Unusual Flowers by Cathy Sheehan
July 2018
AGERATUM HOUSTONIANUM (Blue Mink) |
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Form: Spray
Length of Stem: Medium
Color: Blue
Special Features: Easy to Grow in the Garden, Long Lasting with Proper Care
Buying: Look for a mix of open flowers and buds as this will last longer.
Arranging: Excellent as a mounded flower in a mixed or garden design. Beautiful blue hue that works well with similar colors or with contrasting colors. Agertum gives a soft textural addition to any arrangement.
Length of Stem: Medium
Color: Blue
Special Features: Easy to Grow in the Garden, Long Lasting with Proper Care
Buying: Look for a mix of open flowers and buds as this will last longer.
Arranging: Excellent as a mounded flower in a mixed or garden design. Beautiful blue hue that works well with similar colors or with contrasting colors. Agertum gives a soft textural addition to any arrangement.
ALLIUM (Ornamental Onion) |
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From: Round
Length of Stem: Medium to Long
Colors: Burgundy, Green, Pink, Purple, White, Yellow
Special Features: Easy to Grow in the Garden, Long Lasting, Pungent
Buying: Make sure flowers are not crushed, stems are not mushy and heads are not droopy.
Arranging: Allium is pungent so avoid placing on the dining room table. Allium makes a great statement flower for contemporary designs. Change the water daily as bacteria from the stems spreads rapidly.
Length of Stem: Medium to Long
Colors: Burgundy, Green, Pink, Purple, White, Yellow
Special Features: Easy to Grow in the Garden, Long Lasting, Pungent
Buying: Make sure flowers are not crushed, stems are not mushy and heads are not droopy.
Arranging: Allium is pungent so avoid placing on the dining room table. Allium makes a great statement flower for contemporary designs. Change the water daily as bacteria from the stems spreads rapidly.
AMARANTHUS (Love-Lies-Bleeding)
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Form: Linear
Length of Stem: Medium to Long
Colors: Burgundy, Green, Red, Gingery Brown
Special Features: Easy to Grow in the Garden, Long Lasting
Buying: Amaranthus comes either upright or hanging. Avoid purchasing if there is any pollen drop. Look at the foliage to see if it is fresh.
Arranging: Mix Amaranthus with smooth textured flowers to give a contrast of textures. Hanging Amaranthus looks good in tall vases and candelabras where the flowers can trail down. Upright Amaranthus looks good in mixed bouquets where it adds texture.
Length of Stem: Medium to Long
Colors: Burgundy, Green, Red, Gingery Brown
Special Features: Easy to Grow in the Garden, Long Lasting
Buying: Amaranthus comes either upright or hanging. Avoid purchasing if there is any pollen drop. Look at the foliage to see if it is fresh.
Arranging: Mix Amaranthus with smooth textured flowers to give a contrast of textures. Hanging Amaranthus looks good in tall vases and candelabras where the flowers can trail down. Upright Amaranthus looks good in mixed bouquets where it adds texture.
AMMI (Queen Anne’s Lace)
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Form: Spray
Length of Stem: Long
Colors: White, Cream, Black
Special Features: Slight Fragrance
Buying: If treated correctly Ammi will last up to a week. Once it droops it will not revive.
Arranging: A great filler flower for large pedestal and vase designs.
Length of Stem: Long
Colors: White, Cream, Black
Special Features: Slight Fragrance
Buying: If treated correctly Ammi will last up to a week. Once it droops it will not revive.
Arranging: A great filler flower for large pedestal and vase designs.
ASCLEPIAS
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Form: Spray
Length of Stem: Medium Colors: Orange, Dark Pink, Pale Pink, White Special Features: Easy to Grow in the Garden Buying: Make sure some of the flowers are open. If it is all bud, it will not open. Arranging: The stems of Asclepias contain latex, which will block water from getting into the stem. Burn the end of the stem for a few seconds to seal the milky liquid. Asclepias has an awkward shape so it looks best mixed with round flowers of strength colors. |
ASCLEPIAS PHYSOCARPUS (Bishop’s Balls)
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Form: Round on a Spray
Length of Stem: Long
Color: Lime Green
Special Features: Easy to Grow in the Garden
Buying: Check the foliage to be certain it’s green and not brown. Check the balls to make sure that they are intact and not crushed.
Arranging: Bishop’s Balls can be placed in a tall vase by themselves, or the stems can be cut down so just a few balls can be used in a mixed arrangement. If you love unusual looks, this is your flower.
Length of Stem: Long
Color: Lime Green
Special Features: Easy to Grow in the Garden
Buying: Check the foliage to be certain it’s green and not brown. Check the balls to make sure that they are intact and not crushed.
Arranging: Bishop’s Balls can be placed in a tall vase by themselves, or the stems can be cut down so just a few balls can be used in a mixed arrangement. If you love unusual looks, this is your flower.
BRASSICA (Ornamental Cabbage) |
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Form: Round
Length of Stem: Medium
Colors: Cream, Green, Pink, Purple
Special Features: Long Lasting, Pungent
Buying: Brassica is a foliage rather than a flower. I have included it here as it is often mistaken for and used as a flower. Make sure the ends are not slimy and smelling of cabbage. As it gets old the lower leaves turn yellow.
Arranging: The large heads are useful for adding substance and volume to big designs. Their gentle colors keep them from becoming too dominant in mixed designs. Brassica can be dyed or glittered for holiday and party use.
Length of Stem: Medium
Colors: Cream, Green, Pink, Purple
Special Features: Long Lasting, Pungent
Buying: Brassica is a foliage rather than a flower. I have included it here as it is often mistaken for and used as a flower. Make sure the ends are not slimy and smelling of cabbage. As it gets old the lower leaves turn yellow.
Arranging: The large heads are useful for adding substance and volume to big designs. Their gentle colors keep them from becoming too dominant in mixed designs. Brassica can be dyed or glittered for holiday and party use.
CALLISTEPHUS CHINENSIS (Matsumoto Aster)
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Form: Round
Length of Stem: Medium Colors: Dark Pink, Light Pink, Lavender, Purple, Red, White, Yellow Special Feature: Long Lasting Buying: Look for stems with fresh green leaves that are not broken or yellowed. Look for heads that stand upright and don’t droop Arranging: Matsumoto Asters work well in any mixed flower arrangement. |
CARTHAMUS (Safflower)
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Form: Round on a Spray
Length of Stem: Medium to Long Colors: Orange, Yellow, Green, White Special Features: Dries Well, Long Lasting Buying: The vibrant orange produces a dye that is still used today. Look for fluffy orange tufts. Arranging: For those who want bright orange or a retro look, this is your flower. A very robust and long lasting flower, Safflower looks great in mixes of fiery colors, or as a bright accent flower. Even dried, the bright orange color remains |
CELOSIA (Crested and Plumed Cockscomb)
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Form: Round, Linear
Length of Stems: Medium
Colors: Cerise, Lime Green, Orange, Pale Pink, Red, Salmon, Yellow
Special Features: Dries Well, Long Lasting
Buying: Celosia Argentea is the crested cockscomb which has a rounded form and is richly textured. This variety is very susceptible to botrytis, so check for brown spots. Celosia Plumosa has a pointed form (plumes).
Arranging: Celosia is the perfect flower if you want a rich, sumptuous, bold, textural color scheme with impact. Combine with flowers that have a smooth texture for contrast.
Length of Stems: Medium
Colors: Cerise, Lime Green, Orange, Pale Pink, Red, Salmon, Yellow
Special Features: Dries Well, Long Lasting
Buying: Celosia Argentea is the crested cockscomb which has a rounded form and is richly textured. This variety is very susceptible to botrytis, so check for brown spots. Celosia Plumosa has a pointed form (plumes).
Arranging: Celosia is the perfect flower if you want a rich, sumptuous, bold, textural color scheme with impact. Combine with flowers that have a smooth texture for contrast.
CRASPEDIA
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Form: Round
Length of Stem: Long
Color: Golden Yellow
Special Features: Dries Well, Long Lasting
Buying: Look for green stems, no pollen shedding and no gray mold.
Arranging: Contemporary designers love Craspedia. The flower heads are small, so they look nice grouped to make a stylized shape.
Length of Stem: Long
Color: Golden Yellow
Special Features: Dries Well, Long Lasting
Buying: Look for green stems, no pollen shedding and no gray mold.
Arranging: Contemporary designers love Craspedia. The flower heads are small, so they look nice grouped to make a stylized shape.
DIANTHUS BARBATUS
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Form: Round
Length of Stem: Short to Medium Colors: Burgundy, Green, Pink, Red, White, Bicolored Special Features: Easy to Grow in the Garden, Long Lasting Buying: Purchase with the flowers open. If they are too immature the flowers will not open. Check to see that the stems are not broken. Arranging: Remove all foliage that will be under the water. Sweet William looks delightful in mixed bouquets, hand ties, table centerpieces, vase arrangements, and it fills out any mixed arrangement. |
DIANTHUS BARBATUS
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Form: Round
Length of Stem, Short to Medium Color: Green Special Features: Easy to Grow in the Garden, Long Lasting Buying: Check that there are no brown spots and that the stems are not broken. Arranging: Remove all foliage that will be under the water. Green Trick works well in any style of arrangement, from vintage to contemporary. Can be cut short or used long. Works well grouped together to resemble moss in a contemporary design. Can be used in vases or floral foam. One of the most interesting and versatile flowers. |
ECHINACEA
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Form: Round
Length of Stem: Medium Color: Brownish Orange Special Features: Long Lasting, Dries Well Buying: Echinacea is an herbaceous, drought tolerant perennial. Avoid buying flowers with brown spots. Make sure the stems are strong and not bent. Arranging: Echinacea is widely used in mixed arrangements, but is also interesting in contemporary designs. It is very popular in bridal bouquets and is a beautiful addition to hand held bouquets and boutonnière. |
ERYNGIUM
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Form: Spray
Length of Stem: Medium to Long Colors: Grey Blue, Silver White Special Features: Easy to Grow in the Garden, Dries Well Buying: Look for crisp leaves and petals. None of the leaves should be yellow. Arranging: Similar to Scottish Thistle and is often used in Scottish themed arrangements. Frequently used in Boutonnieres and Corsages. Looks good in arrangements with cream colors, soft pinks, purples and blues, where it adds great texture. |
EUSTOMA (Lisianthus)
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Form: SprayLength of Stem: Medium
Colors: Cream, Green, Mauve, Peach, Pink, Purple, White, Yellow and Bicolored
Special Features: Long Lasting with Correct Care
Buying: There are many new varieties and colors of Lisianthus. Check that there are no brown spots on the petals, which could be botrytis. Number of flowers on a stem varies. Lisianthus is a thirsty flower, so always condition it quickly.
Arranging: Lisianthus can be mixed with most flowers expect stiff ones such as Protea. Keep away from heat as Lisianthus will dry out quickly if not kept cool.
Colors: Cream, Green, Mauve, Peach, Pink, Purple, White, Yellow and Bicolored
Special Features: Long Lasting with Correct Care
Buying: There are many new varieties and colors of Lisianthus. Check that there are no brown spots on the petals, which could be botrytis. Number of flowers on a stem varies. Lisianthus is a thirsty flower, so always condition it quickly.
Arranging: Lisianthus can be mixed with most flowers expect stiff ones such as Protea. Keep away from heat as Lisianthus will dry out quickly if not kept cool.
GOMPHRENA GLOBOSA
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Form: Round
Length of Stem: Medium Colors: Dark Pink, Light Pink, Red, White Special Features: Long Lasting, Easy to Grow in the Garden Buying: Look for sturdy stems that are not bent. Look for flowers that do not have brown spots or mold Arranging: Great textural and color addition to any mixed bouquet. Looks good arranged in a low cluster in modern design arrangements. |
GYPSOPHLIA (Baby’s Breath)
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Form: Spray
Length of Stem: Medium Color: White Special Features: Long Lasting with Correct Care Buying: Must be fresh. Check that foliage is not brown. Squeeze a flower to check that it bounces back. Babies Breath can be spray painted and/or glittered for the holidays or special occasion. Arranging: Delightful used on its own in sphere shapes and garlands, or mixed with other white flowers. |
HYPERICUM
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Form: Round on a Spray
Length of Stem: Medium to Long
Colors: Orange, Red, Brown, Green, Pink, White, Yellow, Cream
Special Features: Easy to Grow in the Garden, Long Lasting
Buying: Hypericum should be listed under fruits as it is not a flower. But it is so widely used in floral design, that I have included it with flowers. Check how many fruits are on a stem. There should never be black spots on the leaves.
Arranging: Hypericum is an ideal accompaniment to all mixed flower bouquets for added texture. They can be sprayed with leaf shine to give extra gloss and extend their life. They are excellent wired for wedding work, boutonnières and corsages.
Length of Stem: Medium to Long
Colors: Orange, Red, Brown, Green, Pink, White, Yellow, Cream
Special Features: Easy to Grow in the Garden, Long Lasting
Buying: Hypericum should be listed under fruits as it is not a flower. But it is so widely used in floral design, that I have included it with flowers. Check how many fruits are on a stem. There should never be black spots on the leaves.
Arranging: Hypericum is an ideal accompaniment to all mixed flower bouquets for added texture. They can be sprayed with leaf shine to give extra gloss and extend their life. They are excellent wired for wedding work, boutonnières and corsages.
LEUCADENDRON (Conebush)
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Form: Linear
Length of Stem: Long
Color: Tricolored Green Brown and Burgundy
Special Feature: Long Lasting
Buying: Make sure the bracts are upright
Arranging: Leucadendron is excellent in vase arrangements where it can last for months. Can be used long and short if the leaves are removed. Looks great with other South African flowers in a mix.
Length of Stem: Long
Color: Tricolored Green Brown and Burgundy
Special Feature: Long Lasting
Buying: Make sure the bracts are upright
Arranging: Leucadendron is excellent in vase arrangements where it can last for months. Can be used long and short if the leaves are removed. Looks great with other South African flowers in a mix.
LEUCOSPERMUM (Pin Cushion Protea)
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Form: Round
Length of Stem: Medium
Colors: Orange, Yellow
Special Feature: Long Lasting
Buying: Make sure that the leaves have a greenish tinge and that the stems are strong and will support the head
Arranging: Pin Cushion Protea is ideal for bold contemporary work. These flowers rarely wilt, so they are great for hot weather. Do not shake as the head can break off from the stem.
Length of Stem: Medium
Colors: Orange, Yellow
Special Feature: Long Lasting
Buying: Make sure that the leaves have a greenish tinge and that the stems are strong and will support the head
Arranging: Pin Cushion Protea is ideal for bold contemporary work. These flowers rarely wilt, so they are great for hot weather. Do not shake as the head can break off from the stem.
LIATRIS (Gayfeather)
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Form: Linear
Length of Stem: Medium to Long
Color: Purple
Special Feature: Long Lasting
Buying: Check that the foliage is green and the stems are not mushy. This flower opens from the top downwards. Check that there is no mold.
Arranging: The stems of Liatris a totally straight and can be arranged on their own with a frill of large leaves at the base, or they can be mixed with dramatic round flowers. They are striking in graphic contemporary designs.
Length of Stem: Medium to Long
Color: Purple
Special Feature: Long Lasting
Buying: Check that the foliage is green and the stems are not mushy. This flower opens from the top downwards. Check that there is no mold.
Arranging: The stems of Liatris a totally straight and can be arranged on their own with a frill of large leaves at the base, or they can be mixed with dramatic round flowers. They are striking in graphic contemporary designs.
MOLUCCELLA (Bells of Ireland)
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Form: Linear
Length of Stem: Long Color: Lime Green Special Features: Long Lasting, Slight Fragrance Buying: Stems should be a bright lime green with strong stems that are not bent Arranging: Bells of Ireland are lovely in mixed arrangements. Moluccella have hollow stems that a wire can be inserted into to give added support or to creat interesting curved shapes. Bells of Ireland look great in a vase surrounded with a lower ring of contrasting colors. |
MYSTERIOUS GREENIOSA (Bladder Pods) |
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Form: Round
Length of Stem: Short to Medium
Color: Lime Green
Special Feature: Long Lasting
Buying: Make sure stems are sturdy and globes are not crushed
Arranging: Wonderful used in mixed flower bouquets for added texture. Their unusual appearance works well in contemporary designs.
Length of Stem: Short to Medium
Color: Lime Green
Special Feature: Long Lasting
Buying: Make sure stems are sturdy and globes are not crushed
Arranging: Wonderful used in mixed flower bouquets for added texture. Their unusual appearance works well in contemporary designs.
PROTEA (Protea)
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Form: Round
Length of Stem: Medium Colors: Pink, Green Special Feature: Long Lasting Buying: Check to see that there are no brown spots on the head or leaves. Protea should be firm to the touch Arranging: Protea is a very impressive flower that looks good in an arrangement with other South African flowers. |
SCABIOSA (Pincushion Flower)
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Form: Round
Length of Stem: Medium
Colors: Brown (Stellata) Lavender, Pink, White
Special Features: Dries Well, Long Lasting (Stellata)
Buying: The stems of Scabiosa are not robust, so check that they are not broken and the petals are intact. The ball of the seed heads that follow the flower are round and brown with a papery texture. The name of the seed head is Scabiosa Stellata
Arranging: Scabiosa flowers look wonderful in a mixed garden arrangement. You can float the flower heads in a glass bowl. The Scabiosa seed heads are very popular and can be used for added interest and texture in any floral arrangement.
Length of Stem: Medium
Colors: Brown (Stellata) Lavender, Pink, White
Special Features: Dries Well, Long Lasting (Stellata)
Buying: The stems of Scabiosa are not robust, so check that they are not broken and the petals are intact. The ball of the seed heads that follow the flower are round and brown with a papery texture. The name of the seed head is Scabiosa Stellata
Arranging: Scabiosa flowers look wonderful in a mixed garden arrangement. You can float the flower heads in a glass bowl. The Scabiosa seed heads are very popular and can be used for added interest and texture in any floral arrangement.
SETARIA ITALICA (Foxtail Millet)
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Form: Linear
Length of Stem: Medium to Long
Color: Soft Greenish Brown
Special Features: Long Lasting, Dries Well
Buying: Check to see that the Millet sprays are not moldy and the stems are strong and not broken
Arranging: Foxtail Millet has a wonderful draping quality and looks good in mixed arrangement grouped to form a side drape. Millet has a wonderful textural quality. Looks nice spray painted for use in special holiday or event arrangements.
Length of Stem: Medium to Long
Color: Soft Greenish Brown
Special Features: Long Lasting, Dries Well
Buying: Check to see that the Millet sprays are not moldy and the stems are strong and not broken
Arranging: Foxtail Millet has a wonderful draping quality and looks good in mixed arrangement grouped to form a side drape. Millet has a wonderful textural quality. Looks nice spray painted for use in special holiday or event arrangements.
SOLIDAGO
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Form: Spray
Length of Stem: Long Color: Yellow Special Feature: Easy to Grow in the Garden Buying: Purchase stems with more open blossoms as the tight buds do not open. The some rule applies to Solidaster which has star-shaped flowers that are slightly larger. Arranging: Solidago works well as a filler and works great with strong form round flowers, to give a contrast of form and textures. |
VERONICA (Veronica)
Form: Linear
Length of Stem: Medium Colors: Purple, Dark Pink, Blue, Pale Pink. White Buying: Do not buy Veronica that has floppy tips. Check that the foliage does not look dry. Arranging: Veronica adds a gentle linear line to mixed bunches. Very popular in bridal bouquets |
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ZINGIBER SPECTABILE (Beehive Ginger)
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Form: Round
Length of Stem: Medium to Long
Color: Golden Yellow with Pinkish Tones, Orange
Special Features: Long Lasting
Buying: An exotic flower that looks like a beehive. There should be not brown spots on the flower. Does not like cold weather.
Arranging: Zingiber Spectabile is a form of true ginger. Most people think it is a Protea, since it has a similar shape. Beehive ginger is heavy and often used low in arrangements. Use as you would use a protea, or multiple beehives on their own in a sturdy vase with a wide bottom
Length of Stem: Medium to Long
Color: Golden Yellow with Pinkish Tones, Orange
Special Features: Long Lasting
Buying: An exotic flower that looks like a beehive. There should be not brown spots on the flower. Does not like cold weather.
Arranging: Zingiber Spectabile is a form of true ginger. Most people think it is a Protea, since it has a similar shape. Beehive ginger is heavy and often used low in arrangements. Use as you would use a protea, or multiple beehives on their own in a sturdy vase with a wide bottom