FLOWER Magazine Names 2026 Flower of the Year: Fire Light Hydrangea

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FLOWER Magazine, the nation’s only floral lifestyle publication, today announced the 2026 Flower of the Year: Fire Light Hydrangea. A beloved flower of many gardeners, the Fire Light Hydrangea offers breathtaking beauty, a rich color palette and the ability to be grown in zones across the country.

The panicle hydrangea provides gardeners with a colorful growing cycle, which begins with creamy white blooms in early summer, gradually shifts into summertime soft pinks and finally bursts into a deep burgundy by autumn.

“In the same way that light from a fire offers a variety of warm tones, the Fire Light Hydrangea runs the gamut from tender cream to an arresting pinkish red as it unfolds,” said editor-in-chief of FLOWER Magazine, Margot Shaw. “This flower—a pleasing, hardy shrub—can function as a hedge, a border, or my personal favorite, a splendid and cooperative cut flower.”

The appeal of the Fire Light Hydrangea goes beyond its beauty, growing in gardens from the cool Northeast to warmer Southern climates. Developed by Michigan’s Spring Meadow Nursery for Proven Winners, the flower thrives in partial to full sun. The plant is a multifaceted garden addition—ideal as a hedge, a striking focal point or a cut flower for arrangements.

“The Fire Light Hydrangea offers beauty, versatility and longevity—qualities that speak to gardeners, designers and flower farmers alike,” said global flower buyer, “The Flower Podcast” host and horticulturist Scott Shepherd. “I appreciate that it’s easy to grow and generously produces, while its conical shape and wine-burgundy tone bring warmth and texture to arrangements.”

Each year, FLOWER Magazine assembles expert panelists from floral design, landscaping, fashion, event design and interior design to select the Flower of the Year. The 2026 panelists include:

• Scott Shepherd (2026 Panel Chair) – Tennessee-based global flower buyer, host of “The Flower Podcast” and horticulturist
• Cassie LaMere – Texas-based founder and creative director, Cassie LaMere Events
• Gavin Duke – Tennessee-based landscape architect and principal, Duke Design Group
• Holly Heider Chapple – Virginia-based florist, farmer and educator
• Marshall Watson – New York-based interior designer and founder, Marshall Watson Interiors
• Rachel Cho – New York-based founder, creative director and content creator, Rachel Cho Floral Design
• Renny Reynolds – Florida- and New York-based event and landscape designer
• Robert Rufino – New York-based tastemaker and creative consultant

For more information, including media photos, visit flowermag.com/foty.

About FLOWER Magazine

FLOWER is a boutique lifestyle brand for consumers who are passionate about design, entertaining, gardening and travel. The magazine debuted 18 years ago and boasts a national readership of over 475,000. Its companion website and social channels are as robust, providing engaging content to an equally passionate audience of FLOWER loyalists. The brand’s evolving events and showhouse program ensure that FLOWER’s distinct messaging is seen and experienced from coast to coast. For more information, visit flowermag.com and follow us on social media @flowermagazine.