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Category: Flower Arranging & Floristry

Gardeners information on cut flowers and green material for display. A view of gardening to help the flower arrangers and florists.

Flower Arranging – Euphorbia

Flower Arranging – Euphorbia

Euphorbia

Growing Euphorbia for Flower Arrangements

  • Spurge, Milkweed or Euphorbia is a genus of hardy shrubs, succulents and perennials that are striking in appearance and invaluable in the garden or for flower arranging.
  • Leaves are usually lance shaped and stems contain a milky sap that can irritate your skin.
  • Varieties to grow for flower arranging include;
    Euphorbia amygdaloides robbiae with evergreen rosettes of dark green leaves and lime green bracts.
    Euphorbia amygdaloides purpurea a marooon stemed variety.
    Euphorbia characias wulfenii with blue green leaves that grow up to 4 feet.
    Euphorbia polychroma with bright yellow bracts.
    Euphorbia myrsinites is a prostrate form with grey glacous leaves
    Euphorbia griffithii is a hardy perennial that dies down each winter but young foliage is reddish green and the flowers are orange-red.
  • These plants are interesting and easy to grow and add shape and texture to your garden.

Euphorbia atropupurea

Special Tips for Flower Arranging with Euphorbia

  • Do not cut when the Euphorbia are too immature or the stems will wilt.
  • Cut stems must immediately be sealed by flame to stop sap oozing out.
  • Resinge or reseal if you trim the ends when re-cutting.
  • Vase life should be 7-10 days if conditioned in a bucket of water overnight first.

A full array of books on Flower Arranging and related subjects is available from Amazon. You will find more advice and artistic inspiration amongst this selection.

I would also recommend horticultural flower shows where I am always stunned by the floral arrangement amongst the plants on display.

Book Cover

Top Ten Euphorbia selected from a range of a over 2000 varieties in the genus.

Euphorbia

Euphorbia are a wide range of plants many of which are suitable for flower arranging where the bracts and leaves both add interest.
Turn your arrangements into botanical works of art – here are some examples and clubs you could join.
To grow a generic mix of flowers for arrangements and bouquets check out Thompson & Morgan

Other plants in this series
Dahlia
Pittosporum
Alstroemeria
Fatsia Japonica
Corkscrew hazel
Phormium

Flower Arranging – Pittosporum

Flower Arranging – Pittosporum

Pittosporum Tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb'

Growing Pittosporum for Flower Arrangements

  • Pittosporum is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees that grow well in coastal areas and sheltered situations.
  • The popular cut foliage has pale green undulate leaves on black twiggy stems.
  • Pittosporum tennuifolium is the most popular species with florists and gardeners as it is hardy
  • Other colours of leaf are available including Pittosporum tennuifolium Purpureum (above), Pittosporum tennuifolium Variegatum with crinkled greeny white leaves and Pittosporum tennuifolium Warnham Gold.

Book Cover
Flower Arranging by Mark Welford and Stephen Wicks

Special Tips for Flower Arranging with Pittosporum

  • The dense nature of the leaves on the black twiggy stems makes Pittosporum a good filler for a hand tied arrangement.
  • Before using the stems split them and stand them in a bucket of cold water overnight.
  • Bunches can be wrapped in cellophane as a gift or used in a bridal bouquet
  • To make a hand-tied bunch hold the stem of the first piece of plant in your hand and gradually add one piece at a time. Spiral the the stems in one direction only as you build up your design. When the bunch is complete tie off with raffia or twine at the point where your hand held the bunch. Finally trim the bottom of the stalks to the same length (it might even stand up on it’s own.)

Pittosporum in the rain

A full array of books on Flower Arranging and related subjects is available from Amazon. You will find more advice and artistic inspiration amongst this selection.

I would also recommend the Harrogate spring flower show where I am always stunned by the floral arrangement amongst the plants on display.
Pittosporum

Credits
Pittosporum Tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’ by áš›Tilly Mint ášœ, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Pittosporum in the rain by wallygrom CC BY-SA 2.0
Pittosporum tenuifolium by chuck b. CC BY 2.0

Pittosporum tenuifolium

Pittosporum tenuifolium can be used for flower arranging to good effect due to the dense nature of the crinkly edged leaves on dark stems. grow in sheltered locations to get plenty of useful foliage.

To grow a generic mix of flowers for arrangements and bouquets check out Thompson & Morgan

Other plants discussed in this series
Dahlia
Euphorbia
Alstroemeria
Fatsia Japonica
Corkscrew hazel
Phormium

Flower Arranging – Fatsia Japonica

Flower Arranging – Fatsia Japonica

Bold and glossy Fatsia Japonica is easy to grow and incorporate into your flower arrangements.

ARALIACEAE 五加科 - Japan Fatsia (Fatsia japonica) 八角金盤

Using Fatsia Japonica for Flower Arrangements

  • Fatsia Japonica or Aralia Japonica is also known as ‘Fig Leaf Palm’.
  • It is a useful evergreen shrub growing up to 15 feet tall.
  • It tolerates maritime conditions and temperatures down to minus 10 C.
  • Panicles of milky white, globular flowers are produced in Autumn followed by black berries.
  • Can be underplanted with Hostas to provide two sources of flower arranging material.

Book Cover
Church Flowers: The Essential Guide to Arranging Flowers in Church by Judith Blacklock

Special Tips for Flower Arranging with Fatsia

  • Fatsia has hand shaped, leathery leaves are apple-green in colour.
  • The bold shiny leaves work well in traditional flower arrangements.
  • The different sized leaves which the plant produces are useful for different types of arrangement.
  • The leaves should be cut a day before arranging and given a long deep drink.
  • The edge of the leaves or fingers can be clipped to a shape that suits your arrangment.
  • The leaves can be laid flat to form a green base of splayed finger shapes.

Fatsia japonica Flowers

A full array of books on Flower Arranging and related subjects is available from Amazon. You will find more advice and artistic inspiration amongst this selection.

I would also recommend the Harrogate spring flower show where I am always stunned by the floral arrangement amongst the plants on display.

To grow a generic mix of flowers for arrangements and bouquets check out Thompson & Morgan

Other plants discussed in this series
Dahlia
Euphorbia
Pittosporum
Alstroemeria
Corkscrew hazel
Phormium

Credits
ARALIACEAE 五加科 – Japan Fatsia (Fatsia japonica) 八角金盤 by kaiyanwong223 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Fatsia japonica Flowers by the justified sinner CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Shrubs for Cutting Garden Foliage

Shrubs for Cutting Garden Foliage

Hollies

A well stocked cutting garden can be a flower arrangers delight.
The gardener in the family can earn significant brownie points if they can provide foliage to complement the flowers.

What Makes a Cutting Garden

  • A part of the garden dedicated to growing plant material for decoration and flower arrangements is called a cutting garden.
  • A cutting garden is not meant for display. You can mix colours and plants. You can plant closer together to encourage quick straight growth and feed plants with a view to harvesting as they reach their peak.
  • Good horticultural practice of soil preparation, feeding and caring regimes will boost crops.
  • Foliage from trees and shrubs should be harvested when the shrub is sufficiently established to regrow.
  • Many trees and shrubs will be located throughout the garden. They do not need to be in a special area but take care with the end appearance after you have harvested for your display.

Read More Read More

Dahlia Flower Arranging Gardeners Tips

Dahlia Flower Arranging Gardeners Tips

The pompom and decorative types of Dahlia are the best for flower arranging. The large headed flower types are difficult to arrange.
There is a tremendous variety of colour and shades to suit every decorative scheme. Grow varieties and shades that suit your house.
Eden Project Dahlia

Starting and Cultivating Dahlia

  • Plant late May or June. The larger plants will need staking.
  • When plants are 12-18″ high nip out the growing point to encourage side shoots which become flowering stems.
  • Mulch the plants and water generously. Fortnightly foliar feed is recommended.
  • Lift tubers in winter and store frost free. Large tubers can be divided before replanting.
  • For more on Dahlias read easy and easier dahlias even though the even-easier dahlias are grown from seed.
  • Thompson & Morgan supply plants and seeds.

Conditioning and Arranging Dahlias

  • Dahlias like a little sugar in the water.
  • An asprin or drop of bleach in the water will control algae growth. Change water every other day.
  • Put the ends of the stems in a little boiling water, then give them a long, deep drink.
  • The bright colours mean they can be used as a focal point in a mixed display
  • Dahlias are free flowering and provide a good supply so we prefer large bunches.
  • Pink Dahlias seem to blend well with purple, red and other pink flowers

Dahlia

Varieties of Dahlia

  • Some Dahlia are better cut flowers than others. Single flowers often do better than doubles.
  • Older varieties to consider include Angora cactus type, Lilac Time, Gold Crown and Chorus Girl
  • Red varieties Doris Day and Cherry Ripe or white Polar Bear are said to be good doers.
  • I have seen Trentonian, old gold and copper; Waverlet Pearl, apricot; Isabel McElney, salmon pink and Fancy Free, pale copper also recommended.

Turn your arrangements into botanical works of art – here are some examples and clubs you could join.

To grow a generic mix of flowers for arrangements and bouquets check out Thompson & Morgan

Alstroemeria Flower Arranging Gardeners Tips

Alstroemeria Flower Arranging Gardeners Tips

Alstromeria

Ligtu hybrids are the plant of choice to grow for flower arrangers. Once established these perennials clump up to give a profusion of multi-headed flowers. The colour range (see photogenic flowers) is impressive ranging from cream, red, orange shades of pink and mottled colouring.
Growing on tall stems up to 3 feet long Alstromeria make lasting and colourful cut flowers.

Alstroemeria

Starting and Cultivating Alstroemeria

  • Always buy pot grown plants and take care of the roots when planting. They have both thick juicy roots and hairy feeder roots that are quite delicate.
  • March or April are good months to plant in a sheltered spot.
  • Pick sparingly in the first couple of years to allow plants to build up.
  • You can support with pea sticks but I find my varieties stay erect and firm.
  • Cut or pull out stems that have finished flowering.
  • For more quick growing tips read link.
  • Thompson & Morgan supply plants and seeds. Seeds need patience and some skill.

Conditioning and Arranging Alstroemeria

  • A long drink in deep water after picking is all that is really needed.
  • Seedheads can be attractive. Dry them upside down then they can be used in full length arrangements or as individual florets cut off for smaller displays.
  • The bright colours mean they can be used as a focal point in a mixed display
  • Alstroemeria look good in a vase of there own with a little green foliage
  • Alstroemeria can be left long stemmed or cut short for different sized displays.

If you do not have green fingers then you can buy Alstroemeria from florists. They may have been grown in Columbia or Peru (they are called Peruvian lilies after all) but they should still last several weeks. Turn your arrangements into botanical works of art – here are some examples and clubs you could join.

To grow a generic mix of flowers for arrangements and bouquets check out Thompson & Morgan

Olympic Torch Floral Arrangement

Olympic Torch Floral Arrangement

Olympic Torch

I have been asked for ideas to create a floral arrangement that fits the description Olympic Torch.
I am not even a gold medal winning gardener, although I do aspire. Nor am I much of a flower arranger!

The spirit of this site is to encourage others to go above and beyond our horizons so I will give it a go with these tips!

Protea family
Protea

Design Criteria

  • The winter Olympics flame pictured above would be hard to replicate in a floral tribute so I am banking on the summer Olympics as being the reason for the display.
  • Flowers, foliage, greenery, wood and organic matter seem appropriate materials. The Olympics is inclusive of country, sport and to an extent ability.
  • Size may be important but I will settle for making a statement in a home setting.
  • Metaphors like a Burning Bush or Torch Lily are to be avoided.
  • Warm colours should be in vogue despite the crystal blue above.

Baby Myrtle
Baby Myrtle Bottle Brush

Plant Recommendations

  • Spikes and sword shapes will for the basis of a long thin arrangement.
  • Red Hot Pokers are available in a range of colours including the yellow above and the traditional red and yellow two tone.
  • Representing each continent may be a theme worth pursuing and Bottle Brush from Australasia, Proteas from Africa, Alstromeria from South America, a yellow rose from Texas may be too metaphorical, a white Delphinium spikes from Europe and Pieris japonica from Asia for texture and fire red leaves.

Pieris japonica
Pieris japonica leaves.
As n alternative to red-green leaves you could opt for smokey grey such as Eucalyptus (but they are full of flammable oils and you may end up with a real torch!)
Knipfolia Lemon
Kniphofia Bees Lemon

See other Kniphofia Photos

White Delphinium
White Delphinium
Growing Delphiniums
Just Joey
Just Joey Orange Yellow Rose

Olympic Torch Relay

See Olympic flowers and plants

Olympic torch relay by Teligence, on Flickr and Winter Olympic Torch by Michael D W under creative commons license.

Florists for Gardeners

Florists for Gardeners

Florist

Florists are Great

  • Florists have knowledge and skill when it comes to conditioning cut flowers to prolong shelf and display life.
  • They have methods of keeping displays watered and fresh including the bag of water or the buttonhole test-tube.
  • Out of season flowers can be imported by floristry suppliers and we can even get southern hemisphere plants in our winter.
  • Good florists display bunches and bouquets of flowers and foliage to artistic advantage.
  • A wide range of floral material is part of a florists stock, when a garden may only have a few species ripe for picking.
  • Florists produce the wreaths and family occasion flowers when gardeners are too busy or otherwise occupied.

Gardeners and Florists Together

  • Gardeners are best if QBE (qualified by experience). Florists can opt to train at a college, either full or part time or on the job.
  • Florists want long flower stems and long life of 3 weeks in shop/vase. Gardeners want insect and disease resistance, variety of colors, and fragrances plus a pleasing growth habit.
  • One good plant probably equates to the cost of a good bunch of flowers. I know which I prefer.
  • Florists are unlikely to be a retail outlet for the produce from a garden. You would need to have a specialism and be able to supply over a long period not just when your crop gluts.
  • I am less happy about the florists trend to supply potted plants but that is one area where the allotment gardener could form a trading relationship with the local florist.

Floristry Qualifications

Tips for Selling to Florists

“Consistency is important. Some growers have been disorganized. They want the money up front. This can be a problem in dealing with larger businesses that prefer to send checks once or twice a month.

Bunch properly (check wholesale guidelines). Usually bunches are 10 stems. Bunches should be of consistent quality. Growers who come in with a bucket full of stems in different lengths and quality won’t make a good impression.

Don’t just show up. A lot of local people wait too long to contact the florist. “Someone will just show up with a trunk full of pussy willows, and I’ve already ordered them. Don’t just show up. Call and ask if we’re interested. Have a sample.” And let them know when a product is close to harvest.” source Rodale Institute

Turn your floristry purchases into botanical works of art – here are some examples and clubs you could join.

See flowers as a business

Flowers as a Business

Flowers as a Business

Professional Floristry Techniques from Malcolm Ashwell & Sally Pearson
Book Cover

Opening a florists shop or just selling your excess produce at the garden gate? What ever you chose to do these two books will give you some good ideas and more importantly the confidence to give it a go!

Start Your Own Florist Shop and Other Floral Businesses from Cheryl Kimball

Book Cover

If you are artistic you could start a botanical art company producing and selling your own work. Turn out botanical works of art that display your talents- here are some examples to consider.
This new venture could be for pin money selling at local shows and shops or you could develop a following on the internet.

Growing for Selling needs a good plan and better environmental conditions. Take lots of advice and take it to heart! Read Florists for Gardeners

Bromeliads and the Pineapple Family

Bromeliads and the Pineapple Family

Kew 092

Members of the Pineapple family Bromeliads grow in the tropical and sub-tropical forests of the Americas. There are also hot desert and cool mountain varieties amongst this large family.

What Are Bromeliads

  • All 3000 + varieties of Bromeliads are composed of a spiral arrangement of leaves sometimes called a rosette.
  • There are Terrestrial (soil grown plants) and Epiphytic species growing on other plants and trees.
  • They are slow and hard to bring into flower generally only flowering once. After flowering they produce offsets called ‘Pups’ from which new plants will grow.
  • The green, leafy top of a pineapple is a pup that may be removed and planted to start a new plant.
  • Flowers are generally central spikes held away from the plants or short with the flower nestled in the centre.

Bromeliad

Popular Groups of Bromeliads

  • Guzmania have long lasting red bracts and like humid conditions
  • Vreiesea are probably the most freely available plants with over-lapping bracts producing a sword shape.
  • Tillandsia and air plants are epiphytic Bromeliands.
  • Read More Read More