Best of Toronto
The Best Florists in Toronto
The best florists in Toronto are akin to your indispensable best friends. They're there for life's highlights (weddings, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, and birthdays), lowlights (sickness, sympathy, and those times you get to drunk and start pawing your girlfriend's sister) and perhaps most importantly, offer cheap substitutes for jewellery that pack just as much meaning. Yes, the best florists in Toronto know how to ameliorate any event with the right combination of tulips and lilies, and they can usually whip up a unique bouquet for any sort of impromptu celebration or exercise in pandering for forgiveness. Many of the florists on this list have also placed high priority in keeping eco-friendly, either by sourcing local or seasonal blooms, or using biodegradable packaging and green energy in their stores (or all). Here is the list of the best florists in Toronto.
Here are the best florists in Toronto. For more ideas of where to buy flowers in Toronto, see our Toronto florists section.
See also:
Note: This list was previously published on February 14th, 2011. Comments below made up until February 12th 2012 are in reference to the old list. We've purposely kept the archived comments here because we believe they (mostly) add value to this topic. If you don't want to have to wade through all of them, simply hit the "sort by newest first" link at the top of the thread.
Kay and Young
Right at fresh flower central (Avenue and Davenport, by another name) Kay and Young has long reigned at the place to go for the most competitively priced bouquets around. While the plastic buckets housing the flowers by the entrance might not scream “elegance” the selection, variety, and sheer quantity at Kay and Young is bar-none. More »
Sweetpea’s
Much of Sweetpea’s appeal undoubtedly comes from owner Sara Jameson herself. Always offering a smile to doghouse-bound customers, Sara has an eye for the right combination of seasonal flowers that can potentially avert an evening on the couch. Sweatpea’s sources local whenever possible, and wraps all of its bouquets in biodegradable cellophane. More »
Ladybug
Service is definitely what sets Ladybug apart from the rest, as countless relieved brides can surely attest. With its flagship location at Church and Wellesley (and another at Islington and Lakeshore), Ladybug always seems to offer pristine-looking blooms, and will work (patiently) with customers to create custom arrangements. More »
Bloor Village Flowers
Bloor Village Flowers has been around since your parents’ wedding and would be more than happy to provide the flowers for yours. Right at Bloor and Runnymede, this shop has plants for home décor and flowers to decorate a space, and occasionally offers fantastic steals on prearranged bouquets or loose roses to take home to a special someone on the way home from work. More »
Foglie
Meaning “leaves” in Italian, Foglie is a destination for some of the most beautiful arrangements in the St. Clair West area (or all of Toronto, some might wager). The shop offers classic, elegant arrangements and bouquets, along with monthly two-hour flower arranging courses where students learn the basics and take home flowers and a vase. More »
The Rose Emporium
For the rose-lover and gift-enthusiast. Needless to say, The Rose Emporium recognizes that roses come in more varieties than “red” and “white,” offering everything from so-called orange “Tropical Amazons,” to two-tone “Latin Ladies.” The Annex florist offers custom arrangements, décor for special events, and same-day delivery. More »
Martin's Flowers
Martin’s Flowers has been around for over 110 years, and no, that is not a typo. The Junction shop is clearly much beloved by area residents, now operated by Lynn Freeman, the great granddaughter of original owner Alfred Martin. The shop tries to focus on local flowers, while still offering everything from tropical orchids to bamboo palms. More »
Florabunda
Florabunda is a quaint Leslieville mom and pop shop that can always offer tips on how to make your flowers last longer. The shop offers all sort of fresh-cut flowers including Cymbidium orchids, locally grown tulips, and Amaryllis stems, though its “Dr. Seuss trees” are undoubtedly a neighbourhood favourite. More »
Coriander Girl
Coriander Girl is a “Parkdale” take on the traditional florist, with bunches of mini cabbages and berries replacing the typical boring bouquet. Owner Alison Westlake can put together a little something for any style or budget, and later sell you the vintage table upon which she does the arranging. Now that’s unique. More »
Discussion
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martyn
Wow, you so obviously work at that flower store you are blatantly promote.
Your website sucks.
Oh yeah the name is the Chocolate Tulip and it's near the Rosedale vet.
In the end it was exactly what we wanted and our guest loved the designs. Thanks so much for making the day so beautiful for us.
I received a very expensive boquet of flowers ($197 to be exact) from my husband for Valentine's Day. Half of them are dead four days after I received them. Not to mention, this boquet did not resemble the product they were showing on their website. The picture they showed had huge Calla Lilies and lots of Roses and a little filler. What I got was 6 miniature calla lilies (and I do mean mini) , 6 small roses and lots of filler. I don't know how they justify charging almost $200 for this boquet and not even have them last for 1 week!
This is not the first bad boquet I have received from them either. We actually used to buy from them regularly but stopped after our last bad exchange with them. I don't know why my husband thought to try them again but I assure you he will never darken their door again!
That being said, I've heard fabulous things about Floris (couldn't find a website, but they are listed at 1670 Avenue Rd 416-787-7111). I've heard they do very high-end comparable to the aforementioned shops. A friend of mine uses them regularly and had her (fabulously stylish) wedding done by them. I have to say, that as someone from the trade... I was truly blown away. I'd never seen yellow peonies before... spectacular! Their designs were opulent, original and the quality of the blooms were very evident to someone that's worked around flowers. I've also seen beautiful work come out of Thriving Metropolis (uber modern) and East of Eliza on Gerrard.
Floris @1670 avenue road 416-787-7111
I use Floris a lot becuase they can get last minute deliveries out in a jif and I have a corporate account with them that makes ordering a breeze.
Good luck
Jenny made a beautiful bouquet within my limited budget ($20) ... added a nice touch for my boss' birthday.
I am very angry with this company. Spread the word to get cowboys and rogue traders out of business.
www.derosedesigns.ca
Make sure to say 'hi' next time you come into the shop.
It might be cheaper, but what's the point of sending someone flowers when they don't get it at the right time and when it finally arrives, it's not what you paid for.
ps I am not from TO but used service
http://flowergenie.jalbum.net/Floral%20Wrappings/index.html
thx
Then there's boutique flower shops that use interesting and unique seasonal flower varieties and vases. A few of the "Best of" shops on the BlogTO list are more keeping the the traditional style of flowers that makes me think of my grandmother's flowers. Especially her Christmas centrepiece of red and white carnations with pine and holly with a green candle in the centre.
Not really keen on that style of arrangement.
When I shop for flowers, I look for unique and current floral designs, beautiful interesting blooms and flower varieties, freshness, flower delivery, knowledge and of course great service. I've been able to tackle part of that list with some good florists that I've tried across the city. After shopping around and trying different shops that came recommended by friends, colleagues and online, I can say that it's very hard to find a shop that can deliver ALL these factors that I demand in a florist. I turned to this blog last year and took the time to read the reviews and recommendations. I gave a few a go, and am so pleased to say that I finally found my florist for LIFE!
I've been using the girls at Floris for a little over a year and they constantly surpass my expectations. They've been in business for a long time so they've really mastered their craft. It's a mother and daughter so there's this beautiful classic elegance meets young & funky vibe in their designs. They're big on carrying tons of imported as well as local floral like every colour peony you could imagine, a rainbow of dahlias during the summer, hydrangeas of all sorts and colours, exquisite orchids that I've never seen anywhere else... and masses of interesting flowers depending on the season. They carry cool potted plants like orchids, modern plants and tons of vases and containers, so there's lots to choose from when you need an interesting gift. I order all my company flowers for corporate events and functions through them (sometime pretty last minute and they always manage to pull off flower miracles!). I often don't even see the flowers that I order by phone for clients, but I always receive the most rave reviews. I'm looking forward to seeing what amazing floral delights they're going to design for my daughter's wedding this September!
Would highly HIGHLY reccomend Floris. They are the most talented, helpful and skilled ladies who truly love their gorgeous craft.
http://www.floris.ca
checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several e-mails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Cheers!
When she showed me the bouquets they were standard bouquets you could get anywhere (except at more than 3x the price), and when I asked to change to other arrangements she simply said it wouldn't work with my location.
They ended up taking a deposit, and when I came to my senses and asked to cancel, they DEMANDED a cancellation fee because they had already started "prepping" (even though the wedding was still weeks away!!). They literally brought me to tears and my husband was absolutely fuming at how Sarah completely ruined my emotions and nearly ruined the wedding itself.
Basically, DON'T GO TO FLORIS. The flowers may look nice but they are the WORST FLORISTS you'll ever meet.
So basically, GO TO FLORIS, get something awesome that will last for weeks. And look brilliant for having great style and taste in your flower selection. BEST FLORISTS IN TORONTO HANDS DOWN.
To this day I still get compliments on the arrangements from my wedding day, never had people seen such subtle and beautiful displays. If there is anything indicative of the service that Sarah and her team give, on my wedding day, after the ceremony and running through what seemed like a million photos, Sarah herself came to the reception with a fresh boutineer for me and made sure to take care of my bride's bouquet too before wishing us well and taking off again. It was such a small thing, but also such a truly thoughtful gesture.
Now when I need flowers, be it an unfortunate rushed viewing or funeral, a forgotten birthday or anniversary, or a planned out delivery - Sarah and Floris are my choice!
I need to know where to buy rolls of transparent pale pink cellophane paper. Does anyone know?
Thank you!
I see here a lot of conversations about The Best Florist. Here is one more. You won't find any one in Toronto constantly going to Europe to obtain more knowledge and experience, except this one.
Check this:
www.facebook.com/fleurever
Plus your listing specifically mentions tropical orchids.
Ordered flowers to be delivered on Friday before 2pm, called them at 2pm and they said the flowers were out for delivery. They delivered the flowers that evening to the wrong location, or so they said. We spoke to them on Monday and the awful manager Raye said there was nothing he could do even though it was his mistake. After quite a long argument he agreed to deliver the flowers on Tuesday ( two business days after they were suppose to be delivered) before 5pm. The flowers didn't come by 5pm on Tuesday and when I called back he continuously put me on hold and then hung up! I decided to stop by this location, which to my shock was actually a rug store with a tiny back room with about 3 plants of fake flowers. The manager/owner said again that he was wrong but refused a refund OR to give us the flowers!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU USE ANY WHERE ELSE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACTUALLY GET YOUR FLOWERS!!!
Sarah, the shop owner, asked me if I needed any help with anything and I told her that I didn't want to waste her time because I still didn't have any idea of what I clearly wanted and I hadn't even put together a flower budget. We started to chat and 40 minutes later, I suddenly had my entire wedding figured out and her prices were more then reasonable!
Sarah pulled together antique lavender roses and beautiful cream and white flowers. She asked my sister and I if we had any flowers that were important to us. My sister remembered a flower that reminds us all of our grandmothers home in Greece. While the gardenia didn't match our arrangements, she snuck them into my bouquet and into my sisters, adding that personal touch. Our bouquets were stunning and the smell brought a touch of home and childhood memories to the day.
Sarah was such a big help, not only with the flowers, but showing me the antique lavender rose helped in deciding the colour of our bridesmaid dresses and the mens ties. I met with her on several occasions to discuss the wedding and how everything was coming along. On the day of my wedding, Sarah surprised me and hand delivered our bouquets. It was such a pleasant surprise, it showed that she really cared about not only her work but that I was really happy with everything. The flowers at the reception were breathtaking. Everyone loved the "romantic" feel of the decor.
Since my wedding I have moved abroad, if I ever need to have flowers delivered in the city of Toronto, I call Sarah at FLORIS. I know that she will do an excellent job and I am always happy with the price.
.....A Parisian inspired floral boutique