.
As a cut flower, delphinium thrives with proper care. Give the stem a fresh cut and place it immediately in cool, clean water with floral preservative. It will drink heavily as it rehydrates. Replace water every two to three days or sooner if cloudy. With proper care, delphinium typically lasts five to seven days indoors.
AUTHOR
Bridget Hogue Costello is a seasoned experience strategist and brand leader, currently serving as head of experiences at 1-800-Flowers.com. She brings a people-first approach to customer engagement, blending creativity with operational excellence.