Flower Types And Their Characteristics
Alstromeria has a long stem with a cluster of lily shaped flowers, the common name is Peruvian Lily. They are long lasting as all the buds with each flower will bloom. They come in a wide variety of colours but the Virginia, a white one is consistently a good bloomer. The vase life can be up to 8 days.
Anemones come in many colours, and sometimes called windflowers. The are small paper like and can last up to 10 days.
The Anthirium is a heart shaped flower, with almost an artificial appearance.. They have a waxed like appearance, exotic and tropical. Mainly come in white, red pink, very longlasting, could give a vase life of over 2 weeks.
Asters are longlasting, double daisy like flowers, more than one bloom per stem. Come in beautifully strong colours, purples, magentas, deep pink, strong mauve. Can last for up to 2 weeks in your vase as long as the water is kept clean and fresh as for all cut flowers.
Bird of Paradise affectionately known as Birds. They are tropical and exotic and have a stately appearance. The orange, purple and blue colours are a good combination. After the first flower dies there could be another 2 or more open up. They work well with many flowers but can look very dramatic with tropical leaves, pods etc in modern displays.
Bouvardias Multiple four petal blooms on each stem. Thin, branching stems open up to clusters of blooming florets. Bouvardias are available in pinks, whites, and reds and lives one to two weeks
Calla Lily A large yellow, white or pink tropical flower. Best used in bouquets or arrangements.
Carnation Flowers are 2 to 3 inches wide on 1- to 2-foot stems. Miniature carnation varieties feature several small flowers on one stem. Colors include white, yellow, pink, red, salmon, fuchsia, deep purple, light green, bi-colors and flecked. The fragrant cut flowers live up to three weeks. Carnations are also popular as potted plants because of their long blooming season.
Chrysanthemum Many flower forms are available. Stems may carry one flower or multiple blooms. There are also spoon-shaped, quill-shaped, threadlike or spiderlike florets. Used as both cut flowers and blooming plants, their colours include pink, yellow, red, white, bronze, magenta and purple.
The Daffodil is a cheerful, trumpet-shaped flower with a central corolla and surrounding petals. The traditional daffodil is solid yellow, white with an orange center, white with a yellow center and solid white. Flowers should arrive in the “pencil” or “goose neck” stage, with buds no longer upright and slightly open with colour showing.
Delphinium, Hybrid Very tall stems. Available in purple and pinks. Hollow stem uses a lot of water. Last about a week. May shed from some of the lower blooms as it ages
Freesia Small fragrant flower with multiple blooms. Available in yellow, white, purple,and pink. Last 5-10 days
Gerbera This is a large, daisy-like flower that is available in many vivid colours. Best used in bouquets and arrangements.
Gladiolus The impressive flower spikes of gladioli come in a wide array of beautiful colours. Long, thick stems display individual blossoms which range from 2″ to 5″ in diameter. With proper care and handling, gladioli have a vase life of 7 to 10 days.
Hyacinth Short, heavy flower with multiple star-shaped flowers on the stem. Extremely fragrant. Available in pink, blue, purple, and white. Last 8-14 days
Hydrangea Puffy cloud-like flower. Available in blue, white, pink, and purple. While the hydrangea has been a favorite in the garden or landscape for years, it has become a popular cut flower to enhance garden-style arrangements. Last 7-12 days.
Iris Colours include bluish-purple, deep purple, lavender, white and yellow. Many have yellow markings on the lower part of the petals. Short living flower with a display life of two to five days.
Larkspur Also known as delphinium. Very tall stems with many branches. Flowers are available in purple, pink, and white. Last 1-2 weeks. Larkspur is ethylene sensitive and shatters very easily while aging.
Lily Asiatic Also known as tiger lily. Tall lily with little fragrance. Available in yellow, white, pink, and orange. The average vase life of a stem of lilies is 10-14 days.
Lisianthus Also known as eustoma. Has rounded bell-like flowers with multiple blooms per stem. Comes in white, pink, purple, and variegated colours. Removing old dead blooms can help small buds open. Lasts around 7-10 days.
Cymbidium Orchid Orchids are tropical flowering plant that thrive in rain forests. Also known as orchidaceae. Cymbidium orchids are thick, waxy flowers with five pointed petals on each bloom. Available in a rainbow of colours. Last 7-14 days
Dendrobium Orchid Orchids are tropical flowering plant that thrive in rain forests. Also known as orchidaceae. Dendrobium orchids are thick, waxy flowers with five pointed petals on each bloom. Available in a rainbow of colours. Last 7-14 days
Oncidium Orchid, Golden Shower Orchid Orchids are tropical flowering plant that thrive in rain forests. Also known as orchidaceae. Oncidium orchids are thick, waxy flowers with five pointed petals on each bloom. Available in a rainbow of colours. Last 7-14 days
Phalaenopsis Orchid Also known as the lady slipper orchid. These orchids are a shiny, waxy leafed flower with one larger rounded petal and two longer, narrower with a cup-like center. Mostly used in corsages
Persian Buttercup Small rose-like bloom. Delicate stem with one bloom that opens up outward in a circle. Available in a rainbow of colours. Last 7-12 days.
Rose Roses originated in Asia with almost 120 varieties available, roses are a classic favorite. Available year-round, roses come in many varieties with varying characteristics such as colour, bloom size, single or multi-blossom stems, vase life, fragrance and stem length.
Snapdragon blossoms are approximately 3-4 cm long and tubular in shape with rounded upper and lower lips. Around 10-15 flowers appear on each flower spike, opening from the bottom up. Snapdragons are available in red, pink, yellow, white, and variegated colours and will last five to 10 days.
Sunflower These large field-grown flowers have 2- to 8-inch diameters. Short petals surround a large disc. Petal colours are pale or golden yellow, orange, red or bronze; discs are brown, black, or green.
Sweet Pea Also known as lathyrus. Short delicate flower with light pastel blossoms. Last 5-10 days.
Tulip These flowers grow almost an inch daily even when cut. Stems bend toward the light and blooms in bright light while closing back up when dark. Cut flower and put in water immediately because the stems seal themselves quickly. Last 7-10 days.