Ask The Expert: What color is an American Beauty Rose.  Valeria.

Flower Expert Reply:

This seems like a very simple question to answer. However, there is a lot of mystery surrounding the color and actual heritage of this rose.  The foundation for this confusion may be a result of a 1999 movie - American Beauty.  In the movie, a dark red rose is used thus creating a connection between dark red roses and the term American Beauty.

The history, color and origin of this rose is surrounded by controversy. The original American Beauty rose is said to be a rich deep pink, long-stemmed rose with intense fragrance. It has been said that the original rose came from a nursery in Baltimore MD and was planted in a Washington DC garden in the 19th century. A well-known Washington DC florist then took cuttings from this plant propagating a large number of plants which he forced to blooms. This florist then sold the long stem roses under the name American Beauty. Many rose experts claim that the American Beauty is actually a French rose called Mme. Ferdinand Jarmin, a French rose.

Since confusion and controversy surround this rose, some red roses maybe sold as American Beauty roses or called Red American Beauty roses.

Hopefully one of our readers will have more information about this rose.

"Whimsical Flowers" Bouquet--The Perfect Scorpio Birthday Gift

By this point everyone who has spoken to a Generation Y-er knows how quirky and unique we love our life to be. We want special. We want different. We want stand out appeal. That’s why so many of us love zodiac flowers.

I’m not a Scorpio but I’m on the cusp so I can understand why Scorpios would love their zodiac flowers. These include gerbera daisies, marigold, and sunflower. What do these beautiful blooms mean? I’m not an astrologer but I do know that anyone into astrology will love astrological flowers. Seems like an easy connection, right?

It’s not surprising that people like me fall into two categories. I’m a Libra at heart and in most publications but often I’m labeled a Scorpio. If you know someone into astrology and the zodiac but can’t figure out which one they fall into, try something special like this. I mentioned it briefly in last year’s post about Scorpio zodiac flowers. It was fun then and it’s twice as fun now.

The solution as I see it is to send a flower arrangement whose flowers denote certain astrological signs and time of the year. This is a very creative way to show someone how special they really are. For people like myself it is an unexpected treat. The zany mixture of flowers such as dahlias, gardenias, tea roses, gladiolus, and orchids (Libra) with the beautiful blooms of gerbera daisies, marigold, and sunflowers (Scorpio) provide a very quirky and colorful present for fall birthdays.

See? It’s simple to send a fun birthday gift to a Scorpio or a Libra (or both). Just call up your local florist and ask for an arrangement that includes some dahlias, gardenias, tea roses, gladiolus or orchids for a Libra. If you’re hunting for flowers for a Scorpio, ask your local florist for a bouquet including gerbera daisies, marigold, or sunflowers. Zodiac flowers are a fantastic gift for someone on the paranormal edge of awesome.

Want to send birthday flowers to a Scorpio? Use Flower Shop Network to contact your local florist today.

Flowers aren’t typically frightening sights for sore eyes but they are a tried and true gift. That’s right. Even Halloween is touched by the boo-tiful grace of flowers. If you’re heading to a Halloween party this year, remember to take flowers along for the host or hostess. You can jazz up Halloween flowers to match everything from a haunted house theme to an informal dinner party for adults. It’s all in the flowers.

Most of us are in a rush and don’t have time to head to the store just to buy a hostess gift. Florists make giving Halloween flowers easy. There are a few ways that florists can help. First, you can have a spooky arrangement sent to your home and pick it up on the way to the party. You could also have the arrangement sent to your friend’s house and spare yourself a trip. Another suggestion is to call in the order the day before the party and ask your florist to have it ready at a certain time the next day. Just drop in, pick it up, and Bob’s your uncle. Halloween flowers in a hurry.

Here are some suggestions of what you can find from a local florist:

The “Boo!” flower basket is a fun way to get a ghoulish night started. Ghosts and goblins are Halloween staples so make sure they’re part of your Halloween flowers.

Need something for an adult party? Go with “Awe-Inspiring Autumn” which has color, movement and beauty all in a fall flowers arrangement.

Oh what a “Tangled Web” flower basket we weave when first we practice giving Halloween flowers. Even though I butchered the quote, butchering works around Halloween. So does the “Tangled Web” flower basket.

Scared of spiders? Is your host/hostess? You may get the first scream of the night when you give the “Itsy, Bitsy Spider” Halloween flowers arrangement. I shiver just thinking about it.

Some less frightening but definitely spooky Halloween flowers are the ones found in the “Jack O’Lantern Tree”. Mini pumpkins carved with crooked smiles and sin-shaped eyes are an easy addition to fall arrangements. Just don’t stare into their eyes for very long. They hate that.

Want more fun hostess gift ideas? Contact your local florist today.

Ask the Expert: What is this flower?

Cockscomb - Celosia

It grows along my driveway among a ton of wildflowers….just moved into this place in East Tennessee and have never seen these before. Jan

Plant Expert Reply:
This interesting pink flower is commonly called cockscomb because it resembles the comb of a rooster. The genus name is Celosia. The perennial cockscomb is Celosia argentea and the annual types fall under Celosia spicata. The perennial cultivars of this plant will have either the crested, coral-like heads of tightly clustered flowers (combs) or open, feathery, pyramidal flowerheads. The annual cultivars will display open, compact, erect, cylindrical flower spikes. I am assuming by the look of the flower in the picture it is a Celosia argentea.

An interesting addition to the garden, Celosia is also a versatile flower for decorating. Florists use it both as a cut flower in fresh arrangements and as a dried flower in permanent arrangements.  So enjoy this wonderful flower while you can - a killing frost will put them to rest for the winter.

Flower Shop Network’s Fall 2009 edition of The Networker is hitting  post offices this week.  This edition is chalked full of handy tips, ideas from florists across the nation, a look at Generation Y, noteworthy kudos, holiday advertising ideas and exciting 2010 wedding color trends.  If you just can’t wait for the postman, you can check out The Networker Fall 2009 here online.

Anniversary Flower Arrangement

Two thumbs up to Corinne Galarneau and the florists of Artistic Petals & Scents for winning this week’s Flower Shop Network Facebook photo contest!

Artistic Petals & Scents, a flower shop in Hanna Alberta Canada, is constantly pushing the envelope with their unique designs. If it’s not new, special or exciting, it just doesn’t come from Artistic Petals & Scents! If you want fresh floral design and great customer service, you’re in good hands here.

Corinne recently submitted a floral arrangement photo featuring a mixed vase of flowers with an interesting design. Everything about this arrangement, from color to movement, strikes a chord with the heart of viewers. The arrangement was created by Sam to celebrate the one year anniversary of Artistic Petals & Scents under new ownership. It’s a beautiful vase of flowers and worthy of the coveted “FSN photo of the week” title.

Flower Shop Network’s Facebook photo of the week contest is open to all participants with a fun floral industry related photo. Read the official rules then join us on Flower Shop Network’s Facebook page. Maybe you will see your name in next week’s post.

Want to buy flowers like these from a local florist? Flower Shop Network connects you directly with a florist in your area.

Ask the Expert: Where can I purchase Texas Blue Bells.
I want to have Texas Blubells (Blue Bells?) delivered to my cousin in Amarillo, Texas.
Please help me locate a florist. Lynda

Flower Expert Reply:
I would be happy to help you find some Texas Bluebells (Eustoma grandiflora). Flower Shop Network has several Amarillo Florists who carry an assortment of popular and regional flowers.  However, Texas Bluebells are not a stock flower items for most florists.  You will want to make arrangements for these flowers well in advance of the day you need them. Advanced notice will give the florist time to contact their wholesaler to determine availability and confirm a ship dated.  My suggestion is to try Sweet Creations Floral Design. Although they don’t carry Texas Bluebells, they will call their wholesaler and check the availability.

Please let me know how your search goes and if I can help with anything else.

Ask the Expert: Lucky Bamboo

Yellowing Lucky Bamboo

I have a Lucky Bamboo and it was doing fine. All of a sudden the leaves have turned brown and are limp. It has stopped growing in height also. I have made sure that it doesn’t dry out. We have well water here and I was wondering if there could be something in that, and this is why the plant is now this way, or is it possible that it has outgrown its container?
Any suggestions???? BARB

Plant Expert Reply:

Do you keep the jar filled with water?  If you are only watering evey few days, the lack of water would be the porblem.  Lucky bamboo grown in water needs at least 3inches of water at all times.  The problem is more likely a fluoride problem. Believe it or not private well water oftem contains fluoride which can cause yellowing in lucky bamboo.  I suggests you pour some of your well water into a container with a wide mouth and let it set over night.  The fluoride will evaporate during this period.  You can then use it to water your lucky bamboo.   I also suggest cutting the tops opf your lucky bamboo off  - the stalks will create new leaves.

There are many occasions where hospital flowers are the gift of choice. The birth of a baby, a friend’s surgery, or perhaps a loved one’s near passing create the desire to send flowers to a local hospital. With many rules and regulations to protect patient safety, there are several things that your florist must know before your flowers can be delivered.

When a baby has been delivered, many list the name of the family member that they know the best. In the event that this person is the father, remember that the mother is the one listed on the room rather than the baby or the father. If you do not know the mother’s name, ask someone if possible as this will make delivery go much smoother.

Another very helpful piece of information is the room number. If you received a text or call from the doting father or mother with “come visit us in room X”, use this to your advantage. Florists delivering new baby flowers to a hospital will need this information in the event that the occupant’s last name is not known. It also makes it easier on hospital staff who are juggling patients in many rooms. Once you have these helpful tidbits lined out, your flower delivery will be as smooth as the new baby’s bottom.

The room number is helpful when delivering flowers to a hospital for any occasion, not just the birth of a child. The room number is not generally given out by the hospital nor is any other patient information. They can give the delivering florist a hard time if they do not have this information which leaves your gift without a recipient. If you are sending flowers to someone in a hospital across the country, it is helpful to have as much information about the patient as possible. Room number and patient’s name will help your florist deliver your gift with efficiency and a smile.

For more flower sending tips when buying flowers online from a local florist, visit Flower Shop Network.

Need to strengthen your sympathy and funeral flowers business? There are a few key strategies that florists can use to make sure they are regarded as the #1 choice by local funeral homes, funeral directors, and people sending sympathy flowers. To reach this important niche, use these strategies.

Strengthen Your Relationship With Area Funeral Homes –

First and foremost, develop a relationship with the people at the forefront of the sympathy industry - the funeral directors and their staff. Developing a strong relationship by helping them meet the needs of their customers. To do this, offer a selection guide that includes photos of and explanations of available flower arrangements.

Funeral Flower Selection Guide

Another way to strengthen your relationship with local funeral homes is to let them know that you’re there in a pinch when they need you - yesterday.

Many flower shops, such as McAdams Floral in Victoria Texas, offer sets of high-quality silk boutonnieres for pallbearers. This “just in case” attitude will be a boon to funeral home directors who are responsible for tying up any loose ends with the ceremonies while easing the burden of their customers.

One thing is certain with sympathy business. If you make the funeral home look good, they will do the same for you. This can be something as simple as providing a fresh arrangement for their entrance and/or lobby weekly. Most funeral homes will allow you to place your contact information in or near the arrangement.

Develop A Relationship With Senior Citizens —

Sympathy Flowers Or Entrance Flowers

Many senior citizens now make their own funeral arrangements prior to death. It may not be something they readily discuss or have formally written, but seniors are becoming more prepared for this occasion. The well prepared group usually passes their information on to family and loved ones so that someone knows of the arrangements prior to their death. There are many ways to develop a relationship with this core group.

Your flower shop could provide nursing homes with entrance flowers. Becoming acquainted with the staff can be helpful. When family members and friends call to make arrangements for the delivery, they often ask for a recommended florist. If the staff knows your flower shop and you know their policies on flower delivery, you will receive their recommendation.

Many senior citizen groups have monthly functions or annual events. While you may not choose to donate flowers to these events, donating flowers to the main location of the group will be beneficial. Places such as the Red Hat Society (50 years +) location, AARP offices, and local senior citizen hall are great places to reach senior citizens.

Keep Up With Current Trends

Traditional casket sprays and standing sprays will not fade any time soon, but there are other popular options that are turning heads and showing up in funeral homes and grave sites.

Personalized Funeral Flowers

Remember to incorporate sympathy flower options into your portfolio that reflect personalization. The desire for a unique and personalized sympathy arrangement is growing tremendously.

Epitaphs are not the only place for creativity. Offer unique spray shapes, various types of grave blankets, eco friendly arrangements that reflect an appreciation of nature, as well as seasonal arrangements and wreaths for the graves. Compact bouquets are also popular for headstones with vases or a unique display for the grave site.

Offer advanced planning options. Again, many are planning ahead for their funeral services. This takes the burden off of loved ones. Offering plan-ahead services can range from pre-payment options to flower request sheets.

Cremation is performed often. Offer memorial arrangements that compliment cremation urns, pew flowers for memorial services, et al. Sometimes burial plots are purchased for the deceased who had requested to be cremated. Offering unique arrangements for the grave site after the scattering is helpful.

Promote Your Sympathy Business – To gain business, people must know that your flower shop provides the service that they need. To announce this, offer funeral directors a tasteful marketing piece to give to families. Your flower shop can also target sympathy advertising with ads like FSN Funeral Home banner ads.

Implement these strategies in a respectful, tasteful way to promote your flower shop’s sympathy business. With these strategies, along with class and empathy, you will watch your sympathy business grow.

**** Flower Shop Network has created a funeral flower brochure that you can distributed to your area funeral homes that includes your flower shop name, address and contact information.  All you have to do is log into FSNf2.com and select the direct mail templates option.  From the direct mail templates option page, you can choose the funeral flower brochure to print your own branded funeral flower brochure.****

***Dad Flower Arrangement was created using a floral foam Fram from Oasis Floral Products***