Flower Spotlight - Bloomin' Blog

Flower Spotlight: Stargazer Lily

May 23, 2016 by Miroslava Casiano Leave a Comment

Bold, beautiful, dramatic! These are just a few characteristics of the stunning Stargazer lily. Their exquisite scent and elegant look make them the perfect gift for any occasion! Want to learn more about this amazing bloom? Keep reading!

Symbolism & Origins
Stargazer lilies are a combination of Oriental and Asiatic lilies. They were named by Leslie Woodruff, a lily grower and breeder, in reference to the way the blooms of this flower point towards the sky. Stargazers have only been around for a couple of decades but have quickly gained popularity.

Stargazers are believed to symbolize innocence and purity but the meaning changes with the color of the flower. For example, a pink stargazer lily symbolizes prosperity and abundance. Yellow stargazers express joy and of course, white stargazers signify purity and innocence. Other meanings for this good-looking flower are success and determination, commitment, passion and the fulfillment of dreams.

To Consider
This stunning bloom is highly toxic to cats. If eaten, they can experience vomiting, kidney failure, lethargy and even death. Make sure not to leave this stunning bloom near children or pets!

Availability
Stargazers bloom from early summer through mid summer and can last from 14 to 20 days. They need full sun exposure, nutrient soil and well maintained water levels. This stunning flower comes in white, pink and yellow. They are perfect for birthdays and anniversaries, specifically 30th year anniversaries since they too symbolize the everlasting love between the couple. They are the ideal gift to say “I’m sorry” and also to express sympathy.

Stargazer lilies are not only beautiful but also packed with meaning! Head to your local florist and surprise the ones you love most with the world’s most elegant bloom!

Filed Under: Flower Identification Tagged With: Flower Meaning, Flower Spotlight, May, Stargazer Lilies

Flower Spotlight: Daffodils

March 21, 2016 by Miroslava Casiano Leave a Comment

Spring marks the rebirth of nature! It is the season in which we see bright colored blooms, like daffodils, come to life once again. Let’s start the season by learning more about the beautiful flower of March!

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Filed Under: Flower Identification Tagged With: Daffodils, Flower Meaning, Flower Spotlight, March

Flower Spotlight: Violets

February 22, 2016 by Miroslava Casiano Leave a Comment

Violets are beautiful and symbolize love! Here is a brief history of this month’s flower, learn more about this stunning bloom!

Origins & Symbolism
The word “Violet” derives from the Latin word “Viola.” True violets are native to the Northern Hemisphere and distributed in Hawaii, the Andes in South America and Australasia. Some varieties of violets are plants and others shrubs.

In ancient times, Greeks cultivated Violets and considered them a symbol of love and fertility. Other meanings of this flower are modesty, humility, possible happiness, faithfulness and virtue. A Roman legend says that goddess Venus had maidens, better looking than her, “battered and bruised until they turned into blue violets.” Yikes! Didn’t know that about Venus!

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Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Flower Spotlight

Flower Spotlight: Carnations

January 18, 2016 by Miroslava Casiano Leave a Comment

Today we will focus on January’s flower. You will learn about the origins of carnations, their meaning and other important facts about this beautiful bloom. Ready to fall in love with this flower? Keep on reading…

Origins & Symbolism

Dianthus Caryophyllus, better known as Carnation, has been cultivated for over 2,000 years in Europe and Asia. The name carnation derives from the words “coronation” or “corone” in reference to floral garlands used in ancient Greek ceremonial events. Greek botanist Theophrastus named the flower “Dianthus” meaning “flower of the gods.”

Carnation is the official Mother’s Day bloom. Anna Marie Jarvis, founder of this holiday, selected the flower in tribute to her own mother. They often symbolize fascination and distinction, but depending on the color of the bloom, it takes different meanings. Red means admiration and love, dark red shows deep love and affection, white equals purity and good luck, pink symbolizes gratitude and when striped they often signify refusal.

To Consider

There are over 300 species of carnations known to date, most of which bloom in full sunlight and well-drained soil. According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), carnations can be toxic to cats and dogs. If at all possible, try to keep your four-legged friends away from this astonishing flower. If they accidentally ingest this bloom, contact your local veterinary facility.

Availability

Carnations can be found in almost every color of the rainbow! They are classified as edible flowers, for humans, and are a popular choice for decorating cakes and other pastries. Make sure, if you will be eating this or any other flower classified as edible, to use only organically grown blooms. This is to prevent pesticides or any other harmful products from entering your system. Not too sure about eating the petals of carnations? Add this delicate flower in combination with other blooms, or by itself, to a desired vase. Perfect for weddings, birthdays and other events. You will see that carnations create beautiful arrangements, centerpieces and other decorative pieces!

Head to your local florist and delight yourself or loved ones with the beauty of this bloom!

Filed Under: Flower Identification Tagged With: Carnation, Flower Identification, Flower Meaning, Flower Spotlight

Flower Spotlight: Holly

December 14, 2015 by Miroslava Casiano Leave a Comment

One plant with a lot of holiday meaning is the llex disambiguation or, otherwise known as holly. Here’s a brief history to learn more about this evergreen tree.

Origins & Symbolism

Holly is a tree member of the Aquifoliaceae family and the only living genus. Holly is native to parts of central and southern Europe, but can be found in many different parts around the world. The holly tree is known as “Christ’s Thorn” in the northern countries of Europe. It is said that “the prickly leaves represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified. The berries are the drops of blood that were shed by Jesus because of the thorns.”

To Consider

The leaves of holly have no taste or odor and, although berries are sometimes eaten by birds, they can be very dangerous when ingested by humans and pets. The leaves are pointy, resembling thorns, alternating directions upwards and downwards with a leathery texture that makes them very durable.

Availability

Holly can be found all year long, but is most commonly used in flower arrangements, wreaths and centerpieces during the month of December. The leaves are very long lasting which makes them perfect for incorporating in any type of arrangement or home decor pieces.

Make sure to incorporate this evergreen tree into your Christmas and New Year’s festivities. Head to your local florist for your beautiful holly arrangement!

Filed Under: Flower Identification Tagged With: Flower Spotlight, Holly

Flower Spotlight: Craspedia Globosa

November 13, 2015 by Miroslava Casiano Leave a Comment

This month, we wanted to focus on a bloom that is not your “ordinary flower.” From fresh bouquets to long-lasting dry arrangements, this flower does it all! Learn more about craspedia globosa, the golden drumstick.

Origin & Symbolism

Craspedia globosa, most commonly known as “billy button” or “drumstick,” is a form of daisy that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Craspedia is a wildflower grown in Tasmania, New Zealand and Australia. The name derived from the Greek word “kraspedon,” which means “fringed edge,” globosa meaning “sperical shaped” in reference to the shape of the flower.

Billy buttons often signify good health, but in modern day it is said to “express the feeling that the receiver lights up the sender’s world.”

Availability

Drumsticks are available all year round! They are originally yellow, but some suppliers may offer dyed blooms in colors red, orange and green. The golden bloom can be mixed with succulents to create rustic bouquets with white daisies and wild flowers. They are also perfect as a little touch to brighten up a room!

Not too sure about this flower? Head to your local florist and ask for their ideas on how to incorporate this interesting bloom into an arrangement!

Filed Under: Flower Identification Tagged With: Craspedia Globosa, Flower Identification, Flower Spotlight

Flower Spotlight: Wheat

October 28, 2015 by Miroslava Casiano Leave a Comment

Wheat is not only good for making bread, but can also be used for decoration. Here is a brief history and ideas for making beautiful fall arrangements using this grain!

History & Origins

Wheat is a cereal grain grown more than any other crop in the world. It is believed that wheat originated in southwest Asia, but now grows in almost every state of the U.S. Wheat is a mix between three different species of grass and is dated back to about 10,000 B.C. The grain has been a source of food since the very beginning of civilization and continues to play a big role in today’s society.

Availability

Wheat can be found anywhere, especially this fall season. Dried wheat automatically give any type of arrangement a touch of “fall glow.” We tend to only think about flowers as centerpiece arrangements, yet this little grain has continued to trend on its own in the wedding scene. Mix arrangements with lavender, fall colored flowers and herbs like chamomile for a more dashing look.

If you have an idea in mind, don’t hesitate to run it by your local florist! Even something as unthinkable as a grain can make a long lasting impression on your special day or as a unique fall arrangement!

Filed Under: Flower Identification Tagged With: Fall Flowers, Flower Spotlight, Wheat

Flower Spotlight: Gardenia

September 16, 2015 by Miroslava Casiano Leave a Comment

There are many beautiful flowers that are perfect for different occasions. Today, we will focus on the Gardenia—a simple, elegant and aromatic bloom.

Origins and Symbolism

Gardenias are native to Africa, Asia, Australasia and Oceania. This flower was named after Alexander Garden, a Scottish physician and naturalist who lived in Charleston, South Carolina. Gardenia means “garden flower” and is often used in weddings to symbolize the love and purity of marriage. A solo gardenia or bouquet tells the recipient “I think I’m in love with you,” also making it the perfect flower to send to your crush!

To Consider

Gardenias are strongly scented and grow in the shape of a star with 5-12 petals. The flower is part of an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 49 ft. tall and needs a lot of sunlight and humidity. This flower is toxic to cats, dogs and horses, so make sure to keep your four-legged friends away from this beauty!

Availability

This flowering plant is part of the coffee family. There are 142 different species that can be found in colors white, ivory and yellow. The most popular species is the Cape Jasmine and it is originally grown in China. Gardenias make beautiful cut flowers, amazing corsages and wedding bouquets or arrangements for decoration. Unfortunately, their vase life is very short, but can be prolonged with good cutting techniques. A single gardenia can be gifted or simply placed in a room, floating in a bowl or dish, to give it a more elegant touch.

When planning a wedding, gardenias are a great choice for flowers. They are not only beautiful, but the symbolism behind it makes them very special. Head to your local florist and surprise someone with gardenias!

Filed Under: Flower Identification, Gift Ideas Tagged With: Flower Identification, Flower Spotlight, Gift Ideas

Flower Spotlight: Sunflowers

July 20, 2015 by Miroslava Casiano Leave a Comment

Sunflowers are beautiful and perfect for summer. Their incredibly vibrant color delights us with such astonishing beauty that brightens every space. Want to learn more about sunflowers? Here is a brief history.

Origins and Symbolism

Sunflowers originated in the Americas back in 1,000 B.C. These flowers are recognized for their delightful petals, also known as “rays,” portraying the image of the sun itself. they symbolize not only happiness, but adoration, loyalty, longevity and good luck.

Legend has it, in Greek mythology, that a maiden fell in love with Apollo. She would stand in her garden and stare at Apollo as he passed in his “fiery sun chariot”. Apollo did not like people on earth looking at him and so he got tired of the girl. One day, he decided to throw an arrow at her, turning the girl into a sunflower. Even now she faces east as the sun rises and west as it goes down in the evenings, still following Apollo’s path.

To Consider

Sunflowers grow very fast! If the conditions are right, they can grown between 8-12 ft. tall in six months. These happy flowers are easy to grow in locations with full sun exposure. Once the process for the sunflower to grow is started they can very well tolerate drought.

Availability

Sunflowers develop best in summer, according to the amount of sun they get per day. Typically, you will find this flower in yellow, but some varieties can also be found in orange and red. They are a great choice for weddings! Sunflowers fill a room with sunny charm and happiness. Perfect for bridal bouquets, since it is also a symbol of good luck.

When looking for the perfect flower to gift this summer, sunflowers should be at the very top of your list. Head to your local florist and share a little ray of sunshine!

Filed Under: Flower Identification, Flower Meanings Tagged With: Flower Identification, Flower Meaning, Flower Spotlight, Sunflower

Flower Spotlight: Heather

June 17, 2015 by Miroslava Casiano 2 Comments

Summer is here and so are this season’s flowers! Heather is a beautiful and versatile evergreen shrub whose blooms look great in any arrangement. Here is a brief history about this lovely plant.

Origins and Symbolism

Colluna vulgaris, better known as Heather, is native to Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavia, Russia, and northern North America. In Scotland, however, Heather is one of the national flowers, growing across an estimate of five million acres of moorland and hills. Legend has it that Heather only grows on land where blood hasn’t been shed.

Heather is the flower of unbridled passion and protection. White Calluna is a symbol of luck and known to be very effective. Often it is said that Heather opens portals to the faery world and that Fae of this flower are attracted mostly to shy people.

Medicinal Properties

Heather isn’t just beautiful to the eye, but a very effective herbal medicine too! Here are some of its benefits:

Add the flowering tips to a bath to tone muscles and soothe rheumatic pain.
Heather has antiseptic and diuretic properties.
Treats nervousness and anxiety, cardiac palpitations, migraines, digestive issues, poisoning, blindness, arthritis, coughs and problems associated with menstruation.
Because of the diuretic properties, it serves as an internal cleanser and detoxifier.

Availability

Heather blooms in pink, white, lavender, magenta, purple, amethyst, red and many shades of green. Tones of copper, gold and silvery gray are not too common, but are also available. This shrub gives a boost of color to any wedding centerpiece. White Heather is commonly used by brides on their bouquets as a token for good luck.

Heather is one of those plants that does a little bit of everything! Head to your local florist and fall in love with the beautiful tiny blooms on this delicate plant.

Filed Under: Flower Identification Tagged With: Flower Spotlight, Heather, Summer Flowers

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