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Category: House & Greenhouse plants

Tips on growing indoor plants, conservator, windowsill and greenhouse cultivation

Flower Arranging – Phormium

Flower Arranging – Phormium

phormium
Encyclopaedia of Flower Arranging Techniques: A Comprehensive Visual Guide to Traditional And Contemporary Techniques by Marcia Hirst

Growing Phormium for Flower Arrangements

  • Phormium or New Zealand Flax is an evergreen, clump forming, hardy perennial.
  • The long strap shaped leaves contain fiber that makes a cord used for tying.
  • In winter it is wise to protect plants with a deep mulch of straw, bracken or dry leaves.
  • Phormium Cookianum can have 4 feet long leaves, Variegatum are green with creamy white margins.
  • Phormium Cookianum Triclour leaves are red, yellow and green.
  • Phormium tenax is the other popular hybrid with a variety of leaf colours including pink and bronze, orange-red, salmon, yellow and other shades.

Book Cover

Special Tips for Flower Arranging with Phormium

  • Cut a few leaves to include in your arrangement.
  • Modern or European style arrangements with limited amounts of flowers and foliage show the leaves off to best advantage.
  • Condition by plunging into a deep bucket of tepid water for 24 hours.
  • The leaves can be sprayed with leaf shine or smeared with a small amount of cooking oil to enhance the appearance.
  • Phormium have a long vase life of several weeks if the water is changed regularly.

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

Credits
Architectural Phormium
Low Allergy Garden Phormium
Architectural Phormium

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

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

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

Growing Vanda Orchids

Growing Vanda Orchids

vanda-paperbark

For growing Vanda orchids all you need is warmth and humidity although a foliar feed is often beneficial. Vandas are tropical orchids that live on trees with the aerial roots hanging free.

Simple Growing Method

  • Grow Vandas in a tall cylindrical vase with the roots trailing to the bottom. Wedge the shallow pot holding the crown in the top.
  • In summer fill the vase with tepid water and leave for 25 minutes then pour it all out.
  • Every fortnight add some Orchid food to the water.
  • Grow the Vanda at 60 degrees Fahrenheit or above
  • Vandas grown in baskets or high temperatures require watering more often.

Vanda Orchideen

What is a Vanda Orchid

  • Vandas flower in rich colors, including blue, purple, red, orange and yellow.
  • The flower spikes usually carry 8 to 10 blooms and last for several weeks.
  • These Dutch grow Vandas are displayed in a light window situation.
  • The distinctive strap like leaves form a stem as they develop and grow. The flower spike rises from the base of the leaves.
  • The shallow pot is their to add stability.

Vanda

What are Ascocendas

  • Ascocendas are a cross between Vandas and Ascocentrum
  • Most find their origin in Thailand, Myanmar, India, Java and the Philippines.
  • They are also evergreen epiphytes with an upright leaves.
  • They can bloom twice or three times a year with long lasting flowers.


    • Credits
    vanda-paperbark by maxful CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
    Vanda Orchideen by blumenbiene CC BY 2.0
    Vanda by NjuTIKA, 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.

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Kalanchoe a Colourful Succulent

Kalanchoe a Colourful Succulent

kalanchoe-blossfeldiana

A popular indoor succulent at this time of year the range of Kalanchoe plants available from florists and garden centres continues to grow. Often blooming from autumn through winter these clusters of red flowers are set off by thick dark green leaves. About 12 inches tall these plants are easy to grow if the temperature stays above 10°C

Watering Succulents

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana

Grow Colourful Gloxinia as Houseplants

Grow Colourful Gloxinia as Houseplants

Gloxinia are showy house and greenhouse plants in a range of bright colours. I have just purchased 3 tubers and hope for different colours. They will brighten up my range of houseplants flowering in about 10 weeks. Until they flower I won’t know so I borrowed this photograph from a specialist nursery.

Spotted Gloxinia

Tips on Growing Gloxinia

  • Tubers or corms may be found under the name Sinningia speciosa or Gloxinia and are part of the Gesneriaceae family that includes African Violets.
  • Plant shallowly in good compost with the buds facing upwards, this is usually the concave side like begonias.
  • Water the compost with warm water from the bottom to stop the tuber rotting and keep the atmosphere humid without getting the leaves or flowers wet or they will be stained with brown blotches.
  • Gloxinia like plenty of bright light without direct burning sun. If the furry leaves elongate it is a sign they need more light. Do not expose to direct mid-day sun as the leaves are liable to become scorched.
  • Gloxinia also like a temperature above 60º when in growth but will give flowers for 6-8 weeks in return for your trouble
  • Plastic pots are fine but I add some grit or perlite to help avoid water logging.
  • Feed with half strength liquide fertiliser
  • Use insecticide at the first hint of mealy bugs.

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Chirita a Houseplant with a Future

Chirita a Houseplant with a Future

Was I too early in recommending Chirita plants of the future a couple of years ago?

Primulina tamiana

If you have tried Cape Primroses, also called Streptocarpus, then you may also want to try the cousin Chirita. They have hairy leaves similar to African violets and flowers that are similar Streptocarpus.

Gesneriaceae species include: Cyrtandra, Didymocarpus, Streptocarpus, Alloplectus, Achimenes, Chirita, Henckelia, Gasteranthus, Sinningia, Kohleria. There is still no definitive text in English.

What is a Chirita

  • Chirita belong to the little know Gesneriad family but contains 150 Chirita species. Some are now being classified as Primulina tamiana
  • Chiritas can be acquired from the specialist www.dibleys.com They also produce an excellent compact A5 plant catalogue
  • Propagation is easy from leaf cuttings in an equal mixture of compost and vermiculite, pearlite or sharp sand.
  • Keep plants out of direct sunlight, a north facing windowsill or porch is ideal
  • Plants can stay in the same pot for several years if they are give a regular week feed.
  • Keep plants a bit on the dry side and treat like African violets
  • Chirita Akiro like several varieties has interesting leaves
  • For small neat pure white Chirita taminiana is well recommended
  • For larger flowers try C. Keiko shown below with up to 25 two inch flowers from

2012_90 Chirita sp.
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Coloured Leaves on Begonia Rex Houseplants

Coloured Leaves on Begonia Rex Houseplants

What makes you think I like Begonias?

red begonia rex

This Begonia Rex is grown for its strongly coloured foliage and the spikes of light blue/white flowers are inconsequential. They can be propagated by leaf cutting, rooting in water or perlite. As house plants begonias like high humidity. There are many interesting Hybrid Begonias with red leaves and they do look a bit different when massed in the garden or grown indoors as a house plant.

Begonia Rex varieties
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