By Monika Dziamka on May 4, 2012 in
Your mother is resilient and strong; therefore, it just wouldn't do to give her flowers this Mother's Day that were anything less. Before you reach for the red roses, consider these 10 other flower options that will also capture Mom's uniqueness. The Society of American Florists states that big color trends for 2012 include hot pink and orange; purple paired with yellow or bright green and magenta; pink, coral and turquoise together; and shades of orange hues (from delicate peaches to vivid tangerines).
Jennifer Sparks, vice president of marketing at SAF, says that monochromatic bouquets are currently very popular as well. Consider combining multiple types of flowers all in one color family--you'll have a striking arrangement with texture and dimension, whether you choose a trendy or traditional tone. Another idea is to choose color combinations from above and to stick just to one specific type of flower
Whatever ends up in your bouquet, remind Mom of these tips to keep the flowers looking their best:
- Before putting fresh flowers in a vase, trim flower stems at an angle, which will give the flower better water access once it is submerged.
- Re-trim the stems every couple of days, using scissors that are sharp and clean. Blunt scissors can crush the stem, which will restrict water flow.
- Trim away or keep lower petals and leaves out of water as best as possible to avoid rot.
- Mix lukewarm water with the food packet that usually comes with flowers. If you don't have the packet or want to try something different, try these recipes. To keep flowers looking new, use cold water or even add in a few ice cubes to maintain a cooler temperature. If blooms are looking especially dry, submerge the bouquet in cool water for up to a couple of hours for an all-around refresher.
- Change out the water every couple of days or when it becomes cloudy. If the vase feels slimy or has an unpleasant smell, wash the vase thoroughly before adding new water to get rid of bacteria.
- Position flowers away from drafts and direct sunlight, preferably in a naturally cooler room.
- Keep flowers away from fruit and older flowers--these can give off ethylene gas, which causes flowers to wilt prematurely. Trim away dying buds and leaves in bouquets, and keep flowers out of the refrigerator, which can also have levels of ethylene gas from food kept inside.
For our picks of the most beautiful and long-lasting cut flowers to try this Mother's Day explore our slideshow below.
Peonies come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors—some, like the Alexander Fleming or the Amalia Olson varieties, which was named Peony of the Year for 2012 by the American Peony Society, are lusciously fragrant. Since peak season is now, April–June, ask your florist about less common varieties like the Candy Stripe, which is white with magenta streaks.
Hydrangeas provide a cheerful poof of petals in their usual blue, white, or pink varieties. Hardy stems and few leaves make them perfect for arranging, and their delicate, sweet fragrance is sure to please Mom.
Alliums are perhaps more commonly seen in purple; but these lollipop look-alikes can also be in shades of white, pink, red, yellow, and blue and can last more than two weeks. Because they sometimes exude a slight onion smell, add a drop of bleach to the water to maintain fresh air.
Alstroemeria, also known as the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, comes in shades of yellow, pinks, reds, whites, and oranges; stays full-bodied for two or more weeks; and is a staple of even the grocery store florist. Inner streaks of color can be very bright and eye-catching. These often-underrated blooms look extraordinary in a big bunch, but pair delightfully with true lilies and all kinds of other flowers.
Another classic yet under-appreciated flower, the carnation might just be the hardiest cut flower on the market. It can last for several weeks in a vase, and the colors are endless. Look out for unique breeds, like the Florigene Moonseries, a series of specially created flowers in varying shades of purple—Moonvista is so dark that it’s almost black, while Moonaqua is a pale, pastel hue. To go with the SAF theme of purple with bright green, pair purple carnations with a carnation cousin, the Dianthus Barbatus (see next slide).
The “Green Trick” Dianthus Barbatus won the 2008 award for best novelty flower at the World Association of Flower Arrangers’ World Flower Show, and it has been wowing flower lovers ever since. With an up to 4-week vase life, this naturally green fuzz ball adds whimsy and vibrancy to any arrangement. As with carnations, it’s best to trim the stems in between the little joint sections to ensure good water flow.
Fragrant, large, and undeniably spectacular, lilies are an easy find. One stem can produce several flowers; mix and match with variations for a burst of color or pair with other blooms in the same shade to add perfume. The Royal Sunset lily, red with a fiery orange interior, is a brilliant choice to try and was chosen by the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers as one of the best for 2012. But because lilies can be toxic to animals, keep all parts of the plant away from pets.
Mother Goose was onto something when she sang, “Cut thistles in May/They’ll grow in a day…” Ask your florist to trim these beauties well, and what’ll be left behind is an arresting flower ranging in tones of blue and purple to white. Echinops, or globe thistles, have nice, round shapes, while other varieties have a more bristle-y or even sunburst look. As a bonus, they dry exceptionally well.
Gladiolas: These sculptural beauties make a grand statement, trimmed and arranged with other flowers or as a dramatic bouquet all on their own. Find them in shades of yellow, orange, pink, red, green, white, and purple and look for hybrid baby versions too. Buds not opening? Cover the tops loosely in plastic for several hours to trap heat.
“Orchids are all the rage, especially mokara, phalaenopsis, and cymbidium,” says Jennifer Sparks, vice president of marketing at the Society of American Florists. Use warmer water when first submerging stems in a vase, and mist buds occasionally with a spray bottle. To encourage sleepy buds to bloom, put the orchid in a slightly sunnier place but still away from direct sunlight.
