Exotic Flowers in Boston

Pink is a funny color in the floral world.  It’s often associated with a “princess” feel in design work and used mainly for female clientele but is this right?  Think about where you might usually see this hue in regards to flower arrangements and tell me if I’m wrong:

1. congratulations “It’s A Girl! bouquets
2. Valentine’s Day flowers for her
3. Dance Recital Bouquets
4. Mother's Day Centerpieces
5. Sweet Sixteen Party

These are the top five occasions we typically notice pink flowers being implemented but if it were up to me- I’d like to widen that bridge to include more areas of placement.  After all, why should the color pink be solely associated with women instead of including men in this circle? A guy can be just as masculine for liking this soft shade in his bouquet as opposed to merely sticking with varieties grown in blue and green, am I right?  Who’s to say pink should be off limits to men, anyways? In my opinion, is high time we change these sexist rules surrounding the shade of pink and open the doors to further exposure residing past the traditional occasions it has been used for in past years. Check out these funky varieties cultivated in the shade of pink and suggested events where they can start being showcased more often in floral arranging.

photo via aboutflowers.com

Let’s start with the obvious-wedding work.  This is the perfect place to start including pink, especially when talking about some of the roles men may play into.  Groomsmen might be the #1 spot to promote this shade, particularly in concern with their boutonnieres. Pink roses, pink calla lilies, pink freesia and pink ranunculus are a few of the best options with this type of floral design as well as pink dendrobiums and carnations which work, too!  Wedding planners and brides can have fun with extra coordination tactics by setting the groomsmen’s attire to match with pink belts, socks and ties. Their presence will reflect a happy and bright feel as they walk their bridesmaids down the aisle while also setting a tone of equality throughout the event.  

 Another area where we can expand pink’s presence in the male world is in the realm of their “man caves”.  Little do we realize many guys like to have a fresh bouquet of flowers sitting on their coffee tables so why not suggest a variety that fits in with our plan?  Try out mokara orchids, peonies, tulips or lilies that are both attractive to look at while still preserving a “manly” presence. While roses may not fit the bill for some men who rely on more burly varieties, gerbera daisies, Phalaenopsis or pink protea just might do the trick

Ohh…. Who doesn’t love the color pink, especially when we’re talking about pink petals?  Pink flowers have always held top priority for buyers responsible for maintaining floral inventory and there’s no shock as to why.  Pink is the number one most requested shade for blooms in the Boston area due to its wide variation of meaning and age appropriateness for both adults and children.  Both the sweetness and innocence attributed to the hue allows pink petals to be the “no-brainer” for most when ordering for a special someone. Whether it be for Valentine’s Day, Get Well, Birthday, Mother’s Day or thoughtful gift to another, pink remains the top-heavy hitter for local city flower providers.

This is a good tip to think about as we slowly sail into graduation, dance recital and spring holiday territory since we’re always looking for the right present to offer.  Think ranunculus, tulips or gerberas for a sentimental gesture and lest we forget the power of a bundle of sweetheart roses. Other perfect varieties that match a pink themed bouquet are peonies, cherry blossoms or a striking clump of early summer dahlias.  Lilies are also another excellent option as long as the recipient enjoys a strong-smelling scent.

Another reason to appreciate the color pink is the strong symbolic association with “awareness” causes.  Pink has a particularly strong connection to “Breast Cancer Awareness” and continues to be the primary variety used in décor for banquets, marathons and fundraising events.  The showing of a pink ribbon is synonymous with many of these efforts which is why you might see similarly shaded blooms being handed out to participants and spectators present.  

Pink is also a very popular color used by wedding planners who testify to the vast amount of material available in the shade including of course-the flowers.  Many brides adore the soft yet notable tie to the meaning of love and have fun coming up with combinations such as blush, hot pink and magenta. In recent years, pink has taken over the wedding aisles as the preferred hue of petals that flower girls hold in their baskets as well as boutonnieres for the groomsmen and corsages for the bride’s parents.  From veils of tiny blooms tucked into the bridal party’s hair to massive centerpieces holding ten to twenty species of pink colored blossoms, wedding specialists decree that this shade still steals the bridal scene.

Many people prefer the color green when asked for their favorite shade but what do you do when selecting the same tint in your flowers?   Sure, red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, and pink are easy to come by in the floral world but green is a lot harder.  If it makes you feel any better, a person who is drawn to this shade is often considered exotic in nature, much like the varieties that might appeal to you!  It’s a common misconception that lovers of green will only have the option of selecting dyed green carnations or roses, which are – less face it - only a practical decision around Saint Patrick’s Day.  

The truth be told, I can assure you, there is in fact a multitude of gorgeous flowers grown in your preferred likeness.  Although few existed decades ago, green has become a trendy color, increasing the shade’s demand.  Botanists and growers spend millions of dollars cultivating this fashion forward hue so that customers like you can enjoy them!  If you’re not sure where to begin, check out this list of spectacular green blooms that can be ordered from your local florist.

Green Anthurium

If green is your color, you might want to become knowledgeable about tropical plants and flowers because there are many species available to you.  Preferring climates with warmer wet conditions, it is a safe bet New England won’t have many of this type of flora and fauna harvesting in the fields although they are shipped here quite regularly.  One sample is the anthurium, which has a shiny textured surface and a heart-shaped head.  They can get a bit pricey but are well worth the cost because they are long lasting and stunning to behold.  

Green Hellebores

This variety is one of my all time favorites to grow in my garden but I also adore it as a cut flower, too!  These heart spring blossoms have pretty star heads and are attached in clumps much like hydrangea.  Depending on the type, the green can sometimes change to maroon as the season wears on but there’s also a soft shade of emerald that carries with the flower while it is still in bloom.  

Green Succulents

If you haven’t been introduced to succulents yet, I bet they will be right up your alley because they grow in a wide array of greens ranging from light to darker shades.  You can place these inside your house in pots or enjoy them out on the patio during the warmer temperatures.  They’ll be easy to find as well since most greenhouses carry succulents, being a popular purchase for gardeners.  

What flowers are excellent choices if your favorite color is orange?  TONS!  Orange is a very popular color in the flower industry for a few reasons…  First of all, the tint has many cultural ties as well as several symbolic meanings associated with worldly celebrations, holidays and other rites.  The second reason attains to the usefulness designers have with this shade since it contrasts nicely against both bold and light colors.  The third explanation for the high demand of orange blossoms is simply because it makes people HAPPY!  I general, those who are attracted to this color are known to be upbeat, enthusiastic and energetic so having a bouquet in the same color spectrum will only boost you further up!  If you think you’re at a loss of knowledge when it comes to orange flowers then keep reading.  Here are a few examples of blooms that might just be the right match for you!

1. Orange Lilies-Otherwise known as “Tiger Lilies” these star-like flowers can grow just about anywhere as well as be picked for indoor centerpieces.  Due to their adaptable living capability, there are no shortages of this variety, causing purchases to be affordable and accessible.

1. Orange Helenium- I love orange helenium and almost always include at least two planting every year within my garden.  The sweet face is joyful in itself plus the wildflower will regenerate and spread if the temperature and weather conditions are suitable.  A tip to the wise, helenium behaves better outside and will last longer if not used as a cut flower.

1. Orange Marigolds- I have fond memories of my great aunts growing marigolds on their windowsills as a child and remember how the frilly edged blooms brightened up their faces.  Yes, some people might believe these flowers are old fashioned but really, they remain a favorite to many.  Marigolds are also hearty so they will do well in bud vases as well as potted plants.

1. Birds of Paradise- These exotic flowers are a huge hit for those who enjoy tropical plants and flowers because of their unusual structure and cool presence within arrangements.  The head honestly looks like a bird and is perfect for parties and events where you want to make a big impact.

1. Orange Protea- Protea is another favorite for orange flowers and has several properties, which make it desirable to customers.  Typically grown in Africa, they are shipped here, where they are used quite often in dramatic centerpieces essential for upscale events (they aren’t cheap to buy but worth it).  Their longevity also makes them attractive as well as the unusual texture of soft needles extending throughout the entire head.  Want one more reason to pick up a few stems of protea?  These flowers mix well with others or are perfect standing alone.

Flower credit via Flower Factor

We all have our favorite color.  In many cases, we’ll most likely try to surround ourselves with as much of this particular pigmentation as possible including within our home décor, clothing and even the car we choose to drive.  We even tend to select flowers in the shade we prefer often possessing a love for a particular variety based on our favorite color.  I know it sounds strange but next time you visit your local florist, pay attention to what you’re buying and I bet you’ll see I’m right!  Due to this phenomenon, wouldn’t it be helpful to have a list of blooms that fit into your individual spectrum making it easier for future floral purchases?  Since many professionals are doing just this within their shops, why now browse beforehand to ensure your next experience will be a successful one!  

Photo credit via Jeff Leatham

What to look for if your favorite color is RED.

1. Red Gerbera Daisies- These happy flowers are available almost anywhere and will likely survive for at least one week if purchased by a reputable florist.  Their heads are usually large in size and resemble a daisy having similar shaped petals.  
2. Red Roses- You might think that red roses are boring but the truth is, they still remain the most popular species in the world. A true classic in the flower world, red roses now grow in a multitude of different shades such as a lighter orange/red to deep crimson.  Talk to your designer about what tint you want and I am confident they can point you in the right direction.
3. Red Amaryllis- Typically associated with the Yuletide season, red amaryllis can either be purchased as a cut stem or as a bulb, which you can plant outside in the spring.  The flowering head is formed like a bell and has yellow seeded pollen prongs located in the center.  If you have no patience for quick blooming blossoms, then you’ll love the amaryllis because it’s known for its longevity. 
4. Red Poppies- Now these are some of my favorites both inside and outside of the garden and have a special place in my yard each and every year.  This sexy variety is often associated with romance and passion, probably due to the beautiful silkiness of its petals as well as its funky curving of the stem.  If you’re growing them outside, be sure to sprinkle the seeds inside the pods at the end of the season so they’ll return to you again next year!
5. Red Anthurium- This tropical stunner is another long living specimen, which is predominantly imported from warmer climates such as Africa and Singapore.  The beauty of this flower is in its waxy surface as well as its heart-shaped structure, which makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day or as a plant in your home.

Autumn in New England is a time of year in which Bostonians relish in seasonal activities of carving pumpkins, jumping in piles of raked leaves and baking pumpkin pies that infiltrate our homes with decadent aroma.  We often sit in anticipation of these crisp few months before snowfall because they are reflective of themes embodying outside activity, family and warmth.  As a Boston florist, we attempt to capture this feeling when designing centerpieces, funeral arrangements, party planning, wedding bouquets and general storefront décor.  While purchases from the flower market often reflect varieties that are locally grown during the months of September and October, flower buyers are also aware of color selections, often opting for tones of red, orange and yellow.  Occasionally, you’ll see a fun accent of purple, green or pink but this base palette is the most popular and supports a strong product line for the fall season.  Why do we depend on this traditional spectrum when creating flower arrangements?  The answer is simple.  Particular colors bring forth particular emotions, many of which revolve around pleasant memories that Bostonians generally experience during this time of year.  Certain colors represent familiar seasonal symbols and events, arousing pleasant thoughts and moods.  The memories make us feel good, which is why we put pumpkins on our doorsteps, tie hay bales to our lantern poles and yes, buy flowers emanating the hues of autumn.  Here’s what my fall color palette symbolizes for me.

Red

Red is often associated with the emotions connected to passion.  Whether love or hate, there is strength behind this hue, a quality that makes us react more so than any other color on the spectrum.  When connecting red to autumn facets, thoughts of crackling fires when the weather drops colder, plucking a ripened Macintosh apple off of an orchard branch and Japanese maples tree leaves blanketing the ground in a luxurious carpet.  The color red connects me to the words warmth, ripe and decadence. 

Orange

When feeling the color orange during fall, there is no getting around the obvious imagery of pumpkin patches. What is so wonderful about pumpkins is that they fulfill almost all of the human senses including sight, taste, scent and touch, a desirable reaction when incorporating this color within your flower arrangements.  Pumpkin patches can symbolize the scent of pumpkin pie baking in the oven, the fun touch of seeds slipping through your fingers and the site of bright orange globes of bittersweet resting in curls of vines.  Orange for me represents the idea of health, enjoyment, laughter and imagination.  Of course we all know what Cinderella’s carriage changed into at the stroke of midnight!

Yellow

Who doesn’t love the color yellow?  Its happy, dazzling and uplifting to the eye where in most cases, brings a person’s general emotion state to a higher level after visual contact.  Sunflowers, chrysanthemums and dahlias are favorites of florists when using this shade within their pieces for exactly this reason.  When associating yellow with fall, I think of the comforting rays of sunshine that we learn to appreciate as they grow fewer and fewer, a field of sunflowers standing stiff with their round faces full of light and the emotion hope as we see more and more candles flicker with the changing months.

- Suzie Canale

Westwood, MA

 Suzie Canale is an avid gardener, accomplished floral designer, mother of two boys, works at the Westwood Public Library, has published four children's books, and is the director of the Women's Locker Room Foundation.

 * all images in post supplied by Flower Factor's flickr site