Bloomin' Blog

Will My Azaleas Bloom Again This Season?

June 4, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell

Ask the Expert: Do azaleas flower more than once in a season? I have an Azaelea that flowered profusely in April, now flowers have died, but new green leaves are growing, but will this plant flower again this season?

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: Diane,

There is a variety of Azaleas that blooms more than once; it is called the Encore series. If you have this type of azalea it can bloom again in the summer and in the fall. If you do not have this type of azalea it will not bloom again, and you need to prune them before July. If you prune them after July you may not have good blooming next spring.

Hope this helps.

Filed Under: Plant Care Questions Tagged With: Azalea, Blooming Plants

Help! What Is This Pink-Blooming Vine In My Garden?

June 3, 2011 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Ask The Expert: Hi; I need help identifying a beautiful plant that I have in my garden. It is a beautiful Ivy given to me by a friend and I have reproduced it because it is great filler for arrangements and not too common. I have no idea of it’s real name. I was told that the name here in the Dominican Republic is Bride’s Crown but I don’t really know to what type of family belongs or the real name. It has flowers almost all year round, and it does very well in partially sunny areas. I will really appreciate any information about this plant.
Thanks for your help; Rosa Blanco

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: Rosa,

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. I was consulting with an expert ( Regina Berryman) who had more knowledge about this plant. The plant is a Clerodendrum thomsoniae. In the United States, it is sometimes referred to as a gloryblower or a bleeding heart vine.

This tropical plant is native to West Africa, but has been introduced to many countries. It prefers partial shade. In fact, it does best when planted in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Because it it a tropical plant, it must be protected when the temperatures go below 45°. Although it likes a humid environment and moist soil, it doesn’t like soggy soil. It can be pruned to keep it shapely. Pruning should be done after the plant has ceased flowering.

I hope this information has been helpful. Please let me know if I can assist you with anything else.

Filed Under: Flower Identification Tagged With: Ask The Plant Expert, Bleeding Heart, Blooming Vine

Alexandrite – Light Pink Flower Guide

June 2, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

ALEXANDRITE PINK FLOWERS

June’s favorite flower color is Alexandrite pink. This year, we are spotlighting unique flower colors for you to use in custom flower arrangements, wedding bouquets, centerpieces and anywhere else you might need great-looking flowers. To make the chosen colors a little more interesting, we are starting with birthstone colors. Last month’s was emerald green, and this month it’s Alexandrite, or light pink. (Click here for all of our color of the month posts)

The most sensational feature of the Alexandrite gemstone is its surprising ability to change its color. Purpleish in daylight, Alexandrite turns a soft shade of pink, purplish-pink or raspberry red in incandescent light. This unique optical characteristic makes it one of the most valuable gemstones of all, especially in fine qualities.

When creating your wedding bouquet,

When creating a color scheme using Alexandrite pink, use the color wheel as your guide! Above you see three examples. The first is the complementary color of Alexandrite pink — pale green, which is sure to bring out the subtle tones of the pink. The second is a triad (3) of color complements to light pink. Soft yellows and pale aquas make the perfect pastel combination. You could also go with split-complement colors, meaning the two adjacent colors to the complementary color. So Alexandrite pink mixed with light green and pale aqua.

This is a great flower guide for brides looking for unique color palettes and unusual flowers for their wedding. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Color inspiration, Color Schemes, Color Wheel, Flower Color, Hyacinth, King Protea, sedum, Snapdragon

What Is This Flower That Just “Popped” Up?

June 1, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

Ask The Expert: This flower “popped” up this year and was not here last year. Any help identifying it?? It looks like it could be in the poppy family but we just don’t know. Beautiful bright orange flower with brown poppy-like center and green jagged leaves with a fuzzy appearance.

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: Yes, what you have is a poppy. I believe you have a type of Papaver orientale (Oriental poppy). As for which variety, I am unable to make an exact identification. This species of poppy is a clump-forming type with large cupped shaped flowers and hairy, toothed, lance-shaped leaves. They grow in moist but well drained soil in full sun and can tolerate some shade. These perennials grow best in zones 3 thru 8, where they can be left in the ground year-round. The plant is propagated by seed, root cutting or division.

In the US this species can be found Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin either naturally or in great numbers. In Canada, you can find it in Ontario.

Since I don’t know where you found the plant, I suspect that the wind or birds dropped the seed in your garden and the conditions were just right for germination.

Hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can do assist with anything else.

Filed Under: Flower Identification Tagged With: Ask The Plant Expert, Flower Identification, Poppy

Could This Rare-Blooming Plant Be An Amaryllis? [solved!]

May 31, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell 3 Comments

Ask the Plant Expert: What kind of flower is this? We’ve had this flower for 8 years, and it has only bloomed twice. What is it’s name?

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: I really think this is an amaryllis. My only hesitation is that usually you see the top of the amaryllis bulb and the bloom are usually on a thick stock, also the blooms are usually much larger. This may be a case of plant abnormalities or genetic defects. We will continue to ask around to see if anyone else has any suggestions, but that’s our best guess! Thank you for your submission!

[edit – it’s a CLIVA] Upon further research, actually thanks to our florists on Facebook, we think this plant is actually a Cliva. This plant is very difficult to get to bloom, and can take 6 years or more to bloom for the first time. It requires a cold period to initiate blooming and regular watering during the summer months. However, don’t over water the plant this will cause root rot and the plant will decline instead of flourish. Here is an article from the Chicago Botanical Society on Cliva care.

Filed Under: Flower Identification Tagged With: Ask The Plant Expert, Cliva

FSN’s Favorite Flower Arrangement For June

May 31, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

June is a great month to be outdoors! That’s why this month’s favorite flower arrangement is Out of the Woods — the perfect choice for Father’s Day!

It’s rustic charm makes it ideal for Dad! I know what you’re thinking, flowers for dad? — yes! If your dad is anything like mine and loves the outdoors, Out of the Woods brings the beauty of nature inside to enjoy in his favorite place — the living room!

Any nature-lover would appreciate the unique style of the Out of the Woods arrangement. The dried lotus pods and twigs add so much character, which is brought out by the vivid flower colors.

If you are looking to send flowers this June, remember Out of the Woods — for Dad or anyone who enjoys summer fun outdoors!

**If you are sending flowers to dad, check out these Father’s Day card messages.**

Flowers used in this arrangement
Dark Brown Willow Basket With Handle And Liner, Foliage: Myrtle, Pittosporum, Stem Yellow Daisy Mums, Orange Carnations, Red Gerberas, Liatris, Stem Orange Spray Roses, Stem Purple Statice, Stem ‘Misty Blue’ Limonium, Lotus Pods, Twigs

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Fathers Day, Fathers Day Flowers, favorite flower, Liatris

Janet Frye of The Enchanted Florist

May 28, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

Flower Shop Network had a chance to find out what makes Janet Frye of Glendale Flowers & Gifts in Glendale AZ tick and why she feels the floral industry is a fun and exciting profession.

We asked her a few questions and found some very insightful information.

Flower Shop Network: How long have you been a florist?
Florist: Since August 1975, started in Palm Springs, Ca where I trained on-the-job & practiced on celebrities!

Flower Shop Network: When did open your flower shop in Asheville?
Florist: January 18,1985

Flower Shop Network: What are your floral specialties?
Florist: Creative designs & weddings. “Reading” customers desires & get impressions of what they want even when they’re unable to express it themselves.

Flower Shop Network: What is your favorite flower?
Florist: The one in front of me at any moment! Love boronia heather, hyacinth…. that first dandelion in springtime is a thing of beauty.

Flower Shop Network: What is your favorite wedding bouquet?
Florist: One in which the Bride gives us lots of input and allows us creative license to express her personality with flowers!

Flower Shop Network: What would you say are the top flower trends in Asheville NC?
Florist: Customers are becoming more floral-savvy; requiring & asking for more unusual flowers & designs. An interesting note is that a few are beginning to ask FOR carnations be included in designs, just used in more unusual ways. Our customers love curly willow and geometric, clear-glass vases (cylinder, square, rectangle). They want their designs to have some element of “special flair,” be it botanical, style, container or accent.

Flower Shop Network: How have you used the North Carolina state flower in your designs?
Florist: Dogwood, not unless I have too. Looks more beautiful on the tree.

Flower Shop Network: What has been the best part of being a florist in North Carolina?
Florist: NC is almost like 2 states: Eastern & Western. Being a florist in ASHEVILLE NC is like being a florist in heaven! Western NC is one of the most bio-diverse spots in the world! The biodiversity and natural beauty of this area gives us some many “toys” to play with…florally speaking. Each season has it’s own offerings. There are pussy willow branches, forsythia, bulbs, lily of the valley, viburnum, camellia, spirea, curly willow, peony, glorious locally grown dahlia, celosia, sunflowers, privet and many more. We have branches, mosses, foliages and flowers easily available. Asheville being such a wonderful jewel in the mountains attracts many destination brides so we get to share the area’s abundance of flora with many who’d not experience it otherwise.

Flower Shop Network: Do you have a floral design philosophy?
Florist: Yes, best expressed by a quote of Fredrich Law Olmstead, landscape architect of Biltmore Estate-AVL, NC and Central Park, NYC… “Doing by design what nature might by chance.”

Another favorite quote is “There are no common flowers, there are only common designers” heard at a show 20-some years ago, don’t remember speaker.

Flower Shop Network: What style do you specialize in — modern, traditional, romantic, etc.?
Florist: Being AIFD means I’m good enough to do any style our clients want. What I enjoy doing most is a more natural look: using branches, flowers, moss in a style invoking the spirit of nature.

Flower Shop Network: What makes your arrangements better or different than anybody else’s?
Florist: We strive to use local & natural elements and maintain the integrity & dignity of the flowers….and we’re damned good at what we do! Flowers for me are a passion! I love flowers, the beauty, color, diversity and smell…flowers feed my soul!

Flower Shop Network: Do you remember the first time you received flowers? Tell us about it.
Florist: Spring of 1969, cymbidium orchid wrist corsage at 16 for my first prom….I knew I was special & loved.
First floral memory: laying in a field of Queen Anne’s Lace (then known as chigger-weed) on a Summer day watching the puffy clouds drift by.
Most shudderingly memorable floral experience: testing for AIFD…stressful to the Nth degree!!!
Most recent pleasant experience: helping on crew/team of Bill Schaffer AIFD & Kris Kratt AIFD at the Philadelphia International Flower Show.

Flower Shop Network: How did you get started in the floral business?
Florist: Joined a community theater group (props, sets, bit part) where the director & set designer (who owned 2 flower shops) thought I was creative …..I needed a job & they needed help. Was a great experience, very creative guys with several celebrity clients so many opportunities to learn.

Flower Shop Network: Favorite arrangements or other designs you’ve done?
Florist: Piece for opening reception, AIFD Southern Conference in Chattanooga, TN Mar. 2010. Large hand made “birdnest” basket of recycled holly stems & pussy-willow, with edging of 200 vibrant yellow callas, sitting on “perch” made of re-purposed cd racks woven with flax.

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights

June is National Rose Month – How Will You Celebrate?

May 27, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell 1 Comment

We couldn’t be more excited about National Rose Month coming up in June! If its been a while since you’ve sent or received flowers, next month is the perfect time!

Sending Yourself Flowers For National Rose Month

On your birthday, anniversary, and sometimes on Mother’s Day — this just isn’t enough!! There’s no denying, when we receive flowers our day does a 180°! You could be having the worst morning imaginable, but get flowers and BAM — it’s a good day!

Why not cut out the middle man and send YOURSELF flowers!? There is nothing that says your honey has to be the one to send you roses. This June, send yourself a big bouquet of beautiful roses in YOUR favorite color!

Send Roses To Your BFF!

Your friends need love too! Send your BFF some love, send roses! Say Congratulations, Thank You or send flowers Just Because — it will make your friend’s week to receive flowers!

Yellow Roses – are the sign of friendship! Make it a tradition to send flowers to your friends every once in a while. Start this June, with ROSES!

Roses Around The House

If you’re more of a home-body, order flowers for your home! Decorate the dining room table, or the fireplace mantle with beautiful, fresh roses from your local florist! Either have them delivered to yourself (make it special!) or pick them up yourself, but you can never go wrong with flowers! Flowers make everyone happier, and add color and cheer to any room.

Just remember — Flowers enhance moods and lift spirits! If you’re down in the dumps, OR just need a quick boost, flowers are the way to go!

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions Tagged With: Flower Sending Tip, National Rose Month, Rose, Sending Flowers

Help! What’s Wrong With My Sick Lobby Plant?

May 26, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell

Ask The Plant Expert: [The sick] plant is in the lobby of my business. Gets new shoots, but they turn brown on the edges and get dried brown spots — enclosed picture. Pic has white on the base. Thanks

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: Nancy,

It looks like you have a water issue. Keep the soil for this plant moist, but not soggy. You need to saturate all the soil, not just the soil right beside the plant. Once all the soil is in a moist condition, check to see when it starts to become dry, and saturate the soil again. Soon the plant should put out new shoots.

Hope this information helps.

Filed Under: Plant Care Questions Tagged With: Ask The Plant Expert, Brown Leaves

Upcoming June Florist Conventions

May 26, 2011 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

Attending a state florist convention is incredibly valuable for florists. You learn new tricks and trends, demo new products, learn new techniques from top designers and get business and marketing help from the pros. Why wouldn’t you want to attend!? Here are the shows coming up in June — convention season is just kicking off!

June 10-12, 2011: The Florida State Florists Association Convention will be hosted at the Marriott in Jacksonville, Florida. Florists who are members as well as non-member florists are invited to attend.

June 22-22, 2011: The Society of American Florist (SAF) Growth Solutions will be held at the Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport Marriott South in Dallas, TX. Florists and flower shop owners are invited to attend.

June 25-26, 2011: The Utah Professional Florists Association Convention will be held at the Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. Florists who are members as well as non-member florists are invited to attend.

View More Florist Conventions & Flower Shows

If you know of a show we left out, let me know and I’ll add to the list! (Email me at social@flowershopnetwork.com)

Filed Under: Floral Conventions & Flower Shows, Florists Only Tagged With: Floral Conventions, Florists Association Conventions, Florists Conventions

ALEXANDRITE PINK FLOWERS

Sending Yourself Flowers For National Rose Month

Send Roses To Your BFF!

Roses Around The House

Follow Us