What’s your favourite season? My go to answer is Autumn. I love the rich, warm colours, the crispy sound of leaves as you walk through the woods, the cosiness of a comfy jumper whilst sipping a warming drink, the appreciation of the British weather, usually after a disappointing summer.
But, as I sit in my home studio writing this blog, I may be changing my mind. On my desk are some ‘leftovers’ from last week; seasonal Spring flowers, tulips, hyacinths, daffodils… The colour and smells are so enticing that you cannot fail to be impressed by what nature has chosen to provide us with as we start another year.
So, taking that as my inspiration, I thought I would share some tips for keeping your seasonal blooms in tip top condition. This is not an exhaustive list but, hopefully, it will provide you with some new knowledge, along with a few random facts and figures. I hope you enjoy reading it.
Daffodils (Narcissus)
Sometimes referred to as Lent Lilies, due to the fact that they tend to bloom between Ash Wednesday and Easter, there are over 13,000 different types of daffodils.
They brighten up the garden with a burst of colour but, as a cut flower, they are a little tricky.
Most florists would advise you to regularly cut the bottom off your flowers to encourage them to drink. However, daffodils give off a toxic sap when you cut their stems which affects other flowers.
So, if you receive a mixed spring bouquet, make sure you stand the daffodils alone in clean water for 24 hours after recutting, before adding back to the rest of the bunch. Or just put them in their own vase from the outset. – a few stems in a bud vase look amazing.
Final tip – wash hands and scissors after touch and don’t use any flower food as this encourages the sap to flow.
Tulip
Tulips have their own little agenda. If they arrive with white ends then cut that part off, otherwise they will not take up water.
Tulips continue to grow in the vase, so you may choose to reduce the stem length if you want a neat look, or not, your choice.
Tulips are also ‘phototropic’, meaning they grow towards the light, so they are best placed in a spot that is equally lit from all sides.
Hyacinth
These are my absolute favourite spring flower. Their fragrance is intoxicating and I always try to include them in my seasonal posies.
You can recut the stems but, unlike tulips, do not completely remove the white bulbous end, as this stops them drinking. Hyacinths are also toxic – they produce oxalic acid which can irritate the skin so either wear a pair of gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after touching them.
Finally, as they bloom, they become top heavy. You can support each bloom by pushing a garden cane or stick up the stem, or supporting each bloom within a vase of flowers, rather than around the edges.
Muscari (Grape Hyacinth)
Although not directly related to the hyacinth, this delicate flower has the same care requirements. It has a delicate stem and comes in shades of violet blue.
Anemone
Anemones, members of the buttercup family, have been used for medicinal purposes since Roman times. They are generally richly coloured, with papery like petals and a velvety centre.
Like tulips, they continue to grow in the vase and curve towards the light. They are thirsty flowers, so keep the water topped up.
They also open up quickly in warm conditions so, if you want them to last, choose a cool, light spot to display them.
Ranunculus
Another member of the buttercup family, ranunculus are known for their tightly packed, paper-thin petals, almost rose like in appearance.
Again, they tend to curve towards the light.
Their name comes from the Latin word for ‘frog’, which refers to the swampy places that they naturally grow in.
Hellebore
Hellebores are perfect for a winter wedding – Hellebore Niger is known as the Christmas Rose, and some in shade of white, green and mauve.
They are thirsty flowers and can droop quite quickly. Flowers which have developed a seed head will have a longer vase life.
Hellebores are another spring flower that can be an irritant to the skin and are toxic if ingested.
A short, vertical cut in the stem will encourage them to drink more water.
Snowdrop (Galanthus)
Snowdrops are one of the first flowering bulbs to appear and last about 4 days in a vase of water.
Some species are threatened in their natural habitat and, in most countries, it is now illegal to collect bulbs from the wild.
These final 3 are garden shrubs rather than flowers but are always a staple part of a spring bouquet or arrangement.
Acacia
Also known as Mimosa or Wattle, Acacia is a member of the pea family.
It is not subtle. The bright yellow flowers have a soft, woolly appearance with a delightful fragrance.
Handle with care as the stems have small thorns.
Acacia is traditionally handed out to females in Italy to celebrate International Women’s Day – Tuesday 8th March 2022.
Genista (Broom)
Genista has sweetly scented, pea shaped flowers on tall, leafless stems.
You should ensure that no flowers are submerged as this can cause bacteria in the water.
Generally white or yellow in its natural environment, Genista is often dyed in a range if bright colours.
Forsythia
Forsythia is a popular yellow flowered shrub found in many UK gardens.
As a cut flower, it will last for around 7 days in a vase. You should change the water every couple of days, re cutting the stems each time.
Forsythia is named after one of the founders of the Royal Horticultural Society, Scottish horticulturalist William Forsyth.
So, what did I learn as I wrote this month’s blog? That seasonal Spring flowers can be tricky little devils, each with their own unique requirements. So, next time someone gives you a mixed spring bouquet, or if you raid your own flower bed, I hope that you will find this guide helpful to get the most out of your blooms.
Until next month, I will leave you with a final nugget of knowledge. One Snowdrop bulb, Galanthus plicatus ‘Golden Tears’ has recently sold on eBay for £1850. Snowdrop fans, known as galanthophiles, include Lord Heseltine, who has more than 700 varieties.