National Floral Design Day (February 28)
National Floral Design Day on February 28 celebrates the creativity, skill, and artistry behind beautiful flower arrangements.
From simple grocery store bouquets to elaborate wedding centerpieces, floral design plays a big role in how we mark special moments.
This quirky February holiday is a great excuse to slow down, get creative, and appreciate the people who turn flowers into meaningful works of art.
When is the Holiday?
It’s celebrated every year on February 28. It’s perfectly timed as winter starts to fade and spring flowers begin popping up in shops and gardens.
Who Invented It?
The holiday honors Carl Rittner, founder of the Rittners School of Floral Design. His work helped shape modern floral education and professional training for florists across the U.S.
The History of the Holiday
Carl Rittner opened his floral design school in 1947 and quickly became a leader in floral education. At a time when most florists learned only through apprenticeships, he created structured courses that taught both design and business skills.
February 28 was chosen because it was Rittner’s birthday. Friends, students, and colleagues began celebrating his influence on the industry, and in 1995, Massachusetts officially recognized Floral Design Day.
Today, floral design is a massive industry used for weddings, events, home décor, and everyday celebrations. From hand-tied bouquets to large-scale installations, florists continue to blend creativity with tradition.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- Tulips once caused a financial crash in the 1600s – during “Tulip Mania,” bulbs sold for more than houses.
- In Victorian times, people secretly sent messages using flowers (roses meant love, yellow carnations meant rejection).
- Some flowers keep growing after they’re cut, especially tulips and lilies.
- The most expensive bouquet ever sold cost over $1.5 million and included rare flowers and gemstones.
- Floral designers use color psychology to create moods, like calm blues or romantic reds.
Coloring Page
This free floral design coloring page lets kids get creative by designing their own bouquet while learning about this fun holiday.
Activities to Celebrate
- Create your own bouquet – Grab flowers from a local market and experiment with different shapes and color combinations. Try odd numbers of stems for a more natural look.
- Visit a florist or flower shop – Chat with a local florist about their process and favorite blooms. Many love sharing tips.
- Press flowers – Preserve flowers by pressing them between books and use them later for cards, bookmarks, or wall art.
- Take a workshop – Look for in-person or online floral design classes to learn professional techniques.
- Go to a botanical garden – Use the visit as inspiration for color pairings and plant combinations.
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Links to Resources
Find more inspiration and ideas through these links:
- Rittners School of Floral Design – Learn more about Carl Rittner’s legacy and floral education programs.
- DIY Floral Arranging Tips – Step-by-step tutorials for beginners wanting to improve their designs.
- Flower Symbolism Guide – Explore what different flowers traditionally represent.
- Floral Design Tools – Shears, wire, foam, and tape that make arranging easier.
- Floret Farm’s A Year in Flowers: Designing Gorgeous Arrangements for Every Season – A beautifully photographed book packed with seasonal arrangement ideas.
Related Holidays
- National House Plant Appreciation Day (January 10) – A day dedicated to indoor plants and greenery.
- Rose Day (February 7) – Celebrates one of the world’s most popular flowers.
- National Plant a Flower Day (March 12) – Encourages planting and gardening.
- National Red Rose Day (June 12) – Honors the iconic red rose and its symbolism.
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