All About Flowers

Vote for Mikael in the HappyMumDays.com Baby Competition

2011-01-26T16:29:00.000-08:00

Vote for Mikael in the HappyMumDays.com Baby Competition

Support my baby mikael, thank you so much guyz.

Adorable Roses Videos

2011-01-11T00:18:00.000-08:00

Beautiful blooming roses for you.

Relax yourself by seeing this garden roses slideshow

See the roses in wilson garden, so lovely i can't resist to adore it.

Roses are in the hearts of a woman, love to see them all.

White Flower Photos

2010-03-30T02:25:00.000-07:00

The Language and Meaning of Flowers for Married Couples

2010-03-30T01:58:00.000-07:00

Throughout history, lovers have given flowers to each other as a token of their longing, devotion, and love. The language and meaning of flowers has evolved through the years.
When choosing a flower as a gift, consider how special the flower is to your lover and what message it communicates. Use our guide to the language and meaning of flowers to make sure your meaning is crystal clear.
"The flowers of Yorkshire are like the women of Yorkshire. Every stage of their growth has its own beauty, but the last phase is always the most glorious. Then very quickly they all go to seed." - From John Clarke's (John Alderton) ungiven speech in the movie, "Calendar Girls."

ACACIA: Concealed love, chaste love.
AGAPANTHUS: Love letters, love.
ALIUM: Strength.
ALMOND, FLOWERING: Hope.
ALLSPICE: Compassion.
ALSTROMERIA: Wealth, prosperity, fortune.
ALYSSUM: Worth beyond beauty.
AMARYLLIS: Pride, beauty.
AMBROSIA: Love is reciprocated.
AMERICAN ELM: Patriotism.
ANEMONE: Forsaken, expectation.
ANTHURIUM: Lover.
APPLE BLOSSOMS: Good fortune.
ARBUTUS: Thee only do I love.
ASH TREE: Grandeur.
ASPARAGUS FERN: Fascination.
ASTER: Variety, elegance, daintiness. This purple wildflower was once burned by the ancients because they believed the resulting smoke would drive away evil. It was named for the Latin word for "star." Also known as the birthflower for September.
ASTILBE: I'll still be waiting.
AZALEA: Love, romance, first love, fragile passion, temperance. It is also the Chinese symbol of womanhood.
BABY'S BREATH: Innocence.
BACHELOR'S BUTTON: Single blessedness, felicity, celibacy.
BALSAM: Ardent love.
BAMBOO: Strength, loyalty, steadfastness.
BASIL: Best wishes.
BAY WREATH: Merit reward.
BEECH TREE: Prosperity.
BEGONIA: Be cordial, fanciful nature, beware.
BELLS OF IRELAND: Good luck, gratitude, whimsy.
BIRCH: Meekness.
BIRD OF PARADISE: Magnificence.
BITTERSWEET: Truth.
BLACK POPLAR: Courage.
BLUEBELL: Humility, constancy, grief.
BLUEBERRY: Prayer.
BOUVARDIA: Enthusiasm.
BROOM: Humility, neatness.
BUGLE: Lovable, cheers the heart.
BUTTERCUP: Childishness, riches, ingratitude.
BUTTERFLY WEED: Let me go.
CACTUS: Endurance, warmth.
CALENDULA: Grace, grief, jealousy. Also the birthflower for October.
CALLA LILY: Magnificent beauty. Associated with the sixth wedding anniversary.
CAMELLIA: Gratitude, loveliness.
CAMELLIA, PINK: Longing for you.
CAMELLIA, RED: You're a flame in my heart.
CAMELLIA, WHITE: You're adorable.
CARNATION: Fascination, distinction, divine love, woman, yes. Also the birthflower for January.
CARNATION, PINK: A woman's love, I'll never forget you, mother's love.
CARNATION, PURPLE: Capriciousness.
CARNATION, RED: Alas for my poor heart, admiration, my heart aches for you, friendship, pride, fascination.
CARNATION, STRIPED: Refusal, No, sorry I can't be with you.
CARNATION, WHITE: Innocence, faithfulness, sweet and lovely, pure love, ardent love, good luck. These lovely flowers have lasting qualities, and are often handed out on Mother's Day to symbolize the purity and strength of motherhood. They were handed out at the first Mother's Day service in 1908.
CARNATION, YELLOW: Disdain, rejection, you have disappointed me.
CATTAIL: Peace, prosperity.
CEDAR: Strength.
CHESTNUT TREE: Justice, luxury.
CHRISTMAS/LENTEN ROSE (HELLEBORE): Beautiful year ahead.
CHRYSANTHEMUM: Cheerfulness, optimism, rest, truth, long life, joy. Considered to be a noble flower in Asian culture, mums are used as an object of meditation per a suggestion by Confucius. Also the birthflower for November.
CHRYSANTHEMUM, RED: I love.
CHRYSANTHEMUM, WHITE: Truth, loyal love.
CHRYSANTHEMUM, YELLOW: Slighted love.
CLEMATIS: Clever, intellectual. Associated with the eighth wedding anniversary.
CLOVER, FOUR-LEAF: Good luck, be mine. Faith, hope, love, and luck are represented by the four leaves. If you give your lover a four-leaf clover that you found, you belong to each other.
CLOVES: Dignity.
COLUMBINE: Salvation, strength, wisdom.
COREOPSIS: Cheerful.
CORN: Riches.
CORNFLOWER: Delicacy.
COSMOS: Modesty. Associated with the 2nd wedding anniversary.
COWSLIP: Grace, beauty.
CRANBERRY: Heartache cure.
CROCUS: Cheerfulness, gladness, abuse not.
CYCLAMEN: Resignation, good-bye.
CYPRESS: Mourning, death.
DAFFODIL: Regard, rebirth, new beginnings, unrequited love, you're the only one, chivalry, eternal life. Associated with the tenth wedding anniversary. Also the birthflower for March.
DAFFODIL, SINGLE: Misfortune.
DAFFODIL, SEVERAL: Joy, happiness.
DAHLIA: Instability, dignity, forever, good taste. Associated with the fourteenth wedding anniversary.
DAISY: Innocence, loyal love, I'll never tell, purity, love that conquers all. Associated with the fifth wedding anniversary.
DANDELION: Faithfulness, happiness, love's oracle.
DAY LILY: Coquetry, Chinese emblem for mother. Associated with the twentieth wedding anniversary.
DELPHINIUM: Big-hearted, fun.
DOGWOOD: Durability.
ELDER: Zealousness.
ELDERBERRY: Zeal, kindness.
ELM: Dignity.
EREMURUS: Endurance.
EUPHORBIA: Persistence.
FENNEL: Strength, praise.
FERN: Sincerity, magic, fascination, confidence, shelter.
FEVERFEW: Good health.
FILBERT: Reconciliation.
FIR: Time.
FLAX: Domestic symbol, fate, kindness.
FLEUR-DE-LIS: Flame.
FLYTRAP: Deceit.
FORGET-ME-NOT: True love, hope, remembrance, memories.
FORSYTHIA: Anticipation.
FOXGLOVE: Insincerity.
FREESIA: Innocence, thoughtfulness.
FUSCHIA: Taste. Associated with the third wedding anniversary.

Visit for more meanings of flowers:

http://marriage.about.com/od/flowers/a/flowermean.htm

White Flowers Meaning

2010-03-30T01:34:00.000-07:00

What White Flowers Meaning Represents?

White flowers meaning vary somewhat depending on the type of flower they are associated with and the region. Most of the time though white flowers symbolize purity and innocence. They are often associated with religious ceremonies including weddings, communions, and baptisms. White flowers have a rich significance in history as a symbol of unity and strength.

In some cultures white flowers meaning is quite different - it is a symbol of sadness. Many people use white flowers to signify they miss someone. With so many military people on deployment right now a single white flower recognizes the fact that a valued member of the family is not there to share the daily activities taking place.
Flowers are a common why to apologize for being a bad date, bad spouse, or even a bad friend. Sending white flowers represents you are willing to do anything to reach out to that person. It is a sign that you surrender and want to start working on repairing the damage that you have caused the relationship. It is also an indicator that you take responsibility for being the cause of the circumstances.

Sometimes white flowers are simply used because they match well with anything that is taking place. If you are hosting a large event and need to make floral centerpieces you have to order the flowers early. Yet if the décor for the event has not been determined you can just go with white. It is universally acceptable and regardless of the color of the table clothes or the style of the decorations they will blend in nicely.
White flowers can mean elegance as well for a given situation. They are timeless and pure so they can turn a casual event into something more classy without having to spend a great deal of time or money to accomplish the look. If you aren't sure of the right type or color of flower to send to someone choose a simply white - you can't go wrong with the many great sentiments they hold.
White flowers mixed with another color can instantly change the meaning behind them. For example a combination of white and red flowers means your love for that person will never die. This is a common combination when flowers are being sent as an apology or to celebrate a wedding anniversary. They often symbolize the purity of a relationship or the fact that you want it to be like that again.

It is important that white flowers are of the best quality no matter what style or choice of flower you want to send. White flowers that aren't good quality can quickly appear to be dingy and that won't send the message you so desperately want to convey to the other party.
Almost any kind of flower you can imagine is available in the color of white. Knowing what they white flowers meaning is can help you express your true feelings that are appropriate for the given situation or to shed some light on the situation for the other party. White flowers are beautiful, delicate, and provide you with many opportunities to steer your relationships in the right direction.

Sample white flowers:

Flowers of Common Pear

These white flowers are Common Pear Flowers. They appear beautiful contrast with new spring leaves. Common Pear grows rapidly and reach about 15m (50 feet) height. Common Pear is also known as European Pear.

Flowers of Cavatine Pieris

Cavatine Pieris is cultivated from Japanese Pieris. Like as Japanese Pieris, this plant is evergreen shrub and has cute white flowers in spring (a little bit late from Japanese Pieris). Cavatine Pieris is dense growing habit and beautiful dark green foliage so this plant is good yard plant. Also Cavatine Pieris is cold weather and deer tolerance plant.

White Flowers of Woodyfruit Melliodendron

Woodyfruit Melliodendron is native to China. This plant is deciduous shrub and grows 10.5m (35 feet) height and 9m (30 feet) width. So this plant nothing attractive in winter season but when spring come this shrub attract eyes of many people. The flowers of this plant start blooming

White Flowers of Japanes Pieres

These cute white flowers are Japanese Pieris ones. This evergreen shrub is often called as Lily of the Valley Shrub because, as you can easily understand from the picture, the flowers of this plant are very alike to the ones of Lily of the Valley. The flowers are fragrant and bloom in early spring. And this plant has evergreen beautiful foliage so this shrub is loved as yard plant even though Japanese Pieris is toxic plant.

White Flowers of Japanese Apricot

These white flowers are Japanese Apricot. You can see pink version of these flowers on the old post. The flowers of Japanese Apricot have good fragrance especially white flowers are (I found when I took this picture; White ones have stronger fragrance than pink ones).

Flowers of Snow Drop

Snow Drop is one of few flowering plants in winter. It has cute white flowers as you can see on the picture. Snow drop grows from its bulb each winter and it is very easy to take care of it. So this is very good plant for your garden.

Flower Care Tips

2010-03-30T01:29:00.000-07:00

Most floral arrangements last 4-7 days or longer, depending on the flowers used and the care they receive. The Society of American Florists provides these tips for longer-lasting, more vibrant flowers:

For floral arrangements

• Keep the vase filled (or floral foam soaked) with water containing a flower food provided by your florist. Flower foods make flowers last longer but it is important to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet. Most packets are to be mixed with either a pint or a quart of water. Flower foods should not be diluted with more water than is specified on the packet.
• If the flower food solution becomes cloudy, replace it entirely with properly mixed flower food solution. If possible, re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Be sure to use a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems. Immediately place the stems into solution.
• Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of televisions or radiators. (Appliances like televisions give off heat, which causes flowers to dehydrate.) Most flowers will last longer under cool conditions.
For loose bunches or boxed flowers
• Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them in a flower food solution. Don't forget how important it is to follow the mixing directions on the flower food packet.
• Fill a clean (washed with a detergent or antibacterial cleaning solution), deep vase with water and add a flower food from your florist.
• Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial microbial growth that may limit water uptake by the flower.
• Re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife. Place the flowers in the vase solution you've prepared.
Selecting Flowers
• When selecting flowers, look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age.
• When using woody stems and branches (such as quince, forsythia or lilac), cut the stem with sharp pruning shears. Place them in warm water containing fresh flower food to promote flower opening.

Types of Flowers

2010-03-29T23:47:00.000-07:00

Most flower types in nature are very beautiful, but the popularity of flowers mostly depends according to the nature of beholder. Most of the flower types are generally popular primarily due to their unique looks & fragrance, beauty or both; while few enjoy love of people of geographical region. Roses are the most popular flower type in all followed by some other flowers such as Chrysanthemums, Tulips, Lilies, Carnations, Poinsettias, Gerberas, & Narcissus etc.
Some of the flower types may not be very popular as other ones above mentioned, around the globe, but they could be the most popular in their respective geographical areas. Popularity graph of a flower type depends on their unique characteristics peculiar to that region. For all flower lovers and admirers of flowers here are some background information about different flower types:

• Aster Flower Type

There are over 600 species of asters, the most popular being the Monte Casino. Ancient societies believed that the odorof its leaves, when burnt, drove away serpents. While this might not be as applicable today, perhaps its connotation is still relevant: Giving asters means, "I am not sure whether you have been faithful to me". Be careful who you send asters to!

Meaning of the Aster Flower : charming, patience

Aster Flower

Celebrate September birthdays with asters, the "herb of Venus." Named for the stars because of the shape of its blossoms, the aster symbolizes elegance and refinement. It is also considered a love charm and was thought to have mystical powers that could ward of evil serpents. It is said they came to be when the Greek goddess Asterea cried from the lack of stars on earth. Where her tears fell, asters grew.

Cuttings from these plants were laid on the graves of French soldiers to symbolize the longing for a revised ending to their battle. This flower's unique beauty continues to perpetuate present-day folklore and have even been used medicinally. These ancient wildflowers are closely related to mums, marigolds, daisies, and even artichokes. They are considered native plants in many parts of the U.S., but the China aster is the most common variety used by florists.

Asters have previously gone by other names, such as "Michaelmas Daisy" and "starwort." Commonly sporting purple or blue blossoms, these flowers are popular in garden borders and floral arrangements. There are both annual and perennial varieties. Often seen around a cornucopia announcing a plentiful harvest, these are fall-blooming plants of half a foot to three feet in height. Like most stars, asters enjoy the spotlight, so grow them in a sunny location in just about any hardiness zone. Soil should be kept moist, especially in warmer weather.

• Carnations Flower Type

Carnations are flowering plants native to the Near East and have been cultivated for last 2,000 years. Its original color was pink but later grew to include red, yellow white, purple and green. Carnations, the national flowers of Spain, date back to ancient Greek and Roman times and were used in art and décor. Is scientific name "dianthus" translates to "flower of love" or "flower of the gods". Some people believe "carnation" comes from "coronation" used in Greek ceremonial crowns. Carnations are the birth flowers for those born in January. Their ruffled appearance, clove-like scent, and extended blooming period captivate people, and in some countries, carnations are more popular than roses.

CARNATION FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS

Carnation flower arrangements are a popular flower gift for almost any occasion. The versatile carnations, comes in a variety of colors and is basically a hardy flower making it a perfect choice for flower arrangements. Please follow the carnation flower arrangement care instructions to maximize the vase life of your flowers. Flower Arrangements need extra hydration as when the carnations flowers are in foam, they get less water than in a vase. So it is IMPERITIVE that you keep the foam moist at all times.

* Carnations – The National Flower of Spain and the birth flower of those born in January, Carnations are among the most popular flowers world wide. The pink carnation is hailed as the symbol of mother's love and the emblem of Mother's Day. Carnations are hardy flowers that can last between 7-14 days if properly cared for.

* Estimated Vase Life – 7 – 14 days

* Meaning - (pink) symbol of mother's love, (yellow) disdain, (purple) antipathy, (white) ipure and ardent love, (red) "Alas my poor heart."

* Care Tip – When re-cutting the stems, cut just above one of the nodes that run up the flower's stalk. This will allow the stem to draw water more easily.

* Arranging Tip – Carnations can be manipulated to take on an elegant look by massing them together in a tight bunch, or adding them to simple greenery.

* IMPORTANT TIP – Carnations are very sensitive to ethylene gas, a naturally produced gas, released by fruits, vegetables and decaying floral material. Keep carnations away from ethylene producing substances.

Carnation Flower – January Birth Flower

Just as there is a birth stone associated with each month so is true of birth flowers. Carnations are the birth flower for the month of January. Carnation originated in the Near East at least 200 years ago, and was originally only found in a light pink color. There has been debate as to the origin of the word carnation, some saying it came from the Latin word "carnis" which means flesh and referring to the original color of the flower while others believe that it comes from the word "incarnation" referring to the incarnation of God made flesh. Still others believe that "carnation" was derived from the word "coronation" and that it was used in early Greek ceremonial crowns. Carnations symbolize different meanings depending on the color of the carnations. Red carnations signify admiration or a deep sense of love. White carnations symbolize both pure love and luck, while Striped Carnations symbolize regret. Purple Carnations are said to indicate capriciousness while the ever popular Pink Carnations are said to be a symbol of a mother's undying love, going back to biblical times when Carnations sprang up out of the ground where the Virgin Mary's tears fell as Jesus was carrying the cross.

• Calla Lily Flower Type

The Calla Lily which is originally from the continent of Africa, is rich with history, and has been treasured as a flower of celebration since the ancient roman times. The Calla Lily is unparalleled in its sophistication, simple beauty and innate grace. The Calla Lily, first cherished as a celebration of light, then a funeral flower, in today's world the Calla Lily has become one of the most desired flowers brides use to celebrate their wedding day. Calla lilies make an elegant addition to any home, and are symbolic of purity and beauty. As a cut flower, Calla Lilies last a long time making the Calla Lily's bloom is a show-stopper with its wide range of colors make it a special flower to enjoy. The Calla Lily is a thing of timeless beauty that excels in celebration of weddings, sympathy or just to celebrate the joy of living.

Buying a Calla Lilies Bouquet (Tips for choosing and caring for Calla lilies)

Calla lilies are exquisite flowers with long trumpet-shaped blossoms and thick fibrous stems. Fresh Calla lilies are mostly open but with the outer petal still reaching upward. The middle of the flower is clean with no signs of pollination. The calla lilies show good color with no bruising. Older Calla lilies have the outer petal curving downward with the middle of the flower exposed, with the middle showing signs of pollen. The calla lilies may also have bruising or discoloration, especially on the outer edges of the petal. Calla lilies have thick, fibrous stems that act much like a sponge. The stems absorb and hold water. This is why calla lilies have such a long vase life and are such a low maintenance flower. Be sure to cut the calla lilies stems every few days to allow fresh water to penetrate the blossom. Calla lilies stems sometimes turn to mush because the stems hold water and the ends become clogged. Calla lilies need a constant water flow to remain fresh.

• Daisy Flower Type

A Daisy flower has an "eye" just as its English name of day's eye suggests and primitive medical men thought it cured eye troubles. Daisies symbolize innocence and friendship. A Daisy, composed of white petals and yellow centers, can also be a pink or rose color and looks like a single flower, but has two types of flowers, disk florets in the center, and ray florets at the periphery. Gerberas, the most popular daisy variety, have large flowering heads and come in a vibrant rainbow of colors. Daisies are sweet way to show you care.

Gerberas – Discovered in 1884 near Barberton, South Africa, by Scotsman Robert Jameson, the Gerbera is the 5th most popular flower, and the most popular daisy variety. Simple yet sophisticated, the vibrant colored Gerberas are the birth flowers for the star sign Leo (July). A beautiful compliment in any flower bouquet, we ship each individual floret with a protective net and a clear tube to support the stem, to ensure that the flowers arrive and flourish to their maximum beauty and expected vase life.

Gerbera Daisy Bouquet Estimated Vase Life – 4 – 7 days

Meaning – (orange) You are the sunshine of my life, (red) Unconscious in love, (white) Innocence; Truth (yellow) I'll try harder to win your love

Gerbera Daisy Care Tip – Gently remove the protective cup from each blossom; the petals will gradually unfold to their full state. Fill your vessel with approximately 5 to 6 inches of water depending on its height. The fuzzy stems of these flowers decompose quickly in deep water. Gerbera stems are highly susceptible to bacteria blockage which may cause their heads to droop over. Therefore it is very important to use clean water and replenish their supply of flower food every 1-2 days. Bending is a natural attribute of this flower.

Gerbera Daisy Bouquet Arranging Tip – Gerberas may be prone to bent neck, which can be avoided by inserting floral wire in the stem to lend additional support to the large floret.

IMPORTANT TIP for Gerbera Daisies- To make sure gerbera stems remain straight, support the flower heads when conditioning in water. This can be done by placing a piece of chicken wire over a deep bucket, so that the heads are supported and the stems hang free into the water. Let the flowers hydrate this way for several hours
Daisy History and Symbolism

According to an old Celtic legend, the spirits of children who died in childbirth scattered daisies on the earth to cheer their sorrowing parents. Beautiful gold hairpins, each ending in a daisy-like ornament were found when the Minoan palace on the Island of Crete was excavated. They are believed to be more than 4000 years old. Egyptian ceramics are also decorated with daisies. This flower’s English name was day's eye, referring to the way this flower opens and closes with the sun. And primitive medical men drew the obvious conclusion that it was plainly intended to cure eye troubles. Assyrians crushed daisies and mixed them with oil to turn gray hair dark again.

Marguerite, the French word for daisy, is derived from a Greek word meaning "pearl". Francis I called his sister Marguerite of Marguerites and the lady used the daisy as her device, so did Margaret of Anjou the wife of Henry IV and Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII. There is an old English saying that spring has not come until you can set your foot on twelve daises. King Henry VIII ate dishes of daisies to relieve himself from his stomach-ulcer pain. And a common remedy for insanity was to drink crushed daisies steeped in wine, in small doses for 15 days.

• Iris Flower Type

Iris, which in Greek means rainbow gets its name from the Greek Goddess Iris, the goddess of the rainbow, who was a messenger on Mount Olympus. The Goddess Iris would carry messages from the "eye of heaven" to the earth by the arc of the rainbow. So the Iris also symbolizes the "eye of heaven." Which means that every time we carry an iris flower we carry a piece of heaven with us. The iris is the symbol of Idea and Message. The three leaves of the Iris flower are said to represent faith, wisdom, and valor. The Iris flower has three petals often called the "standards" and three outer petal-like sepals called the "falls". The Iris has been a symbol of royalty and divine protection for centuries throughout the world.

Iris – Iris, or “rainbow” in Greek gets its name from the Greek Goddess Iris, the goddess of the rainbow. Hailed as the symbol of royalty and divine protection for centuries throughout the world, the three leaves of the Iris are said to represent faith, wisdom, and valor. We ship these sensitive flowers in tight bud form, which will open to full bloom in 1-2 days.

Iris Bouquet Expected Vase Life – 3 - 7 days.

Iris Meaning - "I have a message for you".

Iris Bouquet Care Tip – Be careful to NOT bump the tips of the irises.

Iris Bouquet Arranging Tip – Allow for space in arranging irises to open fully. Irises can be manually opened by peeling the sheath backwards approximately halfway down the bud, this pops the flower head open.

IMPORTANT TIP for Iris Flower Bouquet - Iris may arrive in your vase arrangement as tight buds. But they will open quickly and mature to open form usually within one or two days. Their vase life is wonderful, although short lived. Keep water levels in the vase full and bacteria free to optimize vase life.

Iris Flower History and Symbolism: The Greek word "Iris" means "rainbow" The iris flower got its name from the Greek goddess Iris, the goddess of the rainbow, who was a messenger on Mount Olympus. Iris would take messages from "the eye of Heaven" to earth by the arc of the rainbow. The word iris also means "eye of heaven" It was the name given to the goddess, this flower, and the center of your eye. The iris flower is the symbol of Idea and Message. Greek men would often plant an iris on the graves of their beloved women as a tribute to the goddess Iris, whose duty was to take the souls of women to the Elysian fields.

The Roman Catholic Church ascribed the lily as the special emblem of the Virgin Mary. Due to its three petals, the fleur-de-lis has also been used to represent the Holy Trinity. The three leaves of the iris flower represent faith, wisdom, and valor. The iris has been a symbol of royalty and divine protection for centuries throughout the world. The Fleur-de-Lis, "a stylized Iris motif" has symbolized France since the 13th century. Traditionally, it has been used to represent French royalty and is said to signify perfection, light, and life. Iris is the National flower of France and has been used for the insignia and emblem of France.

• Lilies Flower Type

Throughout history, lilies have inspired storytellers, poets and artists, pictures of the lily flower can be found on Egyptian tombs, Cretan wall paintings and Assyrian carvings dating back to the 1580 BC. Lilies were also a popular flower in ancient Jewish civilization, and the lily flower is mentioned in both the old and new testament. In Christianity, lilies are the symbol of chastity and virtue. Greek brides wear a crown of lilies to symbolize purity and abundance. In Feng Shui lilies are symbolic of summer and abundance, while the Chinese consider lilies to mean “forever in love.” The intrinsic beauty and symbolic purity of lilies, makes the lily flower a perfect gift for any occasion.

* White Lily - Easter Lily

* Pink Lilies

* Orange Lilies

* Yellow Lilies

* Red Lilies

* Stargazer Lilies

* Oriental Lilies

* Asiatic Lilies

* Calla Lilies

* Peruvian Lilies

• Orchids Flower Type

Orchid flowers have always been admired for their elegant, exotic and refined appearance making them a sophisticated floral gift for any occasion. The intricate beauty of the orchids symbolize a wide variety of meanings. Historically orchids have symbolized wealth, love and beauty, while today orchids are treasured as symbols of rare and delicate beauty. To the early Greeks, the orchid represented virility, and the Chinese called it "the plant of the king's fragrance." During the Middle Ages, orchids were considered an aphrodisiac and were used in love potions.

Orchids Need Special Care

Orchids benefit from extra special care. Contrary to popular belief, orchids have a good vase life, as long as they are kept in water. When u buy orchids, the stems may come in water tube or wrapped in wet cotton wool. This should be removed, and the stems re-cut and placed in fresh water with flower food as soon as possible. Orchids should be kept away from heat, draughts, fans, air conditioning units and anything that may cause moisture loss. Frequent misting of the flowers with water is recommended. If they look limp, place them in water – flower head and all – for up to one hour. Orchids should also be kept away from fruit, vegetables and decaying flowers, as orchids are especially susceptible to ethylene gas.
Orchid Flower History, Symbolism and Origin

The orchid's name originates from the Greek orchis, meaning "testicle," and its history is one of lust, greed, and wealth. Some orchids are called "ladies' fingers," "ladies' tresses," or "long purples." Orchids were collected extensively during the 1800s; once, four thousand trees were cut down for the orchids growing on their branches.

There are nearly 25,000 varieties of orchids. Greek women thought they could control the sex of their unborn children with orchid roots. If the father ate large, new tubers, the child would be male; if the mother ate small tubers, the child would be female

The paphiopedilum orchid was named for Phaphos, a temple on Cyprus where the love goddess Aphrodite was worshipped. The most famous orchid, the vanilla orchid, was said to give strength to the Aztecs, who drank vanilla mixed with chocolate.

The orchid is a flower of magnificence that brings a universal message of love, beauty, wisdom, and thoughtfulness. In China it signifies refinement, and the innocence of children. A pink orchid conveys pure affection; the popular cattalya orchid denotes mature charm, and is often used in corsages for Mother's Day.

• Roses Flower Type

With their far-reaching popularity, roses are the queens of flowers. After buttercup, the roses are the second oldest variety of flowers on the planet. Biologists can trace roses back some 200 million years! Although there is a huge number of meanings and symbols associated with roses, the most common of course is love, which originated in Greek mythology. When Aphrodite cried about the death of her lover Adonis, she had red "Adonis Roses" grown with his blood, - thus red roses are the symbol of never-ending love. Important to mention are the roses' thorns, of which we all probably have some painful memory. Symbolically, love can be painful and full of suffering when not treated carefully.

* RED ROSES : I love you, unconscious beauty

* WHITE ROSES : Spiritual love, purity

* YELLOW ROSES : Joy, gladness

* ORANGE ROSES : Fascinated, enthusiastic

* PINK ROSES : Grace, gentility

* TEA ROSE : I'll Remember Always

* THORNLESS ROSE : Love at First Sight

* WHITE AND RED ROSES MIXED : Unity, Flower Emblem of England

* ROSEBUDS : Beauty and Youth, A Heart Innocent of Love

* RED ROSEBUDS : Pure and Lovely

* WHITE ROSEBUDS : Girlhood

* ROSE BOUQUET OF MATURE BLOOMS : Gratitude

* ROSE SINGLE FULL BLOOM: I Love You, I Still Love You

• Tulips Flower Type

Tulips are one of the most popular spring flowers of all time, and the third most popular flower world-wide next only to the Rose and Chrysanthemum. It is believed that the Middle East was responsible for the emergence of tulips over 1 thousand years ago. Tulips were the symbol for the Turkish Empire. It is said that tulips got their name due to the resemblance to the headgear worn by people in the Middle East, such as the Persians -- the turban, that was also written as "toliban". Changed into Latin, this became "tulipa," hence the name tulips. Tulips symbolize imagination, dreaminess, perfect lover, and a declaration of love.

Red Tulips

Red tulips are a declaration of love, and make a perfect flower gift for a loved one. Red tulips are a great Feng Shui flower to display in ones home. Red Tulips are said to increase the power of the tulip to bring fame into your life.
Pink Tulips

Tulips are very popular to an extent that during the 17th century, most of Europe, particularly Holland, was gripped in a craze for Tulips as a result of which many had to even sell off their fortunes, a time referred to as Tulipomania. With various sentiments and meaning that tulips convey, Pink Tulips are favorite for almost any occasion. The colour pink is symbolic of perfect happiness and confidence. Since tulips are large, showy, and usually solitary, flowers, a “tulip’ has come to mean ‘a showy person’.
Yellow Tulips

Tulips are one of the most popular spring flowers of all time, and the third most popular flower world-wide next only to the Rose and Chrysanthemum. The meaning of Yellow tulips has evolved from once representing hopeless love to now being a common expression for cheerful thoughts and sunshine. With all of the sentiments and meanings of tulips, it's not surprising that the popularity of tulips continues to endure.
Orange Tulips

Tulips are very popular to an extent that during the 17th century, most of Europe, particularly Holland, was gripped in a craze for Tulips as a result of which many had to even sell off their fortunes, a time referred to as Tulipomania. With various sentiments and meaning that tulips convey, Orange Tulips are favorite for almost any occasion. The colour orange is symbolic of warmth, happiness and fascination.
Mixed Tulips

Tulips are one of the most popular spring flowers of all time, and the third most popular flower world-wide next only to the Rose and Chrysanthemum. Holland is most known for these showy and colorful flowers. In the 17th century Tulips were used as currency. Holland loved the tulips, and tulips became a status of wealth and prestige. The tulip bulbs became so popular that “tulipomania” developed early in the 17th century between 1634 and 1637. Tulips symbolize imagination, dreaminess, perfect lover, and a declaration of love.

• Bells of Ireland Flower Type

Moluccella laevis (Bells-of-Ireland, Bells of Ireland, Molucca balmis, Shellflower, Shell flower) is a summer flowering annual, native to Turkey, Syria and the Caucasus. It is cultivated for its spikes of flowers.

The tiny white flowers are surrounded by apple green calyces which are persisent. The rounded leaves are pale green.

Fast growing, Molucella laevis will reach 1 metre and spread to 30 centimeters with an erect, branching habit.Botanicas, Annuals and Perennials, Random House, Sydney, 2005

A member of the mint family, the blooming stems can be cut and used in fresh or dried flower arrangements. The domestic plant is self seeding, prefers full sun and regular water and are unlikely to do well in hot, humid climates.

• Chrysanthemum Flower Type

There are some different meaning of Chrysanthemum flower, but You are a wonderful friend is the most common meaning of Chrysanthemum flower.

Chrysanthemums are one of the most popular flowers in the world, next only to the Rose.

Chrysanthemum was named by Carolus Linnaeus from two Greek prefixes, 'Chrys', which means golden (the color of the original flowers), and 'anthemon', meaning flower.

Chrysanthemum flowers bloom in various forms, and can be daisy-like, decorative, pompons or buttons. Chrysanthemum blooms come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes. Chrysanthemums come in wide range of colors. In addition to the traditional yellow, other popular colors are white, purple, and red. They are very poupular in floral bouquets and flower arrangements. Gift chrysanthemum flower arrangements to your beloved to tell them how much they mean to you.

Each Chrysanthemum flower head is actually a cluster of many flowers, composed of a central group of short disk flowers surrounded by rings of longer ray flowers. Chrysanthemums are classified into nine categories according to the type and arrangement of disk and ray flowers - Incurved, Reflexed, Intermediate, Late Flowering Anemones, Singles, Pompons, Sprays, Spiders/Spoons/Quills, Charms and Cascades. For example, the 'reflexed' Chrysanthemum consists of ray flowers that curve downward into an umbrella shape; the 'quill' has tubular ray flowers that radiate from the center of the head.

About Chrysanthemum:

* Chrysanthemums are tropical flowers. Chrysanthemums were originally grown in the Eurasian region.
* Chrysanthemums belong to the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, which is one of the largest families of flowering plants with over 1,000 genera and about 20,000 species.
* The Chrysanthemum was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks in AD 400. Japanese emperors so loved the Chrysanthemum flower that they sat upon Chrysanthemum thrones. Chrysanthemums, kikus in Japanese, were featured on the Imperial Crest of Japan.
* Even today, a number of Japanese cities hold spectacular annual chrysanthemum exhibitions.

Chrysanthemums are very much suitable for container gardening in patios. These chrysanthemum plants bear flowers in wide variety of colors.Gift a potted chrysanthemum plant to your beloved and let your relationship bloom like a chrysanthemum.

Chrysanthemum flavored tea is very popular and is used as a relaxant.Order Chrysanthemum flavored tea online and get rejuvenated.

• Daffodils Flower Type

DAFFODIL, a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, is a common flowering plant. Narcissus is the name of the genus that includes daffodils, narcissuses, and jonquils. Narcissus and daffodil are both correct common names for all species. Jonquils are daffodils with small, fragrant yellow flowers, several growing on a stem. All daffodils grow from bulbs. Most species have long, narrow leaves, either rushlike or flat. In early spring, yellow or white blossoms, with trumpets in the centers, appear. The color of the trumpet ranges from white, yellow, and orange to pink and brilliant red. Time of blossoming depends on the species, climate, soil, and depth of planting, but most species bloom in April or May.

The daffodil is native to Europe where in some regions it grows wild. It grows well in cultivated gardens, and can also be naturalized (grown like a wild flower) under trees. Several of the daffodils, especially the paper white narcissus, can be potted for indoor bloom. There are now more than 10,000 name varieties, and breeders continue to develop new ones. There are many kinds of daffodils. The best-known daffodil is also called the trumpet narcissus It has one blossom at the end of each stalk. The daffodil has a large flower and five or six bluish-green leaves about 15 inches (38 centimeters) long. Daffodil bulbs should be planted in autumn. They should be planted about 8 inches (20 centimeters) deep, and about 5 inches (13 centimeters) apart. Daffodil bulbs are poisonous if eaten.
Bulbs should be planted in late summer or early autumn, from two to six inches deep, about 2,5 times the diameter of the bulb. They need little fertilizing, but bone meal is sometimes added to the soil. After the blossoms die, the leaves should be left on the plant until dried. Bulbs should be divided and transplanted when clumps become crowded because crowding reduces bloom.

• Dahlia Flower Type

DAHLIA, a member of the Compositae family is a flowering plant. It is native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Dahlias were cultivated by the Aztecs, taken to Europe by the Spaniards, and soon spread throughout the world in widely different climates. There are 18 species and thousands of hybrid varieties.
Dahlias are many-branched plants grown from underground rubers. The stalks range in height from 10 inches (dwarf varieties) to 20 or 30 feet, but the usual height is from 1 to 8 feet. Flowers may be single or double. The petals are straight, rolled upward, and ruffled or flaring. Blossoms may be from 1 to 15 inches across. Colors range from white to nearly black and in all hues except blue. The petals often are flecked with another color. Blossoming time depends on climate, soil, and variety; it is usually from August until frost.

A sunny location and light soil are best for dahlias, but they can be grown in partial shade and in almost any soil that is not waterlogged. The tubers should be planted when the soil is warm, two or three feet apart (closer for dwarfs), and four inches deep. The plants need to be well watered, especially while blooming. It is helpful to fertilize before planting and again at the beginning of August. Stakes should be placed firmly in the ground before planting so that the stalks can be tied to the stakes when they are about two feet tall. After the tops are frozen in late fall, the tubers may be dug, cleaned, dried for a few days, and stored until spring. Dahlias may be grown from seeds, and dwarf dahlias can be grown indoors in winter.
Dahlias grow from tuberous, or thick, fleshy roots that look somewhat like bulbs. They should be planted in rich, well-drained soil, and in full sun after all danger of frost has passed. After the first frost, the roots should be dug up and stored for the winter in a cool, dry place. Storing the root clump with soil attached will stop shriveling. At planting time, the roots should be separated and planted about 6 inches (15 centimeters) deep. Dahlias flower in the late summer.

• Gladioli Flower Type

GLADIOLUS is any of several species of showy flowering herbs of the iris family (Iridaceae). It has broad flat leaves that resemble the blades of swords. The long, straight stalk and lily-like blossoms make the gladiolus one of the most handsome flowers grown for garden and house decoration. Native to South Africa, Asia, and Europe, the species of wild gladiolus have been hybridized and selected by plant breedersin Europe and the United States so that hundreds of different varieties are now known. Most of these cultivated gladiolus reach heights of from three to four feet. Their blossoms grow usually in a double row on one side of the stalk. They appear in white and shades of yellow, lavender, smoky gray, maroon, red purple, and in a range of red, rose, and pink hues.

Gladiolus are generally raised from bulbs, which should be planted about three to five inches apart and five inches deep in rows at least one foot apart, or in garden beds, as tulips are planted. Well-fertilized, sandy loam is most suitable. By making successive plantings of bulbs at intervals of two or three weeks, from late March to mid-June, one may have flowers continuously from July to frost.
New "bulbs" (really corms) are produced each year above the original bulbs, and small bulblets" (cormels) grow around them. The bulbs should be gathered in the fall after the first hard frost and stored in a cool room to be replanted the following spring. The bulblets may be replanted close together in shallow rows, like peas. In from one to three years, they will develop to flowering size. Most new varieties are raised from seeds. Seedlings bloom two to three years after the seeds are sown.

• Lilacs Flower Type

LILAC. A beautiful and fragrant shrub, the lilac is one of the most popular of garden plants. Its pyramidal clusters of blossoms are white, lavender, blue, violet, pink, or purple. There are both single and double varieties—all with glossy green leaves.
Lilacs are native to eastern Europe and Asia. The colonists brought them to America. They are often planted in groups to form masses of shrubbery or hedges. Some famous lilac gardens which display several hundred varieties are the Lemoine gardens at Nancy, France; the Arnold Arboretum at Jamaica Plains, Mass, the gardens in Highland Park, Rochester, N. Y.; and Lilacia Park in Lombard, Ill.
lilacs grow best in full sunlight, nonacid soil, and where there is good drainage. They need a winter freeze to provide a dormant, or rest, period. Single shrubs, given plenty of room, grow full and tall, reaching a height of 10 to 25 feet. For maximum bloom, however, they should be kept to a moderate height. Pruning back young growth to keep the interior open also helps flowering.

Lilacs belong to the olive family, Oleaceae. The name of the genus, Syringa ("little pipe"), was given it because lilac stems were once hollowed out and used as pipe stems. Syringa is also the common name for an unrelated shrub, the mock orange. The scientific name of the common lilac with purple flowers is Syringa vulgaris; of the Persian lilac, a smaller shrub with white flowers, Syringa persica.
LILAC (li'lac) is probably the best-known deciduous shrub in cultivation. The common lilac, with clusters of fragrant light purple (or white) flowers, has been grown in European gardens for hundreds of years. It was grown in England by 1597, and in North America by 1750.
Members of the ash family, most lilacs have many stems that branch just above the ground. The shrubs have stout green buds with scales. The smooth leaves are heart-shaped, and about three inches long.
There are more than 20 cultivated species of lilacs, many hybrids, and hundreds of varieties. Lilac shrubs grow from six to twenty feet tall. Their tiny four-lobed single or double flowers grow in dense clusters and usually are fragrant. They may be white, pink, lavender, dark purple, or deep red. The fruits are clusters of dry, woody pods.
Lilacs grow best in open sunny places, in fertile well-drained soil. They are hardy and long-lived, often growing without care for years. New plants can be started from seeds, suckers (shoots from the roots), cuttings, or layers (branches bent down into the soil). Fall is the best time to plant or move the shrubs.
Lilacs are grown in most parts of the United States and in many other countries. Most northern hemisphere lilacs blossom in May and early June.

• Snapdragons Flower Type

SNAPDRAGON, a favorite flower in gardens of Europe and North America. Millions are also grown in greenhouses for cut flowers. Most cultivated snapdragons belong to the species Antirrhinum majus, a native of the Mediterranean region. Antirrhinum means noselike and refers to the shape of the flower; majus means larger. More than 30 species have been found in Europe and North America. They belong to the Figwort family.

The showy, two lipped flowers are about 1,5 inches long. They blossom first at the bottom and then on up to the top of a tall stem. They range in color from white through various shades of pink, red, yellow, orange, and lavender. Some, called tetra (or tetraploid) snapdragons, are ruffled and quite large.
According to size, there are three varieties of snapdragons. The dwarf grows up to 9 inches tall, intermediate up to 20 inches, and tall up to 4 feet. The varieties grown in greenhouses usually belong to the tall group.
Snapdragons are easy to grow. In warm climates they are perennials, living year after year. In cooler sections garden snapdragons generally live only one year, blooming from July to frost. Where growing seasons are short, seeds are usually planted indoors six to eight weeks before being replanted outside.

See more on flower types:
http://www.flowers-cs.com/type_of_flowers.html
http://www.onlyflowers.org/tulip-flower-type.html

My flowers choice

2009-07-09T01:13:00.000-07:00

Bundles of Flowers

2009-07-09T00:15:00.000-07:00

Roses Photos

2009-07-08T02:00:00.000-07:00

LOVE IT OR NOT......!

Rose Flower Types and Meaning

2009-07-08T00:02:00.000-07:00

Rose Flowers Meaning

Of all the different types of flowers available roses are the most popular due to their beauty and the significant rose flower meaning. There are many different colors of roses to choose from and all of them hold their own type of meaning. If you want to convey a particular message with the roses you send make sure you choose the right color for the occasion.

One issue to be aware of with rose flowers meaning is that they can be different from one culture to another. Make sure you take this into consideration when you are choosing what to send. You don't want your message to be misinterpreted.
Red rose flowers meaning is the one most of us are the most familiar with - love. The thorns are left on the flowers to represent that they love the two people share is stronger than any thorns that may cause pain in their relationship along the way. There are several different colors of red to choose from if you want to be very precise as to the rose flowers meaning each of them hold. Red roses are also acceptable to send to express feelings of sympathy.
Orange roses are a symbol of deep desire and feelings that you want to express to someone. They make a very bold statement if you are willing to take such a risk and send them. In other cultures orange rose flowers meaning says that you are proud of the accomplishments that the individual has made. Since these two meanings are quite different from each other you want to make sure they will be interpreted correctly.

Depending on the culture you live in yellow rose flowers meaning is quite different. For some it is a symbol of jealousy so they work well when you are trying to apologize for being jealous over something. The majority of people view yellow roses as a symbol of friendship and a deep bond. Still yet other cultures find yellow roses to be appropriate to send to express sympathy.
White roses are a great choice if you want to express your deep feelings for someone close to you. They symbolize a platonic relationship rather than a romantic one. They are also a symbol of purity and innocence. White rose flowers meaning makes it a common type of flower used for wedding decorations and wedding bouquets.
Pink rose flowers meaning expresses that you are thinking of the person. They are considered to be very elegant and classy as well. Pink roses are very sweet smelling and they can be sent any time instead of waiting for a special occasion. Blue roses are quite rare but they have a very powerful message - anything is possible. Black roses can also be sent to signify the sadness over a relationship ending or to express sympathy.

Roses are beautiful to look at and can be used to convey a variety of sentiments to someone. Everyone enjoys receiving roses of any color because there is often a great deal of passion and caring expressed with them. Roses are among the most expensive types of flowers to send to someone but they are well worth the cost to show someone just how much you care.

Types:

Roses are divided into several groups based on their parentage and when they were developed.

Modern Roses: Modern roses are defined as all rose groups that were developed after 1867. This was the year that the first hybrid tea was introduced. The most popular groups of modern roses are the hybrid teas, floribundas, and grandifloras. These roses are known for strong repeat blooming ability and for spectacular flower color and form. Other rose groups that are included in modern roses include the polyanthas, modern climbing roses, miniature roses, hybrid musks and modern shrub roses.

Hybrid Teas: These are the most popular roses, with long pointed buds, elegantly shaped flowers and usually one large bloom on a long cutting stem. The blooms are produced all season long and last well when cut. The flowers are most beautiful when half to three-quarters open. Hybrid teas are available in every color imaginable except for blue and black. Hybrid tea plants often have sparse foliage and tall, leggy stems that can reach 6 to 8 feet in height. These roses are grown for the glory of their flowers. They are not attractive as landscape plants.

Floribundas: These roses rebloom well in a wide range of bright colors. Floribundas are usually shorter and bushier than hybrid teas. The flowers are smaller and held in clusters but produced in great quantity. They are rarely fragrant but are very good as landscape shrubs.

Grandifloras: These roses are vigorous, and produce large beautiful blooms and pointed buds like Hybrid Teas with the hardiness and flower clusters of the shrubbier floribundas. Grandifloras generally are tall, slender plants.

Polyantha Roses: Polyanthas are small, compact bushes ranging from one to three feet in height, bearing large dense clusters of small blossoms. Polyantha roses rebloom prolifically. They make excellent subjects for containers, mixed borders and patio plantings.

Miniature Roses: Miniatures range in height from 8 to 24 inches and have small buds, stems, foliage and flowers. They are ideal for landscape borders, ground covers and potted indoor plants or hanging baskets. Miniature roses are a way to have a variety of blooms in a small space. They are grown on their own roots, so the suckers that come up are the same named variety.

Hybrid Musk Roses: Hybrid musks are large (5 to 6 feet or taller) shrubs of graceful, arching habit. They have attractive, leathery foliage and bloom in clusters of many small to medium-sized flowers. Most are highly fragrant, with fruity scents that carry a good distance. They have disease resistance and will grow in filtered shade.

Modern Shrub Roses: These roses are vigorous and hardy. They are attractive not only for their bloom, but also as landscape shrubs, with beautiful foliage, form and often bright stems and hips. Shrub roses are generally easier to maintain than other modern roses, requiring much less pruning. Many have good disease and pest resistance.

English Roses: English roses are a group of roses introduced in 1969 by the English rose hybridizer David Austin. They have the full flower form and fragrance of old roses but bloom repeatedly and come in more colors. English roses are often classed as shrub roses and many are good landscape plants. They are often billed as disease resistant but this is generally not the case in the South.

Climbing Roses: Climbers are vigorous growers that send out long shoots or canes which can be trained over fences, arbors or trellises. They are grouped into several types, with much overlapping among types.

Ramblers: This type of climbing rose blooms only once in late spring or early summer, with many clusters of small roses. Ramblers are very hardy and rapid-growing, as much as 20 feet in a season.

Large-Flowered Climbers: These climbers are slower-growing, are often trained on posts or some other type of support and may require heavy annual pruning. Many are sports (mutations) of shorter modern roses. Climbing hybrid teas do not bloom as continuously as do their bush parents, but flowers and foliage usually are identical.

Old Roses: Old roses include all rose groups developed before the introduction of the first hybrid tea rose. These plants are grown for their historic interest, color, fragrance and ability to survive adverse conditions. Old roses are divided into groups descended from European roses and those descended at least in part from Chinese roses.

European Roses: European roses are almost all spring bloomers that have one flush of bloom a year. Their colors are primarily whites, pinks, reds and purples. Many are extremely fragrant. They are quite cold hardy, but may not adapt well to hot areas. European roses include gallicas, damasks, albas, centifolias, and moss roses.

Gallica Roses: Gallicas are stocky, upright shrubs with fine prickles and deep green foliage. Some gallicas have simple single or semi-double blooms; others are very double, with swirled or intricately quartered petals. Many are highly fragrant. Flower colors are mainly deep pinks, crimsons and purples. Striped and mottled varieties are common.

Damask Roses: This is a very old group. They are taller plants than the gallica roses, with grayish-green foliage. Their habit is usually graceful and arching, spreading under the weight of many flowers. Damasks have large blossoms with a strong, distinctive fragrance. They range in color from white to deep pink. Damask roses are not adapted to the heat of the coast and lower Piedmont.

Damask Perpetual Roses: These are also called Portland roses. They were the only repeat-blooming roses until the introduction of the China roses. They are stocky, healthy bushes, with double, fragrant blossoms set in a ruff of leaves. The colors range from white through all the pinks to deepest red.

Alba Roses: Albas form tall shrubs with smooth stems arching up to 8 feet. They have few thorns. The albas have dense, bluish green foliage. They are very attractive garden plants, even when not in bloom. Their fragrant blossoms are generally white to blush pink. Albas are resistant to disease and grow into large, healthy shrubs. Albas are unusual shade-tolerant roses. They will grow in the open shade of a north-facing wall or under tall trees.

Centifolias: Centifolias are the ‘Cabbage Roses’. They are thorny, open bushes to 4 to 5 feet high. The very large, double and fragrant blossoms are borne so freely that they cause the plant’s branches to nod under their weight. Colors range from white to deep rose-red, sometimes striped and spotted.

Moss Roses: Mosses are sports of centifolia and damask roses. Their flower stalks and buds are covered with a mossy growth that exudes a balsam scent. Moss roses are susceptible to powdery mildew.

Chinese Roses: Chinese roses introduced reblooming ability to roses and quickly became very popular. In addition to reblooming ability, the roses included warm colors of yellow and scarlet. Although most were not cold hardy, they are beautiful plants, and well-adapted to heat. The rose groups descended from Chinese parentage include Chinas, Bourbons, Perpetuals, Noisettes and Teas. Many of these do well in the South.

China Roses: Chinas bear loose, semi-double flowers on graceful, wiry stems with red-tinted foliage. China roses are healthy plants, with compact growth. They rebloom throughout the growing season. Chinas range in color from deepest red and maroon through pink to white. Some hybrids also have warm tones of yellow, saffron, salmon and orange. They are rarely fragrant and are sensitive to cold, but most grow well in all of South Carolina except the mountains. Chinas are especially well-suited to growing near the coast.

Bourbon Roses: Bourbons are intensely fragrant. They grow into large shrubs exceeding six feet in all directions. They are susceptible to disease, but are grown for the beauty and fragrance of their prolific flowers and for their vigor. They range in color from deep reds through pinks to blush and white. Bourbons are well-suited to all areas of South Carolina, but will need extra care to control disease.

Noisette Roses: Noisettes originated in Charleston, South Carolina, during the first decade of the 19th century. They are tall shrubs or vigorous climbing roses with elegant, slender foliage. The flowers are in pastel colors including lovely soft yellows that are very rare in old roses. Noisettes are strong, healthy growers but not hardy in cold winters. Several cultivars will grow throughout South Carolina, while more tender sorts will do best on the coast. Noisettes are exceptional for repeat bloom, beauty of flowers and fragrance.

Tea Roses: Tea roses have exquisite, soft-colored blooms and excellent repeat bloom. Growth is slender and wiry like the Chinas. Their foliage is typically shiny and delicate. They have a unique tea scent. Teas are often tender, and not all will grow well in the colder parts of the state.

Hybrid Perpetuals: These roses will grow to be large, vigorous bushes if given good care. The large, fragrant flowers range in color from blush white to deepest red and purple. Many cultivars can be grown as pillar roses or short climbers. Hybrid perpetuals especially the dark red varieties, are susceptible to blackspot and powdery mildew.

Species Roses: Wild roses range from prostrate shrubs to enormous climbers. Their flowers range in color from white through all shades of pink to deep crimson. A few species are bright yellow. Species roses often have single blossoms and bloom once during the growing season. They are often very graceful landscape shrubs. Most are very hardy and disease-resistant. A few of the species roses that grow well in South Carolina include the Lady Banks roses, Cherokee rose and the sweet briar rose. Rugosa roses are a tough, disease-free group of roses that have repeat bloom and a wonderful spicy scent. They will grow best in the cooler part of the state.

There are innumerable cultivars of roses within all these groups. Consult a local rose grower or local chapters of the American Rose Society for recommendations on the best for your area.

Article from : http://www.momoy.com/2006/07/30/types-of-roses/

Cattleya Orchid

2009-07-07T23:43:00.000-07:00

The Cattleya orchid is also called the “corsage orchid” because in the old days fashionable ladies used to sport an oversized Cattleya corsage to special events. Even though it is not so common to wear corsages anymore, the Cattleya orchid is still extremely popular among amateur and professional growers. They are perfect as cut flowers because they are long-lasting and come in an array of colors. The blooms are usually quite big; I’ve seen enormous Cattleya flowers that are as big as my face. (And I don’t have a small face by any standard!)

Bc Mini Purple 'Blue Hawaii'

The discovery of Cattleya was an accident. In the nineteenth century, a moss and lichen collector just grabbed some random sturdy leaves in the forest as packing material to protect his collections en route from Brazil to England. A horticulturist, William Cattley, saw the strange packing material and decided to grow it. Few years later, the strange plant produced some stunning blooms that rocked the world. The genus was therefore named Cattleya as a tribute to William Cattley, and the plant was then named Cattleya labiata. From then on, people started the crazy hunt for wild orchids in South America.

To this day, Cattleya orchids still define orchids; they are the benchmark of orchids. You may hear growers say “grow this orchid like Cattleya except a bit less light” or “this orchids need the Cattleya temperature.” Because Cattleya species are founded throughout tropical Central and South America, these orchids like intermediate to warm temperatures (55 to 65°F/13 to 18°C in winter nights and 15°F/10°C or so warmer during the day) and medium bright light. At home, it’s best to grow your Cattleya orchid by the southern, eastern or western windowsills. Provide as much light as it can take without burning the leaves; touch them to make sure they are not hot. When the plant receives its upper limit of light, it will show you a reddish tinge.

Cattleya labiata

Since Cattleya orchids are epiphytes, they like their potting material to dry out between watering. Or if you live in humid area, you can even mount your orchid on a slab of wood or on the tree in your garden. That way, you would never over water your plant!

American Orchid Society provides a good one-page free culture sheet on Cattleya, so you can print one out as a reference.

Cattleya Hybrids

The advantage of growing hybrids is that they can flower more than once a year. (Usually species can only flower once a year.) Breeders developed hybrids by breeding Cattleya orchids with related genera. For example:

Blc Port of Paradise

Cattleya x Laelia = Laeliocattleya (Lc.)
Cattleya x Epidendrum = Epidcattleya (Epc.)
Cattleya x Brassavola x Laelia = Brassolaeliacattleya (Blc.)

As you can see, the names are not super creative, because some orchid people are way too serious. They are just combing the genera together. But that way it is easy for us to understand what the makings are. When four or more genera are involved, people are forced to come up with more creative names like:

Iwanagaara Apple Blosom 'Fantastic'

Cattleya x Brassovola x Laelia x Sophronites = Potinara (Pot.)
Cattleya x Brassavola x Laelia x Dialaelia = Iwanagara (Iwan., short for I wanna grow ya!)

It is not very important to know these names, but if you happen to get a plant that has one of these abbreviations, then you know what they mean. The Cattleya hybrids require more or less similar growing conditions as the Cattleya species. But when you get into orchids a little more, you would know that, for example, Brassavola requires very bight light, so its hybrid with Cattleya also needs a bit more light.

Cattleya Species

Don’t limit yourself to grow just Cattleya hybrids. You should also try growing the species as they are equally

Cattleya intermedia

rewarding, if you can stretch your idea of equally rewarding to mean that they bloom half as much. My first recommendation is Cattleya intermedia. Mine faithfully blooms for me despite my neglecting it. They come in many different colors, such as pink and white. My Cattleya intermedia is white with a hint of blue, and the lip is partly reddish pink. These beauties are originally from Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay.

Cattleya bicolor

Another one you should try is Cattleya bicolor. I love that these flowers look so waxy that they don’t even look real. They are bifoliate (each bulb has two leaves instead of one) and can bear up to five 2.5 inch (10 centimeter) flowers. The pink, green and reddish-brown bloom can give you weeks of enjoyment.

Other Photos:

Cattleya Borneo

CattleyaOjai Verde

Cattleya Mayumi

Cattleya Kurt

Cymbidium Orchid

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Green Cymbidium Orchid

A Cymbidium orchid is a great starter orchid to try your green thumb if you live in coastal California, New Zealand,Australia, South Africa or the Mediterranean. Originally from a higher altitude in Central and Southeast Asia, and all the way to Australia, the standard Cymbidium enjoys a cool climate and strong light with partial shaded conditions. But the smaller-flowered terrestrial and tropical species live in different environments, so even if you do not have perfect Southern California weather, you can still grow these beauties. Let me tell you a little bit more about the different types of Cymbidium.

Cymbidium has retained its status as a celebrity orchid for thousands of years since the time of ancient China. Why do people love them so much? Cymbidium orchid hybrids produce up to 30 flamboyant and sometimes fragrant blooms on a single spike, and the flowers last couple of months. The Cymbidium I received for my birthday (boyfriend, here’s your acknowledgment!) in January still looked pristine in April. But wait, there’s more! Even if you cut those spikes and put them in a vase, the flowers will last just as long. No wonder Cymbidium is one of the most popular orchids for corsages. And even though there are only 44 species, thousands of hybrids have been developed to satisfy people’s demand for variety.

Standard Cymbidium Orchid

“Standard” Cymbidium refers to the large-flowered species from the Himalayas and China. These well-loved plants produce large, attractive flowers that come in many different colors. The roundness of these flowers is a very desirable trait and commercial hybridizers work hard to develop plants that produce the fullest looking flowers. Even though they are tolerant of extreme temperatures, to thrive and to produce flowers, they require frost-free cool nights (below 53°F/12°C) and warms days. Cymbidium demands a little more fertilizer than most other orchids, so be sure to apply fertilizer twice a month at half the strength that is prescribed on the instruction label. You can also use the slow-release fertilizer once a year and forget about it for the rest of the year.American Orchid Society provides a good one-page free culture sheets on standard Cymbidium, so you can print one out as a reference.

Miniature and Compact Cymbidium Orchid

If your living environment does not accommodate a standard-sized Cymbidium, you should consider growing a miniature or a compact Cymbidium. As a bonus, the flowers of these orchids are as showy as those of standard Cymbidium (two to three inches/five to eight centimeter wide) but are easier to bloom because they do not require a substantial chilling period to produce flower spikes. These Cymbidium will only grow to one to three feet tall and they bear up-right flower spikes with often fragrant flowers. These terrestrial orchids will flourish in an intermediate temperature year round.

Cascading Cymbidium Orchid

Cascading Cymbidium has stolen the spotlight for quite a number of years now. They are very compact and produce smaller, yet profuse flowers. The cascading Cymbidium have pendent flower spikes that can reach up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) so you should grow them in hanging baskets or in a pot on a bench to maximize the stunning display. The flowers of the cascading Cymbidium could grow to be so dense that it totally covers the growing container. These floriferous (yes, that’s a real word) orchids do not require any chilling period; in fact, you should keep these tropical orchids continuously warm.

No matter which type of Cymbidium you are growing, keep in mind that these orchids like bright light (shaded from direct sun nonetheless). If your plant has weak and lifeless flower spikes and dark green leaves, it’s telling you that it needs more light. Also, at least once a month, flush the potting medium with fresh water with no fertilizer, so that the accumulated salt can be removed from the pot. If that is not done, you can see that the tips of the leaves will turn yellow and burnt.

Other photos:

Cymbidium Orchid (Evening Star)

Cymbidium Orchid (Coronet Peak)

Cymbidium Orchid

Find more here :

http://everything-orchids.com/cymbidium-orchid.html

Types of Orchids

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There are over 25,000 types of orchids and, in fact the Orchidaceae family is the most numerous in the plant world! These beautiful plants have been around for over 100 million years and plants can range from microscopic to reaching several feet in height. The flowers have a distinctive look with 3 inner petals surrounded by 3 outer petals and a cupped petal that is distinct from the others. Some orchids even resemble other creatures like bees, moths and lizards!

Although we think of orchids as a tropical flower they can actually grow in almost any climate. They can grow on the ground or on trees and even rocks. Orchids are classified depending on their water requirements. Paphiopedilum, Cymbidium and Odontoglossum need a moist environment all year long.
Cattelya, Oncidium and Dendrobium only need water when they are actively growing and the vanda Ascocend doesn’t really need water at all.

Cymbidium orchids are some of the most popular having 40 species and thousands of hybrids. These are one of the oldest cultivated orchids and can grow on the ground, on trees or on rocks. They can be found growing naturally in Japan, China, South East Asia and Australia. These are one of the easiest orchids for beginners and will flower every year if cared for properly.

Perhaps the most exotic of all orchids is the Cattleya which hails from South America. These are the orchids most typically chosen for corsages, however they have been over collected and many of these types of orchids are now endangered.

The Denrobiums are the second largest orchid genus and have over a thousand species. These flowers can be found in Northern India, South East Asia, Australia and Polynesia. They typically grow near the equator in tropical conditions, although some grow in climates with dry winters. While these are easy to grow, it is rather difficult to get them to bloom regularly.

Phalaenopsis orchids have long lasting flower and are rather easy to grow. These flowers are favorites at weddings and can be colorful in pinks, yellows and stripes. These are native to the Philippines and are quickly becoming a popular house plant.

Vanda orchids are another plant that is rather easy to grow. These plants produce flowers in vibrant colors such as blue, red, yeloow and orange. Flower spikes can have as much as 10 blooms that last for several weeks.

Orchids are a bit finicky to grow but these delicate plants will reward you with a soothing fragrance and beautiful distinct flowers. When growing orchids in your home, you need to remember to give them enough light, enough water and proper temperatures and fertilization. Orchids will need to be repotted every 2 or 3 years.

The orchid family, Orchidaceae, is the most numerous in the plant kingdom. There are about 25,000 to 30,000 known species of orchids around the world. Orchids are found in all continents except Antarctica, from hot tropical jungles to the cold climate in North America. However, some orchids are found only in certain region of the world and nowhere else, for example, the Vanda genus colonizes only South East Asia.

There are two types of orchids: terrestrial orchids and epiphytes. Terrestrial orchids, such as Cymbidium, grow on the ground, while epiphytes establish themselves on trees. Each type of orchids can grow in two different ways:

* Sympodial orchids: the new shoots emerge alongside of the old plants, causing lateral spread. Catleya is sympodial-epiphytes. Most epiphytic- sympodial orchids have storage stems, pseudobulbs or bulbs, to help them survive the dry season.
* Monopodial orchids: new growth is added to the apex, increasing the plant's height. The leaves are arranged alternately around the stem. Examples of monopodial orchids are Vanda, Phalaenopsis...

Most popular orchids grown today are hybrid species, creating by plant breeders in their hundreds of thousands. These "new" species may be the result of crossing two related species, or from three to four different genera.

Orchids are the most beautiful, the most sensual, the most exotic, and the most costly flowers. But you can enjoy them free at this site. If you want to know more about orchids, please visit The American Orchid Society and The Orchid Lady.

More on orchids and its hybrids visit this site :
http://www.flowerpictures.net/orchids/index.htm