Cut Flowers

Star of Bethlehem

Tuesday, March 15 | Cut Flower Profiles, Cut Flowers

The botanical name for this flower is Ornithogalum which translates to ‘bird’s milk’ (probably referring to the shape and color of the flowers).  Usually seen in its white form, orange and yellow varieties are also available.  The plant is native to eastern Europe and the Middle East and can naturalize here in the Midwest.  The plant is grown extensively for cut flower production and is particularly popular for the Christmas season....

Rose

Tuesday, March 15 | Cut Flower Profiles, Cut Flowers

Roses originated in China, but have been cultivated and hybridized throughout the world for hundreds of years.  The flowers are available in almost every color except blue and true black.  Rose plants were introduced to Europe from the Middle East during the Crusades and were prized by monks for their medicinal value.  Roses are generally classified by their flower size:  Standard roses (single, large flower on long [60cm+] or medium [40-50cm] stems), Sweetheart roses (miniature flowers on medium [40cm+] stems), and Spray Roses (multiple miniature flowers on a single medium [40cm+] stem). ...

Snapdragon

Tuesday, March 15 | Cut Flower Profiles, Cut Flowers

The botanical name for the snapdragon is Antirrhinum from the Greek words ‘anti’ (like) and ‘rhin’ (nose) – referring to the flowers’ snout like appearance.  Squeezing the sides of a blossom will cause the flower’s ‘mouth’ to open and close, hence its common name.  Often associated with English gardens, the plant has its origins in the Mediterranean region.  To encourage opening of the upper buds, be sure to clean off the older, lower blooms as they fade.    ...

Protea Pincushion

Tuesday, March 15 | Cut Flower Profiles, Cut Flowers

This flower belongs to the family Proteaceae that includes over a hundred species of trees and shrubs – most native to the cape region of South Africa.  The family’s name derives from the mythical sea god Proteus who could assume many different shapes.  Indeed, protea flowers come in wide variety of shapes and colors from the Pincushion to the King to the Pink Mink.  Protea flowers will outlast the foliage.  Strip the foliage before using proteas in arrangements.   ...

Lisianthus

Tuesday, March 15 | Cut Flower Profiles, Cut Flowers

Sometimes referred to as Eustoma, Prairie Gentian or Texas Bluebell, this flower is native to the extreme southern U.S. and Mexico.  Lisianthus flowers are available year round and come in many shades of purple, pink, cream, and even bi-colors.  The popular wedding flowers exhibit excellent vase life, but it is particularly important to recut the stems regularly.       ...

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