The delicate blooms of ranunculus and structural foliage of snake plant have earned them the title of Flower and Plant of the Year, according to plant authority 1-800-Flowers.
This is the eighth year a Flower of the Year and Plant of the Year has been selected by the plant delivery service. It's not surprising that the spring flower synonymous with love has been selected alongside the houseplant reflecting good fortune, as both have long been adored by plant enthusiasts.
'We have seen a growing demand for more unique and distinct floral and plant varieties, such as the ranunculus and snake plant, as a way to expand gift-giving options and bring natural beauty into spaces,' says Alfred Palomares, VP of Merchandising and plant expert at 1-800-Flowers. 'It’s always exciting for us to reveal our Flower and Plant of the Year, especially as we ring in 2025 - a year filled with anticipation for joy, good fortune, and endless possibilities. Our selections not only align with current cultural moments, but also reflect the latest home décor trends,' he adds.
Flower of the Year: Ranunculus
Experts at 1-800-Flowers weren't shocked by the rise in demand for ranunculus: 'The ranunculus, with its vibrant petals, reflects enthusiasm, love, admiration, and happiness,' says Alfred.
These cutting garden flowers are stunning in a vase and in a flower beds. They have showy blooms that come in a wide range of colors.
'Ranunculus are a fantastic cut flower because they last for weeks in a vase,' says H&G's floral design expert and Head of Gardens, Rachel Bull.
'Their seemingly endless layers of petals continue to unfurl very slowly to become huge, ruffled blooms. They come in the most perfect pastel hues of blush, apricot, lemon, cream, and salmon, and can rival roses and even peonies in a floral arrangement,' she adds. 'One of the most elegant varieties is Cloni Hanoi, which is a subtle blush pink with super large blooms and look incredible when displayed en masse.'
How to care for ranunculus
Hardy to US hardiness zone four to zone seven, plant ranunculus in fall for a spring display. Choose a sunny position to watch them thrive.
Much like caring for tulips in a vase, you can get cut ranunculus flowers to last longer by trimming the stems at an angle. 'Then fill a clean vase with cool water and add at least half of a pack of flower food,' Alfred advises.
'In order to extend the life of your bouquet, I recommend changing the water in the vase every other day and continuously add flower food. Each time you change the water, be sure to trim the stems again. This will help water and nutrients from the flower food move up the stems efficiently,' Alfred adds.
You can find cut flower food at Amazon, as well as with ranunculus bouquets from 1-800-Flowers.
Plant this mix of ranunculus bulbs for flowers that grow up to 24 inches tall. Plant in fall for spring blooming.
Plant of the Year: Snake Plant
Snake plants are one of the best indoor plants, serving many purposes in the home - snake plants can even help you get a better sleep.
'The snake plant represents longevity, health, and growth. Beyond their striking beauty, these plants offer a meaningful gift that nurtures relationships and promotes well-being - exactly what we’re all wishing for in the year ahead,' Alfred says.
They're perfect bathroom plants, enjoying extra humidity, and you can even grow snake plants outdoors in US hardiness zone 9 to zone 11. There are also many different types of snake plant, but the classic Dracaena trifasciata is often the most popular choice.
Snake plant care tips
'This sleek, modern houseplant is perfect for plant parents who have little time to care for their green babies. Being easy-to-care-for is also one of the reasons we named it our plant of the year,' Alfred says.
Snake plants are generally easy indoor plants, but the wrong growing environment will see your snake plant turn yellow and droop.
'It is tolerant of household conditions throughout any time of the year and can survive in low light - but a bright sunny spot, preferably a sun-drenched space, is best,' Alfred notes. 'And, the higher the light available to the plant, the more color will appear on its leaves,' he adds.
These plants are also prone to overwatering, so take care to water snake plants only when the top two inches of soil feel dry. Use this soil moisture meter from Amazon to help identify when to water houseplants.
The snake plant, with its glossy, emerald-green leaves is not only statement-making, but also tolerant to some neglect.
FAQs
How does 1-800-Flowers choose its Flower and Plant of the Year?
1-800-Flowers is an online flower and plant delivery service. They name a Flower and Plant of the Year to inform plant enthusiasts about current trends they have spotted.
If you are planning a cut flower garden for 2025, make sure to add ranunculus to your list. They're beautiful additions to spring display, offering a cottage garden feel. Similarly, make space for snake plants in your indoor garden. You can even try using plant stands for indoor plants to put this trendy houseplant on a pedestal for the incoming year.
