Flower factoids
There are no black flowers!
If you’re after a Goth look, florists can usually produce miracles but going fully black won’t be so easy without some help. The pigments (colours) that flowers produce are all to do with photosynthesis and attracting pollinators so black is not one of them.
Yes, there is a yummy black petunia and some deliciously dark flowers around but more often than not they’re deep purple or brown; think Chocolate Cosmos – smells nice too!
However, if you want a real black flower chances are it will have to be specially created for you using one of the special environmentally friendly dyes on the market and will always be an ‘order well in advance’ option.
All florists speak Latin
OK, they probably wouldn’t have a deep meaningful conversation with Romulus but any florist worth their salt will know the Latin names of the flowers and plants they sell and the differences between the varieties.
For example, Eucalyptus comes in 9 different types; cinerea, glaucescens, globulus, gunni, nicolii, parvifolia, populnea and pulverulenta. When it comes to flowers Lilies are either Longiflorum, Oriental or Asiatic … assuming they aren’t a rose lily which is a multi-petalled, no pollen and unscented variety and what most think of as sweet peas are Lathyrus odoratus to a professional florist.
Grannychic is big in flowers
Otherwise known as ‘grandmillennial’ styling, as in all fashion industries (yup floristry is one) some of the previously considered ‘naff’ flowers are making a HUGE comeback especially amongst younger buyers.
Because they don’t want what their Mum’s had but what their grannies loved. Think Bloom Chrysanthemums, Cymbidium Orchids and yes … the Carnation. These days more catwalk than ever with the most amazing range of colours and textures and loved even more! Look out for the feathery edged ones … guaranteed to make you swoon!
Most expensive flower in the world
Convallaria majalis – commonly known as Lily of the Valley – is probably the most expensive flower you can buy. Because whilst it may grow like weeds in some countries, for most people this is a flower limited to those with deep pockets.
Much loved by Royalty and Film Stars, both Catherine, Princess of Wales and Grace Kelly had them in their wedding bouquets, this tiny, pure white bell shaped multi headed flower with the most wonderful scent are incredibly delicate and why every stem has to be meticulously wired with silver, thread like wire to make sure they will hold up.
You need around 150 to make a statement so expect to pay in the region of £350 – £450 for a bouquet.
Most common shop name
As you’d imagine Flowers, Florist and Blooms appear in many florist shop names. The Florist Trade Magazine’s database reveals more than 80 shops are called The Flower Shop!
However, we had a search and found some highly individual names as well. We love Floral & Hardy whilst Over the Bloom made us chuckle. Aster le Vista always makes us think of Arnie whilst Mrs Bouquet obviously makes us think of Hyacinth! Then there’s Buddy Marvellous Designs, Dandelyons Florist, and Mrs Florist… although we can’t find a Mr or Miss!
And even the rock world is represented with Dark Side of the Bloom (there’s actually a rose called Pink Floyd as well!) and one of our faves Guns and Roses in Ireland.
It takes 7 years to become a degree level florist
Florists may not save lives – although they have been known to save backs when someone forgets a special day – but to reach degree or master florist level takes over 7 years … as long as a doctor and, like any professions is on ongoing process to keep up with modern trends, changes in varieties never mind all the business aspects of running a business. That’s a heck of a lot of study time!
You should never cut the stems of Hyacinths
The reason Hyacinth come with a thick knobbly end is that you need to keep as much of the bulb structure in place to make sure they blossom and bloom as fully as possible. Unlike all other flowers – which do need a 2cm, sharp angular cut to ensure water take up – Hyacinths should be cut ever so slightly on the straight.
It takes up to 12 years to breed a new flower
If you thought the gestation period of an elephant was long (22 months) that’s nothing compared to how long it takes to create a new variety of flower. Because from the moment the breeding process starts to the point a flower can be commercially sold is around 12 years!
The reason is that it doesn’t just have to be conceived – a long process of mixing, matching and mating but then nurtured and tested every step of the way to make sure that it grows well, can withstand infections and deformities, needs the least possible interference in terms of chemicals and produces enough blooms per square metre to make it commercially viable.
Not much wonder the breeders we meet treat their new varieties like babies and feel like proud parents when they make it into the big wide world!
