King Protea

King Protea, or Protea cynaroides, has the largest bloom of all Protea species. The flower can grow a foot across and is convered in stiff pointed petals that give the head the appearance of a cup. The color variation in a King Protea is particularly interesting: at the base of the petals, the Protea is cream or yellow and the top of the petals are bright shades of red and pink, with a lovely scale in between. The thick leaves are stiff and long, but rounded like spoons. The plant grows as a shrub with thick stems and can reach about three feet tall.

Proteas grow from seeds or cuttings. As the national flower of South Africa, the Protea is used to warm climates. Protea should be planted in March in well-drained soil, then covered with a layer of sand. King Protea is striking as a centerpiece to a large bouquet. Because of its size, don?t expect a dainty flower arrangement here. Cut protea is very common in commercial markets.

 

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Peony

Peonies, flowers of the genus Paeonia, grow two to four feet tall. Available in nearly every color except blue, peonies come in two main species: an herbaceous cultivar which dies each autumn and a tree peony that forms small shrubs that lose their leaves in autumn. Most peonies that appear in gardens are herbaceous species. In fact, the most common species of peony in North America is Paeonia lactiflora.

Peonies can grow in many climates. They can withstand great heat and frosty climates alike. Peonies do prefer full sunlight and fertile, well-drained soil. These beauties grow up to be five feet tall but most commonly stay around three to four feet. When choosing a location in a yard or garden, care should be taken to select a space where the plant will be left to thrive for years to come, as Peonies do not like to be disturbed or divided.

In a floral arrangement, peonies excel. Their fragrant blooms can shape up any lifeless room and their multi-colored varieties can lend themselves to many floral themes. It is also important to note that cut Peonies have a long vase life.

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Daisy

Daisies, also known as asteraceae, are flowers that have white petals and yellow centers. The center is made up of many tiny florets and the petals surrounding it are significantly larger. It appears like each stem produces one flower, but because of the many florets, it is actually many flowers. The stems of a daisy generally grow no leaves.

As hardy perennials, daisies are grown very easily. They prefer partial sahhde but can endure full sun as well. Grown from seeds or seedlings, daisies should be planted nine to twelve inches apart and they need lots of water. One of the best parts about growing daisies is that insects are not attracted to them, so you never have to worry about pesky pesticides or anything like that.

Daisies are very popular in floral arrangements because of their lovely and simplistic beauty. Although they are not complicated like many flowers, their beauty is found in their simple, symmetrical blossoms.

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Bouvardia

Bouvardia, a genus of about 30 evergreens and shrubs native to Central America, have single or double flowers shaped like stars growing out of a thin neck. The pointed green leaves grow three to eleven centimeters long and the flower stands to 15 centimeters tall. Bouvardia can be white, yellow, pink or red.

Since Bouvardia is native to a tropical zone, they make better greenhouse plants in milder climates. If you choose to plant Bouvardia indoors, pot it in a five to six inch pot. The best time to pot Bouvardia is in March, because it blooms in fall and winter. Since these flowers grow in bushes as opposed to singular plants, they don?t work well in bouquets. But they are fabulous in a garden plot or bordering a section of the yard, if the climate is willing.

As houseplants, Bouvardia needs a lot of sunlight, but not full sun. These plants grow best in a 65 to 75 degree F home or hothouse.

 

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Aster

Aster is a genus of 600 species of plants native to North America. Aster flowers are an inch and half wide and bloom from August to October. The plant itself grows two to four feet tall. Aster blooms are similar to daisies, but have bright colors like purple, lavender, pink or red. These are popular garden plants but, because of their size, work well in pots.

Asters can be annuals or perennials, depending on the variety. These are easy to grow, but require full sunlight. Asters should be planted at least 18 inches apart from one another because, as they grow, they form little bushy clumps. If you are working with annual asters, do not plant them in the same spot of the garden every year, but rotate them.

Smaller varieties of aster, which can be planted as close as six inches apart, can make a lovely border for a garden area. Larger varieties should go further back into the garden, to create a backdrop.

When arranging Asters into a vase or bouquet, the sturdy stalks should be cut low. A small, round container with a bundle of Aster is splendid, but Asters can also showcase a larger flower that would rise from behind the bouquet.

 

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Amaryllis

 

Amaryllis, also known as the Belladonna Lily, is a bulbous plant that flowers from late December to late June. The blooms sprout from a leafless stem, up to 12 blooms per stem. Amaryllis has many color varieties, including red, white, pink and orange, in addition to varieties that are white with colored veins.

Each bloom itself is six to ten centimeters in diameter, while the plant grows up to 60 centimeters tall. The foliage consists of several long and thin leaves, two to three centimeters broad and 30 to 50 centimeters long.

Amaryllis bulbs should be planted between October and April. The ideal planting temperature is 68 to 70 degrees F. The bulbs themselves don't need much water, but after leaves and a bud appear, it's important to increase the water.

After seven to ten weeks, the bulbs will flower. Once a blossom begins to fade, it's important to remove it, prolonging the flowering season and keeping the plant healthy. If the climate is warm enough for the Amaryllis to grow outside (60 to 75 degrees F at the least), these tall flowers should be planted in a sunny spot where they don't overshadow smaller plants. Inside, plant in a sunny window with a sandy-loam soil mix. In a pinch, Amaryllis will grow in any good, well-drained soil.

In a bouquet, it's important to remember the height of the blooms. These flowers are very versatile because there are so many variations. Paired with daintier bundles of blooms will make for a stunning piece.

 

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