Exotic Flowers in Boston

When I was a little girl, I remember a special gift my parents gave me for my seventh birthday, a necklace made from rose beads.  Being a lover of flowers starting from a young age (I figure it was in my blood since both mom and dad were florists), I adored anything and everything made from the petals of blossoms.  When I opened the tiny pink box to see the delicate piece of jewelry, I immediately believed that I would cherish them for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, my education in horticulture was only just beginning because I hadn’t yet understood that my trinket was almost 100% organic and would eventually disintegrate.  Nevertheless, I did my best to preserve the pretty bauble in the hopes that I would one day pass it down to my daughter. Thirty-four years later, this is merely a sweet memory of my childhood I carry with me and smile thinking about every time I spot a similar styled necklace in a store window.

Along with a rose beaded necklace being a lovely way to show your affection for flowers, this form of jewelry is actually the outcome of some interesting history dating back to centuries ago.  Before even the 1500’s, rose beads were used as tools for counting, originating in the country of India. Easy to make and a reliable resource, they were made by the bushel and used to teach science and mathematics.  As time continued, they found their way into the religious realm, specifically by the Christians who formed necklaces as a sign of worship. The delicate yet stunning presentation of the strung roses made them a precious commodity-some of which survived to be passed to future family members. Today, they are still used in religion although you probably see them more often as a metallic chain called, “the rosary”.

Get togethers called, “Beading Bees” still exist today and are still quite popular all over the United States.  During these group meetings, friends and family join to make their own rose beads to use as bracelets or necklaces.  If you are interested in trying out a simple and fun recipe to make your own, follow these simple instructions to create them today!

1. De-petal a dozen roses (preferably red) and discard the center core.
2. Boil a pot of distilled water and throw the petals in until they are soft.
3. Drain the water and place in a blender.  Puree until they have a doughy consistency.
4. Add a few drops of rose incense to replace any aroma that has escaped.
5. Let the dough dry until it is easily capable of being formed into balls.
6. Roll small balls to whatever size you would like and push a sewing pin through the center.
7. Let the rose beads dry in the sun and string for decoration!

Pink roses have long held a sentiment of grace, beauty and sweetness although different shades of the color can denote different sentiments.  For instance, there is a vast contrast between light vs. magenta shaded petals when gifting flowers as a present to someone special.  While light pink often signifies gentleness and innocence, a darker hue can intensify in meaning such as thoughtfulness, allure and attraction.  While it is customary to give younger women bouquets of soft blush roses, you may see a florist opting for a darker variety when designing for an older clientele.  Teenagers in particular will often request a hot pink styled piece for a love interest, particularly when prom time rolls around and boutonnieres and corsages become high in demand.   The idea behind this tint is fun, flashy and sexy while also being more on the flirtatious side instead of a deeper red of intensity.  

Along with these meanings, magenta roses can also signify gratitude towards an elder.  Mother’s Day is an extremely popular time of year when moms are gifted with large assortments of these bright hued pink flowers.  While lilies, peonies and sweet pea are significant on the request board, magenta roses still remain front and center during this holiday celebration.  This is also the reason why “respect” can also be associated with this variety as well as “honor” and “praise”.  What better feelings could you possibly associate a stunning arrangement for mom on Mother’s Day with than a flower that represents all three?

If you’re interested in learning more about magenta roses, take a look at these stunning varieties grown around the globe.

Magenta Roses Grown from Ecuador             Magenta Roses Grown from Holland

“Lola” “Acapella”

“Hot Lady” “Cherry-O”

“Pink Floyd” “Ensemble”

“Topaz” “Fresh”

“Pizzazz” “Marina”

Magenta Roses Grown from California                             Magenta Roses Grown Seasonally

in New England

“Germini” “Royal Jubilee”

“Yolande d'Aragon” “Young Lycidas”

“Blueberry” “Sophy’s Rose”

“Cool Paris” “Skylark”

“Rhapsody” “Carefree Beauty”

Ok, let’s have a raise of hands out there who has ever gifted a special loved one with a fresh bouquet of red roses?  Perhaps for Valentine’s Day, Birthday or other special occasion?  Chances are you’re included in this poll but have you ever wondered exactly what the stems mean that you’re sending?  Sure, obviously the color red means passion and love but to tell you the truth-the blooms extend their symbolism far beyond these two notions.  In reality, the history of these flowers date back decades ago and have quite honestly earned their reputation for becoming the icon for those who are in love.

It all started back in Greek times where we find the Gods and Goddesses of Olympia constantly fighting for their chosen betrothed.  According to lure, the red rose was initially tied to Aphrodite who was said to have run across a field, pricking her ankles as she rushed to her dying lovers side.  Myth reveals that she is responsible for attaching sentiments of “pain” to love, although as we well know, love can also be the most beautiful feeling one can experience.  The “yin” and “yang” factor of falling in love is directly connected to Aphrodite’s broken heart and why red roses became her signature flower.

Centuries later, another important figure used red roses as a symbolic emblem who was none other than the Virgin Mary.  The red of the petals is significant to mean “The Blood of Our Lord” and is clearly a revered symbol since the rosary is one of the most sacred tokens in Christianity.  The original significance stemmed from the idea that a red rose bush grew at the site of Christ’s death.  This is why red roses are also used as a sign of mourning and grief and are used frequently in funeral flowers.

In this day and age, a beautiful gift of crimson flowers is typically known to be primarily and expression of love and adoration.  The variety still remains the #1 species ordered during floral gifting holidays (especially Valentine’s Day) and is now grown in over 200 varieties around the world.  If you are interested in browsing some beauties, check out this list of gorgeous red roses!

Red Roses Varieties

Black Magic Black Baccara Freedom Forever Young

Blaze Montana Darcy Amalia

Eternity Dublin Bay Florentina Chrysler

While roses are now grown in a thousand different shades of color, many people don’t realize that each and everyone means something specific in nature.  As some stand for feelings of romance and love, others represent sentiments associated with encouragement, sympathy or even mystery (see blog about blue roses).  The array of symbolic meanings attached to this flower is one of its best attributes, making roses a favorite species by florists who are sent requests for particular blooms carrying specific tidings.  Red, orange, yellow and pink roses are among the most popular used for an expressive gift but how about the delicate and sometimes understated color peach?  Not many are familiar with the significance of this pretty blush tone that is quickly becoming increasingly highlighted in floral design but what does it really mean?

photo crdit via aboutflowers.com

Peach is directly associated with the expression of modesty, earnestly and innocence.  Although the color has no direct connotation with strong feelings of love or lust, peach does signify a warm feeling of friendship and caring.  Often, businessmen and women will send a gift of peach roses to clients after they have had a successful meeting in order to “bless” the transaction with a good omen.  Closely related is the sentiment of saying, “Thank You” with this particular variety of rose which makes a great gift sent to hosts from a houseguest as a token of gratitude.  Another theme that is tied to the peach bloom is the idea of “civility”, “poise” and “grace”.  An example of this can be seen in films set in the south where many of the homes are filled with peach colored roses or even tulips (although the heat will kill them) which is meant to emulate the thought of elegance.  

If you are interested in presenting someone with peach roses for these symbolic reasons or just fancy the shade that expels an overall delicate beauty, you might want to browse these varieties that are stunning for all occasions!  

Top Favorite Peach Varieties Imported Into the US

1. Free Spirit 6.  Tiffany
2. Chillis 7.  Finesse
3. Peach Avalanche 8.  Versillia
4. Nevado 9.  Juliet
5. Campanella 10. Milva

Orange roses just might be the most underestimated shade of blooms in the floral industry.  Cultivated back in the 20th century by cross-breeding red with yellow species, orange roses have introduced a whole new, fresh and fiery appeal within floral design that flower lovers simply can’t get enough of.  Even though the variety was born from rose hues typically symbolizing “love” or “friendship”, this bright flavor has been deemed to represent sentiments of “creativity” and “fascination”.  Appropriate to be given as a gesture of “friendship” or “intimate interest”, the orange rose has also become a popular gift for painters, writers and others centered in the arts who enjoy the vibrancy and allure of the petals.  “Subtlety” is not in this variety’s description and is instead sought after for the contemporary splash of color that traditional centerpieces lack.  Excitement, pleasure and inspiration are all ideas tied to this pretty stunner that is implemented most frequently by designers during the summer months of the year.  Although Halloween season is another period where you see orders of orange roses spike, it’s no secret that wedding planners are infusing bridal bouquets with hints of orange petals more often than ever before.  If you haven’t noticed, New England wedding magazines are featuring this rose shade as the “up and coming trend” for next fall’s line so if you’re planning to say “I do” next autumn, you might want to browse this list of varieties!

Orange Roses Grown from Ecuador             Orange Roses Grown from Holland

“Manitou” “Pinata”

“Twilight” “Arancio”

“Movie Star” “Carioca”

“Voodoo” “Corvette”

“High Intense” “Contrast”

Orange Roses Grown from California                             Orange Roses Grown Seasonally

in New England

“Abraham Darby” “Roald Dahl”

“Trumpeter” “Lady Emma Hamilton”

“Just Joey” “Lady of Shallot”

“Fragrant Cloud” “Crown Princess Margareta”

“Irish Elegance” “Livin’ Easy”

Everyone likes a little mystery in their life and that includes flower enthusiasts!  While red is the color of love and pink is the color of friendship, many wonder what to order from their florist when they are trying to implement a theme of intrigue to their gift.  Is it a green orchid or a white calla lily that will reflect this sentiment adequately?  According to professionals in the industry, the blue rose is what you are supposed to be requesting if you are attempting to dazzle a special someone secretly…

The anomaly of the blue dyed rose (yes, it is dyed because although growers are amazing at cultivating new shades,blue roses are not possible yet naturally) has been a big trend in the last ten years which is still increasing exponentially.  This variety’s undoubtable popularity is particularly driven by younger demographics who are usually looking for contemporary options when sending flowers.  The blueness of the petals is feisty, fun and full of interpretive meaning, which is exactly why florists located near college campuses always have bunches loaded in stock.

But what are we really saying when sending a bouquet of blue roses?  There are a few different possibilities to consider before buying…

Mystery

The primary theme of blue roses is the thought of MYSTERY.  This can be transcribed in several ways, either meaning a mysterious admirer or an unknown comradery or partnership with someone.  A bunch of these roses can also mean that there is a mystery in the works and for someone to be on the lookout for clues.  Want a fun birthday idea?  Send this variety in a box along with a scavenger hunt clue tucked in the stems.  They’ll have loads of fun playing this tracking game and also get to enjoy a stunning bouquet as a well!

Inventiveness

Here is a much different meaning from the previous explanation but you can have a lot of fun gifting blue roses, particularly if they are going to someone creative.  Yes, blue roses can also stand for “inventiveness” so if a friend is having an opening at an art gallery, showcasing a new gadget they’ve designed or recently problem solved a tricky situation, you might want to consider these beauties as a present.

Change

A third explanation for the meaning of blue petals is the attachment to the idea of “change”.  Do you have someone close to you who just started a new job or recently decided to partake on a new adventure?  Then these are the perfect petals to say “Good Luck!” and “Well Wishes!”

As you might already know, different floral colors represent an assortment of sentiments ranging all the way from love to sympathy.  Depending on the specific thought you are trying to transfer to the recipient, proper research should be done beforehand to make sure your message is clear.  For example, light pink roses have long been in demand for those wishing to convey forgiveness to someone they have wronged and remain one of the top five shades of roses to be requested when attempting reconciliation with a loved one.  For couples in trouble within their relationship, blush toned petals have become a predominant symbol for “I’m Sorry!” in the flower world.  

Another popular theme attached to light pink roses is “beauty”, “gratitude” and “grace”.  Quite often, a bunch of soft pink rosebuds will be gifted to parents of a newborn baby girl to symbolize the perfection of the new human just brought into their lives.   The “gratitude” angle is often seen when appreciating a person who continues to bring assistance to their life such as a babysitter, close friend or administrative assistant.  Light pink roses are still the #1 variety requested for Secretaries Day by bosses which has held true since the beginning of the holiday tradition.  “Grace” is the third theme held to this particular shade of bloom, which is no surprise because they are the most popular species to give performers such as dancers and ballerinas.

If you are interested in learning more about light pink roses, here is a list of some of the most beautiful types grown around the world…

Light Pink Roses Grown from Ecuador Light Pink Roses Grown from Holland

“Mother of Pearl” “My Girl”

“Grateful” “Picture Perfect”

“Katherina” “Sweet Akito”

“Novia” “Aqua Bella”

Light Pink Roses Grown from California                        Light Pink Roses Grown Seasonally

in New England

“Keira” “Heritage”

“Rosalind” “Spirit of Freedom”

“Augusta Luise” “Quietness”

“Aphrodite” “Gentle Hermione”

There’s nothing like beautiful, yellow roses to brighten up the day, wouldn’t you agree?  This is probably the reason why this shade of rose is typically associated with happiness, cheer and warmth.  Reminding one of the sun, yellow bouquets are often gifted to those we have a closeness of friendship and comradery with.  While red and pinks are commonly associated with a deeper level of love and commitment, yellow is a softer gesture, offering an innocent feeling of kindness between one another.  If you are someone who usually screws up the sentiment of gifts, you might want to keep this species in mind since it’s almost impossible to screw up the meaning in terms of intention.  Yellow roses are also a wonderful arrangement choice to wish someone well after a surgery or illness since the bright hues of the bloom are guaranteed to lift anyone’s spirits.  Associations in this instance may represent “speedy recovery”, “thinking of you” or “you’re in my thoughts”.

Interestingly enough, yellow roses did not originate on European soil but in the Middle East where they grew wild and were used for several festivities and traditional customs.  It wasn’t until they were discovered by adventurers who brought specimens back to France and Holland where the universal love for yellow roses was born.  Today, this particular shade of blossom is celebrated across the globe and sent to people for a variety of different reasons although “friendship” continues to remain the #1 symbolic meaning of the flower.

If you’re interested in learning more about yellow roses, take a look at these stunning varieties grown around the globe.

Yellow Roses Grown from Ecuador             Yellow Roses Grown from Holland

“Sonrisa” “Julia Child”

“Yellow Timeless” “Mida Touch”

“Jupiter” “Charles Darwin”

“Conga” “Shine”

“Skyline” “Marisa”

Yellow Roses Grown from California                             Yellow Roses Grown Seasonally

in New England

“Papillon” “Graham Thomas”

“Suella” “Teasing Georgia”

“Yellow Island” “Yellow Submarine”

“Lindsey” “Sunny Sky”

“Gelosia” “Winter Sun”

It’s true, right?  Red roses are the number one flower given to women as a romantic gesture and have long held the symbolic meaning attached to love and passion.  For centuries, this variety has been “Queen Bee” in her realm against other species, trumping over white lilies, orchids and even daisies.  I bet more than once in your lifetime, you’ve received a dozen or more of roses, perhaps from a partner or better yet, an admirer?  Yes, long stem red roses continue to hold a strong demand in the floral business, becoming the number #1 imported product for holidays such as Valentine’s Day.  It’s impressive how these beauties have maintained their popularity over the years, even when new competitors appear in the market.  For some reason, they just never seem to hold a candle to this oldie but goodie… If you’re curious as to why this might be, the answer lies within the properties of the bloom-specifically its ability to affect several of the human body’s senses.  Pretty cool, don’t you think!

When it comes to your sniffer- the nose always knows… The scent of the red rose is one of the most powerful floral aromas, which enhances both mood and sex drive.  In some cultures, red roses are strewn around a honeymooner’s bed with tiny petals spread about in order to encourage a “healthy physical relationship” between the partners as well as an emotional one.  Typically, you’ll find that most varieties have a perfumed, sultry smell that is different from others which can have a sweeter scent that is another sign of erotica.

To touch a rose is like grazing your fingertips against a silky material and is often also compared to a velvet fabric.  The petals can be used multi-purposely by adding them into baths to create a luxurious bathing experience.  Once the blossoms release the oils contained within the petals, you’ll find the water is enhanced to contain these essential elements that in turn will soften the skin.

Red is the color of passion and roses represent this perfectly due to their rich shades that epitomize love, hearts and blood.  Red is another strong attribute when speaking of the senses because most people react to this shade faster over any other including blue, yellow and orange.   

To the laden gloom of roses

Desire in the hands of the blind

Prefer, in passing, the dog-rose

Of which I am the loving thorn

That survives your feelings of love.

By Rene Char

phot credit: via wikipedia

The Dog-rose is a beautiful spring flower blooming petals in soft shades of pink that surround a center of bright yellow sepals.  The architecture is delicately unique as it bends its boughs downward to reflect a waterfall effect.  The species grows in a bush-like formation and is also commonly referred to as “Sweetbriars” and “Witches Briar”.  As if their ornamental features weren’t enough to allure onlookers, the Dog-rose produces ripe red fruit when the autumn season arrives.  Theorists say that the berries are high in Vitamin C so they’re desirable for natural healers who like to use them in brewed teas, wine, jellies and syrups.  

The first recorded significance of the flower dates back hundreds of years ago to The Academy of Floral Games (founded in 1323), which gifted poets a sprig of Dog-rose to reward them for their literary excellence.  Due to this ritual, the branches became increasingly popular and can be found frequently mentioned in several famous poems.  Most prevalent in the United Kingdom, William Shakespeare wrote about the flower in “A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream” quoting his words:

“With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine."

Symbolically, the meaning of this shrub is quite extensive since the two dominating themes surrounding the flower are pain and pleasure.  The reference to “pain” is said to come from the belief that the medicinal properties of the plant can be used to cure a mad dog’s bite.  Rabies were commonly treated with the plant’s nectar before sophisticated medicines were discovered although if you ever find yourself in this situation without a nearby doctor, look for a berry from a Dog-rose bush and squeeze the juices onto the wound.  The positive meanings stem from its focus around “romanticism” and “pleasures of the body”.  In medieval times, Dog-rose was placed at the end of a maiden’s bed to signify a king’s interest in her company after the court and staff fell asleep.  Once the maiden received such a token, she was instructed to sneak into the royal chamber without being noticed where he would be waiting for her.

Today, the Dog-rose reflects a seasonal meaning of awaiting spring since it is one of the first bushes to bloom after the winter’s closure.  Used as either landscaping or as cut flowers, they make a beautiful variety for flower lovers to enjoy both in and outside their homes.