March Flowers in Oregon: Ranunculus, Cherry Blossoms & Spring Explosion

Looking for fresh March flowers in Portland? At Kvetka Flower, we work with local Oregon growers to bring you the best seasonal blooms available this month. March in the Pacific Northwest is when spring REALLY arrives - and we're absolutely thriving!

This is it, folks. The month we've been waiting for all winter. The grey sky is still here, occasionally raining, but it's nothing in comparison with all the blooming trees, which start to show their beauty. Spring is here. And everything is blooming at once! Cherry blossoms are exploding, ranunculus are at their absolute peak, tulips are everywhere, and the energy in the studio is just... chef's kiss.

March (especially late March) opens a truly magnificent season of various local blooms; it is pure magic for florists. Local farms are waking up, imports from Holland and Ecuador go down (since we always prioritize our farmers), and we have this amazing abundance after months of limited winter selections. Here's what's flourishing right now, and how we incorporate these flowers into our European-style arrangements.

Star Flowers of March

1. Ranunculus - PEAK SEASON!

Okay, we need to talk about ranunculus because March is THEIR moment. We've been featuring them since January, but March is when they hit their absolute peak– both in availability and quality. This is ranunculus season, folks!

• From: Local growers (Peterkort, Dragon Song Farm, Howland Whistle, Crowley House, Milk and Honey), Holland, and Italy
• Colors: Every single color you can imagine— from soft pastels to deep jewel tones, plus those gorgeous pale neutral and cream shades
• Varieties: Pom pom ranunculus (fun and fluffy), butterfly ranunculus (spray with few blooms), and cloni varieties (huge and romantic)
• Why March is special: Peak bloom means better quality, more color options, and stems that last 10 days. This is the time to go ALL IN on ranunculus!
• European styling tip: We create lush, abundant arrangements focusing on ranunculus in tonal palettes. Imagine a whole bouquet of blush and peach ranunculus, or mixing burgundy with wine and deep pink. Monochromatic ranunculus arrangements are absolutely stunning and very chic in their approach.

2. Cherry Blossoms & Flowering Branches - Portland's Pride

If you live in Portland, you KNOW about cherry blossom season! Late March is when our city transforms into a pink and white wonderland. These branches are what Portland spring dreams are made of.

Cherry Blossoms:

• From: Local farms (Charles Little& Company, Zcallas, Flamingo Farms)
• Varieties: Yoshino cherries (pale pink), Kwanzan cherries (deeper pink, fuller blooms), and white varieties
• Why we're obsessed: So fluffy, so Portland, so spring! They bring that Japanese hanami (flower viewing) aesthetic that fits perfectly with our European garden style

Other Flowering Branches:

• Magnolia - Still blooming, those huge architectural flowers
• Flowering Plum - Delicate pink blossoms on dark branches
• Quince - Coral-pink and orange blooms that are underrated and gorgeous
• Forsythia - Bright yellow sunshine on branches
• Crabapple - Pink and white blooms with such a sweet fragrance
• Spirea - Gorgeous and so fragrant

European styling tip: We use flowering branches as the architectural element in arrangements, letting them establish the shape and movement. Pair cherry blossoms or spirea with soft ranunculus and tulips for the ultimate spring garden vibe. Or use branches alone in tall vases for that minimalist Japanese-Scandinavian fusion we love.

Also Available This Month

March is abundance! Here's what else we're working with:

Still Going Strong:

• Anemones - From local growers and Holland, still dramatic and beautiful
• Hyacinths - Fragrant spring bulbs in purple, pink, white, blue (remember: let them soak solo first before mixing with other blooms!)
• Daffodils – Yellow sunshine and elegant white ones
• Hellebores - Late winter treasures still making appearances
• Sweet peas - When we can get them from Holland or Japan - the fragrance is gorgeous!

Early Spring Surprises:

• Muscari (Grape Hyacinth) - Tiny purple/blue spikes that add such unique texture
• Iris - Early varieties starting to appear
• Freesia - Fragrant and colorful, local and imported from specialty growers
• Stock - Wonderfully fragrant spikes in soft colors

From Local Oregon Growers:

• Lilies from Peterkort - Continuing their beautiful production
• Greenery galore - Eucalyptus, salal, ferns, spring foliage
• Pussy willows - Soft and fuzzy branches

The Imports We Love:

• Ecuadorian roses - Still amazing in all those gorgeous varieties
• Lisianthus - Delicate and romantic
• Spray roses - Adding texture and abundance

 Fresh Seasonal Bouquet - Medium

Important: Pet-Safe Flowers for March

We need to have a real talk about pets and flowers, because March brings some of the most beautiful blooms... and unfortunately, some of the most toxic to our furry friends.

March Flowers That Are UNSAFE for Pets:

• Tulips - Toxic to both cats and dogs (especially the bulbs). Can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Daffodils & Narcissus - VERY toxic to cats and dogs. All parts of the plant, especially the bulbs. Can cause serious vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart issues.
• Hyacinths - Toxic to both cats and dogs, especially the bulbs. Similar symptoms to daffodils.
• Lilies - EXTREMELY toxic to cats (even small amounts can cause kidney failure). Less toxic to dogs but still not safe. This is serious - if your cat even nibbles a lily leaf or gets pollen on their fur and licks it, seek vet care immediately.
• Ranunculus - Can cause oral irritation and digestive upset in cats and dogs
• Iris - Toxic to cats and dogs, can cause drooling and digestive issues

Flowers That ARE SAFE for Pets:

• Roses (including spray roses) - Safe for cats and dogs!
• Orchids - Safe for pets
• Snapdragons - Safe
• Sunflowers - Safe (though not common in March)
• Zinnias - Safe (also not March flowers, but good to know)
• Most greenery - Eucalyptus in small amounts is generally okay, though large quantities can cause upset stomach

Flowering Branches - Mixed Safety:

• Cherry blossoms - Generally low toxicity but can cause mild stomach upset
• Magnolia - Generally considered safe

Always best to keep branches out of reach anyway!

What We Recommend:

If you have curious cats or dogs who like to nibble plants, here's our advice:

1. Ask for pet-safe arrangements - We can create beautiful bouquets using only pet-safe flowers like roses, orchids, and safe greenery
2. Place flowers out of reach - High shelves, rooms pets don't access, or hanging arrangements
3. Consider faux flowers - Not our specialty, but we get it if safety is the priority
4. Watch your pets - Some pets have zero interest in flowers; others are little menaces who eat everything

Honest talk: A lot of the most popular spring flowers (tulips, daffodils, lilies) aren't pet-safe. If you have a nibbler at home who loves to chew on plants, try offering an alternative like pet-safe grass nearby and always keep an eye on your pet! Even pet-safe blooms aren't edible and can cause upset stomachs in large amounts, make sure to reach out your vet asap.

Hermosa - Large

FAQ

What flowers are in season in Portland in March?

March is PEAK SEASON for so many flowers! Ranunculus at their absolute best, cherry blossoms and flowering branches, locally-grown tulips and daffodils, hyacinths, anemones, and early spring surprises like muscari and stock. It's the most abundant flower month we've had since fall!

When do cherry blossoms bloom in Portland?

Typically late March, but it depends on weather! Some years they arrive mid-March, other years early April. Peak bloom usually lasts 1-2 weeks. We source branches from local farms and trees, so availability varies. If you need cherry blossoms for a specific event, contact us in advance and we can discuss timing and backup options.

Is March a good month for a wedding?

March is AMAZING for Portland weddings! Peak ranunculus season, cherry blossoms blooming, abundant tulips and daffodils, and the weather is starting to improve (though this is Portland, so rain is always possible!). Plus, you're booking before peak summer wedding season, so venues and vendors have better availability and often better pricing.

Can I get all-local flowers in March?

You can get significantly MORE local flowers in March than winter months! Cherry blossoms, flowering branches, locally-grown tulips and daffodils, Oregon lilies, and lots of local greenery are all available.

How do I care for flowering branches like cherry blossoms?

Cut at an angle or crush the woody stem ends to help them absorb water. Use deep water (they're thirsty!). Keep them cool and away from heat sources. Mist the blooms daily to keep them fresh. Change water every 2-3 days. Cherry blossoms typically last 5-7 days, and watching them slowly open is part of the beauty!

Can I mix daffodils and hyacinths with other flowers?

Yes, but with prep work! Daffodils and hyathints release a sap that can shorten the life of other flowers. Let them sit in their own water for 24 hours to release the sap, then rinse the stems well before adding to mixed arrangements. Or embrace them and give their own vase– they're cheerful enough to stand alone!

When should I order for spring events?

For weddings and large events, we recommend booking consultations 6-12 months in advance, especially for popular spring dates. For smaller celebrations (birthdays, showers, anniversaries), 1-2 weeks notice is great for custom arrangements. Same-day and next-day delivery is available for our signature bouquets when our schedule allows!

Are March flowers good for allergies?

Some yes, some no! Hyacinths and some lilies can be strong allergens. Tulips, ranunculus, and most flowering branches are generally low-allergen. If allergies are a concern, let us know and we can create arrangements focused on low-allergen blooms!

Which March flowers are safe for pets?

Great question! Many popular March flowers are unfortunately NOT pet-safe. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and especially lilies are toxic to cats and dogs. However, roses, orchids, and snapdragons ARE safe! If you have curious pets who nibble plants, let us know when ordering and we'll create a beautiful pet-safe arrangement. We'd rather design something safe than have you worry about your furry friends! See our full pet safety section above for details.