Move over, ‘new year, new you’. Here at Appleyard, we’re all about ‘new year, new inspiration’, which is why we’re excitedly looking ahead to what 2026 may bring on the floral front, from the blooms set to take centre stage to the chicest colour palettes.
Whether you like to stay on top of trends, are planning a wedding or simply love all things flowers as much as we do, gaze into our botanical crystal ball for a glimpse of what’s to come…
Dancing in the clouds
The ever-influential Pantone Colour Institute’s Colour of the Year has taken everybody by surprise. Why? Because it’s an understated, airy white, in contrast with bolder past choices like mocha, peach, magenta and periwinkle blue. ‘Cloud Dancer’ is described as “billowy”, “balanced” and “imbued with a feeling of serenity”, the idea being that it “encourages true relaxation and focus that allows the mind to wander and creativity to breathe”.
It’s proven divisive, but we certainly don’t need convincing. White flowers have long been firm favourites of ours, particularly when paired purely with fresh green foliage for a timelessly elegant arrangement. Not ready to forgo colour? Combine them with soft pastels like blush pink and lavender for a gentle, romantic display, or make them pop against a moodier backdrop of deep reds and purples.
The power of one
In 2026, expect bouquets to be defined by intentional simplicity and strong visual cohesion. Rather than traditional mixed arrangements, florists are celebrating the impact of repetition and restraint – either by using one species of flower as a minimalist statement, or by combining different varieties in the same colour to create depth and texture while keeping things easy on the eye. This trend aligns with broader design movements toward mindfulness and refinement, making it ideal for a modern wedding. Go one step further and let a single stunning stem like a peony, ranunculus or protea stand alone and take all the glory. So chic.
Throw it back to the ‘70s
Big, bold and bohemian, the ‘70s revival shows no sign of stalling, so look to the ‘flower power’ era for some retro floral ideas. Warm, earthy tones like oranges, yellows and browns dominated back then, as did bright, psychedelic hues, while hero species included gerberas, chrysanthemums, poppies and carnations, arranged in a naturalistic, unruly fashion. Ferns, spider plants and trailing vines in hanging macramé pots were popular, as were dried flowers. For a modern twist on the latter, mix preserved grasses or foliage with fresh blooms to create a texturally interesting, longer-lasting display. If you fancy trying your hand at DIY drying, we recommend starting with hydrangeas – sturdy stems mean they won’t droop while losing moisture.
Picked from the hedgerows
Sustainability has evolved from a buzzword into a priority for many of us, so it’s little wonder that wildflower-style arrangements will continue to reign supreme. Look for seasonal, locally sourced blooms that tick both the beautiful and eco-friendly boxes. Then, be sure to display them as freely and organically as possible for that meadow-inspired effect that never fails to spark joy. Incorporate plenty of trailing greenery and rustic textures like grasses and seed pods for a summery, whimsical vibe.
Wondering about our own green credentials? Well, our flowers are all bought from British or Fairtrade Kenyan farms (a percentage of what we pay is put back into the local community, including contributing to building new schools). Our packaging features recyclable paper and cardboard, and we minimise waste wherever possible without compromising on quality. In short, we see sustainability as a responsibility, not a trendy option, and we’re always striving to do better.
Wuthering Heights
Expect the windswept gothic romance of Emily Brontë’s Victorian novel to inform our aesthetic tastes come February, when Emerald Fennell’s new adaptation hits cinemas just in time for Valentine’s Day. Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as tempestuous lovers Cathy and Heathcliff, expect the hit film to provide your wintry moodboard – purple heather, blood-red roses, chocolate cosmos and hardy foliage will reflect the story’s passionate themes and untamed Yorkshire moors setting perfectly. Or, if you’re feeling arty, you could try making nostalgic paper roses from the pages of a vintage copy – a thoughtful gift for bookworms.
Follow horticulture’s lead
The Plants and Flowers Foundation Holland has announced four trend predictions for 2026, all focused on comfort, cheer and individuality. ‘Nostalgic Lens’ promises a freshened-up take on cottagecore, with delicate flowers in a palette of bright pastels displayed in homely, hand-painted ceramics, and it’s a case of anything goes with ‘Unexpected Encounter’, which invites us to champion unusual, eye-catching blooms with a magical, fairytale feel. ‘Intriguing Decor’ is all about playfulness, mixing shapes, heights and textures, while ‘Orbit Revive’ encourages us to look to the ‘80s with dried flowers, colourful leaves, neutral shades and metallic details.
Come on, England!
Come summer, World Cup fever will strike again, as England’s men’s football team battles to bring it home. Patriotic decorations, from flags to bunting, will adorn houses up and down the country, but for an alternative approach, why not show your support via flowers? Pop a supportive bouquet of your favourite red and white blooms in your window to bring a smile to any passerby’s face. From roses (our national flower) to lilies, alstroemeria to baby's breath, there’s a lot of choice to fit the theme. Why not throw a match-day party and really go all out?
Pinterest knows best
Billions of user searches help social moodboarding platform Pinterest compile its annual Pinterest Predicts trend report – and this year’s is a treasure trove for flower enthusiasts. ‘Cool Blue’ hints at demand for ethereal, frosty colours – try hydrangeas, delphiniums, nigella and thistles, paired with silvery foliage – while for ‘Neo Deco’, you could structure bouquets into fan shapes and add a touch of glitter. ‘Glamoratti’ and ‘Opera Aesthetic’ call for theatrical opulence – imagine deep ruby roses, cascading burgundy ranunculus and luxurious black calla lilies, tied with velvet ribbon. Then there’s ‘Wilderkind’, suggesting forest-inspired arrangements with unexpected natural elements woven throughout, and ‘Extra Celestial’ and ‘Glitchy Glam’, characterised by cosmic, opalescent shimmer and deliberately imperfect edginess – think iridescent accents, unusual textures or asymmetrical compositions to evoke otherworldly beauty. The possibilities are endless!
January Blues hitting hard? Let our new range of spring flowers remind you that your garden will bloom again, starting from just £29.99. Better still, sign up for our seasonal subscription and enjoy the gift of flowers every month of the year.
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