I’ve Reviewed Nearly Every Flower Delivery Service—Here Are the Real Standouts
Inexpensive bouquets, floral subscriptions, and next-day delivery.
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Sending flowers is a thoughtful way to celebrate a birthday, holiday, or special moment—even when you can't be there in person. With so many online flower delivery services available, it's not always easy to know which ones will deliver fresh, on-time bouquets that match what's advertised. That's where my testing comes in.
Growing up with a mother who was a florist immersed me in the floral industry from an early age, which naturally led me to oversee testing of online flower delivery services when I joined the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen and Cooking Lab more than four years ago. As a reviews analyst, I've Lab-tested 19 online flower delivery services, worked with over 30 consumer testers, and surveyed hundreds more GH+ members to evaluate their real-world flower delivery experiences.
My goal for this story is to make sending flowers online easy and stress-free, so you can feel confident your bouquet will be well-received. After months of hands-on testing, I've selected the top recommendations for every style, budget, timeline, and occasion. You'll also find side-by-side Lab comparison photos showing how each arrangement arrived and how it looked after one week.
Our consumer testers were fans of Bouqs' thoughtful, stylish packaging, and I appreciated that the bouquets included instructions for keeping the flowers fresh for as long as possible. The best part? Even after a week, all testers reported no wilting. In fact, The Bouqs Co.'s arrangements lasted longer than any similar bouquet we tested. An overwhelming majority of our survey panel reported having a great experience with Bouqs, from the excellent customer service to the beautiful appearance of their bouquets.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN TESTING: I was impressed with how well the arrangement I ordered (pictured here) matched the advertised imagery. "They are still as bright and cheerful as they were the day after they arrived," said one tester who purchased the Wild About U arrangement. Other testers mentioned how easy the website was to navigate. I've also tested many Bouqs bouquets over the last couple of years, including their subscription service, and have always received beautifully arranged bouquets in great condition.
| Delivery zone | All 50 states |
| Delivery type | Mail or hand-delivery options |
Not only are the bouquets from 1-800-Flowers significantly less expensive than those offered by competitors, but they also arrived looking fresh and beautiful in our Lab evaluations. In addition to bouquets, 1-800-Flowers offers house plants and gift bundles, including roses and chocolate-dipped strawberries.
1-800-Flowers is also one of the most popular services in America, according to a survey of over 200 GH+ members. Most notably, consumers talked about how easy and convenient this flower delivery service is, with many commenting on its moderate pricing.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN TESTING: The affordable bouquet we received from 1-800-Flowers was in great condition and lasted a week. One consumer tester noted that their plant arrived damaged, but the company quickly resolved the issue after the tester reached out. "The second plant was even prettier than the pictures," they said. "I was happy they were willing to replace the plant with a new one." Another tester noted that the arrangement didn't look exactly like the photo online; however, the website notes that the color assortment may vary based on availability.
| Delivery zone | All 50 states and 195 countries worldwide |
| Delivery type | Mail or hand-delivery options |
With Urban Stems, you can purchase beautiful arrangements à la carte or join their subscription service, whether you want fresh blooms at home continuously or are looking for a gift idea. Choose from three plans (Classic, Seasonal, or Luxe) and how often you would like to receive flowers (weekly, biweekly, or monthly). Every plan includes a vase, but the Seasonal and Luxe plans cost more due to the premium florals. You can modify, cancel, or pause your subscription at any time.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN TESTING: Urban Stems performed well in our Lab testing, with high scores for delivery, instructions, and appearance. The floral arrangement lasted the whole week of testing, but was ready to be thrown out afterward. Consumers also loved their deliveries. "The quality of the flowers was excellent and held up perfectly throughout the entire week (and a few days past that)," said one tester. "The arrangement looked beautiful and smelled divine! These are definitely more of a 'premium' pick compared to other delivery services I've tried, from the super thoughtful packaging to the flower quality."
Urban Stems can run pricey, but they do have a section dedicated to discounted bouquets, plants, and gifts. Plus, they offer best-selling arrangements for next-day delivery if you're late with your order.
| Delivery zone | Lower 48 states |
| Delivery type | Mail or hand-delivery options |
If shopping local is important to you, Teleflora offers flowers that are 100% arranged and delivered by local florists, so you're supporting small businesses by shopping through the brand's website.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN TESTING: The hand-delivered bouquets from Teleflora had a high wow factor, with lovely-looking flowers arranged in a pretty vase. However, one consumer tester noted that while they loved their arrangement, they wished they could have picked the vase and that care instructions had been included. Another was surprised that the peonies in their bouquet had been swapped for roses, but was still happy with the results. "The color was spot on, so it wasn't a big issue," they said. "I went back to the website and saw a disclaimer that says flowers will be replaced based on availability."
Features at a Glance
| Delivery zone | All 50 states and Canada |
| Delivery type | Hand-delivery |
There's no denying the convenience of ordering flowers online from Amazon. In fact, Amazon Prime members can get fresh blooms delivered from dozens of brands with free two-day shipping.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN TESTING: While we still have to test more of the brands offered on Amazon, we did Lab and consumer test Floral Compass, whose arrangements arrived quickly and in good condition. They offer floral arrangements that are relatively affordable, but they don't have the widest selection.
In addition to our Lab and consumer testing, Amazon customer reviews suggest that florals from Aquarossa Farms and Benchmark Bouquets arrive in good condition.
| Delivery zone | All 50 states |
| Delivery type | Mail delivery |
Farmgirl Flowers offers unique flower arrangements in a signature burlap bundle, from rare rose varietals to hard-to-find seasonal blooms. Farmgirl also has a free ship shop, different subscription offerings, and fun gift add-ons like a box of gourmet chocolates or a soy wax candle.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN TESTING: In Lab testing, the roses arrived a little bruised, but after a few days of opening, they were absolutely stunning and smelled sweeter than any other arrangement tested. The roses were packaged nicely and came with detailed instructions, though they had many thorns, so be careful as you unbox them. One consumer tester who worked as a professional florist for years said, "The flowers were quick to arrive, less than 12 hours after ordering. The packaging was well thought out and effective in protecting the tender blooms, and the instructions were clear. Plus, the roses were drop-dead gorgeous!"
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Farmgirl Flowers
| Delivery zone | Lower 48 states |
| Delivery type | Mail delivery |
Others we tested
- Fresh Sends: We were impressed with their stylish packaging, and while the flower selection is smaller, popular options like roses and their signature bouquet, "The Send," are available. Shipping fees are on the higher side.
- Amelia's Flowers: This service's arrangements stood out with their thoughtful design and vibrant, wildflower aesthetic. However, we found less variety in this service than in others we tested.
- Venus et Fleur: Offering roses and other florals treated to last an entire year, we found the roses to be vibrant and beautiful in fragrance. The arrangements are at luxury price points, though.
- Ode a la Rose: When testing this service, GH staffers couldn't stop commenting on the gorgeous presentation of their arrangements. The wow factor does come at a steep price, and we didn't receive any care instructions.
- Laura Ashley Flowers: Testers appreciated the included care tips and protective packaging that kept blooms in good condition en route. However, we found the website difficult to navigate.
- Bouquet Box: This flower delivery service provides everything you need to build your own floral arrangement at home. However, only one arrangement option is available each month, and we found that assembling the bouquet took some time.
- Bloomsy Box: After seven days of testing, our Lab's arrangement still looked nice. One consumer tester's delivery took over a week, and another tester's arrangement was supposed to be colorful but arrived as a completely white bouquet.
- Postal Petals: Another great option for those who enjoy DIY bouquets, though we found that not all of the blooms arrived in the best condition.
- FTD Flowers: If you’re looking to order flowers designed by a local florist, this is a solid option, though we found its attention to detail fell short compared to competitors.
- Pro Flowers: This service is more affordable than others we tested; however, some testers noted that their arrangements didn’t fully match the imagery shown on the website.
How we test online flower delivery services
Since 2022, the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab has tested 19 online flower and plant delivery services, evaluating 57 arrangements in total. We also enlisted 38 consumer testers and gathered survey responses from 475 GH+ members nationwide to understand real-world experiences with delivery, quality, and longevity.
✔️ Lab testing: We order pink roses (if available) in a clear glass vase from each service, paying extra for the vase if needed. Upon arrival at our Lab, we inspected the packaging to ensure the flowers were securely packed during delivery. We also evaluate the packaging to see if it was gift-worthy or a headache for the recipient (as shown here).
✔️ Consumer testing: We conduct consumer testing for all services to see how the flowers arrive in real homes and how long they last. For anonymity and to test out how easy it is to order online, all testers order directly from flower delivery services on their own with a provided gift card. Consumer testers can order any flower bouquet or plant that appeals to them.
✔️ Bouquet evaluation: Bouquets from flower delivery services are often given as gifts, and the sender does not necessarily see what actually arrives. If the flowers are not as attractive as what is pictured online or wilt or droop soon after arrival, they can be a disappointing present.
In our testing, we evaluate all bouquets' appearances on arrival to see how they compare to their online photos and the condition of the petals, stems, and leaves (as shown here).
Florists delivered some bouquets, while others were shipped directly from farms or warehouses. While most services provide detailed instructions, very secure packaging, flower food, and vases, others aren't ideal for giving as a gift and require a lot of work to put together.
✔️ Longevity: A floral delivery should last at least a week without wilting, but that isn't always the case. We tested for longevity in our Lab to see how long flowers lasted and whether they wilted gracefully or had to be thrown away immediately.
✔️ Pro tip: Flowers are very temperamental, and sometimes a company cannot control how they are delivered or if they are damaged in the mail. Always reach out to the company if you're unhappy with your results. Most flower delivery services will send a floral replacement if you are unsatisfied with your delivery.
What to look for when shopping for flowers online
✔️ Appearance: Ordering blooms online from a flower delivery service requires trust that the arrangement you will receive or send to a loved one is exactly what is pictured on the website. If an arrangement doesn't look as it should, we recommend contacting their customer service team. Based on our thorough testing, we stand by the appearance of the arrangements provided by the services on this list.
✔️ Occasion: Most flower delivery service websites have categories where you can select arrangements specifically designed for a birthday, holiday, or special occasion. Utilize the website to determine which arrangement style is best for your loved one.
✔️ Delivery method and speed: Some flower services have their arrangements delivered by local florists in your area, usually without any packaging. Other services ship directly from a farm or floral warehouse, with ample packaging to keep flowers secure. If you need flowers at the last minute or want flowers that arrive on a specific date, look for websites that offer easy scheduling.
✔️ Budget: Sending flowers can be expensive. Know your budget before purchasing, look for holiday sales, and remember that some services don't include free shipping (shipping fees can be as much as $25 per bouquet). Some flower delivery services also offer bouquets in three different sizes; you can select a smaller bouquet if you're on a budget or go all out for a special occasion with an extra-large arrangement.
✔️ Packaging and customization: Most flower delivery services offer the option to include a card with a short note, but other services also provide more customizations like colored ribbon, balloons, or chocolates. Receiving flowers is special, but if you want to make it extra special for your recipient, consider how it will be delivered (florist vs. mail) and packaged (vase vs. wrapped bouquet), and whether you can customize the experience.
Top tips for keeping flowers fresh
We interviewed Hudson Valley-based florist, Sasha Allison, for her top tricks and tips for ensuring your floral arrangement lasts longer.
- "Give them a good cut with sterilized clippers. You should cut them at an angle; this way, they will absorb more water," says Allison. A 45-degree angle cut on most flower stems ensures that the entire stem's surface area is in contact with the water for maximum hydration.
- "Take off all dead leaves and dead petals. For roses, take off the stiff petals on the outside of the flower," instructs Allison, "I like to take off all of the leaves, so the energy from the water goes straight to the flower."
- "Water should be crystal clear, and there should be no leaves below the waterline," says Allison. "You should be able to look at the water and say, 'Could I drink that?' This also starts with the vase that you're using. It should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized; otherwise, bacteria from a previous arrangement could shorten the life of your new, beautiful arrangement."
- "Place in cold water. The most important aspect of keeping your flowers fresh longer is the temperature you keep them," instructs Allison. "General guidelines are: Cut flowers should be stored at 34 to 38°F, while tropical flowers and orchids should be stored at 55 to 60°F. If you cannot put them in a cooler or a refrigerator (or simply want to enjoy your flowers on your kitchen table), then you can add ice cubes to the water."
- "Some people use flower food; I personally have not found it to make a difference either way," says Allison. Our analysts use flower food during testing if a flower delivery service provides it, and we have noticed better longevity in some blooms.
Remember that floral care varies from bloom to bloom, so you should consult your online flower delivery service's care instructions before arranging your bouquet.
When should you order flowers around major holidays?
Depending on the flower delivery service, I recommend ordering flower arrangements for a major flower holiday like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day at least two to three weeks prior. Placing your order far enough in advance ensures you get the best selection of available arrangements and a favorable delivery date. I also recommend securing a delivery date a few days before a major holiday, just in case there's a delay.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Eva Bleyer is the reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute. Eva tests and writes about all things home, kitchen gear, culinary products and beyond. Eva has tested over 19 flower delivery services at Good Housekeeping and hopes to test even more companies.
Eva grew up around flowers—her mother is a professional florist, and she spent her childhood playing in the shop’s walk-in cooler while her mom worked. She’s since built deep knowledge of flower and plant varietals, floral arranging, gardening, and farming, shaped both by her mom’s expertise and by agricultural classes at New York University. In her free time, Eva loves visiting botanical gardens and farms and creating fresh arrangements for her own dining table.
Eva (she/her) is the Reviews Analyst in the Kitchen & Cooking Lab. She tests kitchen appliances, cooking tools, and cookware using standardized lab protocols in order to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. With more than 15 years of experience in the food industry—including work as a food stylist, personal chef, and food brand marketing manager—she brings both culinary expertise and practical insight to every review. Eva earned a Bachelor of Science in Food Studies, Nutrition and Public Health from New York University. She completed her culinary training at the Natural Gourmet Institute (now the Institute of Culinary Education) and holds foundational and intermediate barista certifications from the Specialty Coffee Association.
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