Arlene Wright-Correll

• email: askarlene@scrtc.com

• http://www.learn-america.com

Some Thoughts about Flowers©

By Arlene Wright-Correll (art work by Arlene Wright-Correll)

When words escape, flowers speak. While they may not last as long as diamonds, flowers are forever. We associate flower with the special times of our lives. Birthdays, marriages, farewells…No occasion goes without the fragrance of flowers.

When we wish to convey passion, respect, congratulations, or apology to the people most precious to us, only flowers will do.

Flower- The Perfect gifts

Flowers are the perfect gifts for any occasion, especially for those close to us.
Flowers always bring on a smile and brighten up our day. Sending flowers to someone always make a person feel special. Many people described the flowers in different ways.

John Ruskin had associated the kindness of a person to the flower as

“Kind hearts are the garden,
Kind thoughts are the root
Kind words are the blossoms,
Kind deeds are the fruit.”

In his poem “The Daffodils”, the great poet William Wordsworth writes about the attraction the sight of a garden of golden daffodil flower holds and the effect the beauty of the flowers has on a person.

"I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze."

He sees the daffodil flower as a representation of everything sprightly and jovial. The sight of the dancing daffodil leaves such an imprint of cheer and glee on his mind that whenever he sits gloomy, he finds inspiration and joy from the memories of the daffodils. The smile of the daffodil almost becomes an inner voice which drives away his loneliness.

Planting Daffodil Flowers

Glynis gave me some daffodil bulbs for my birthday and she planted them down by the mail box at the end of the driveway.  As of this writing they have not come up yet. I firmly believe that Daffodils, like tulips and hyacinths should be planted in the fall.

Daffodils are perhaps the world most popular choice among the bulbs to be planted in the gardens.

planted in any landscape. They can be lined up beside your driveway or walkway, you can plant daffodils flowers around deciduous trees or plant them independently in clusters in gardens or place them in pots at your doorstep. Wherever you  plant the daffodils, they will bring color and beauty to your home.

The attraction of the daffodil flowers lies in their variety of colors. Daffodils come in every wide range of colors and sizes. Daffodils are also one of the permanently flowering plants. The daffodils grow every year. In fact, their growth increases every year. Daffodils flowers can also withstand hot summers and cold winters.

So, it is easy see why planting daffodil flowers can be a very attractive addition to your garden.

Ideal time for planting Daffodil flowers

Thanksgiving Day is past. The soil temperature will be cool now. This is perhaps the best time for plating daffodil flowers.

Origins of Daffodil flowers

Daffodil flowers have been believed to have their origins in Asia and Southern Europe. The Daffodils are commonly known as the Trumpet flowers. This is because of the common variety of daffodil flowers which has a long cup that is surrounded by six long petals, giving it the resemblance to a trumpet

Daffodil flowers are available in different varieties; in fact there have been about 25,000 different daffodil flower types.

Now let us learn a few tips for planting daffodil flowers:

The first thing we have to do while planting daffodil flowers is of course to choose the daffodil bulbs you want to plant.

Planting daffodil flowers:

Choosing daffodil flowers

Daffodil bulbs can be bought at any nursery or garden centers. To purchase more unusual varieties, look for catalogs that specialize in bulbs, particularly Dutch bulb catalogs.

Daffodil flowers are separated into different sizes based on their noses and tips. The daffodil bulbs are designated as DNI or DNII. These names indicate whether each daffodil bulb will be producing one flower or two flowers.

Bulbs are sized by their noses or tips. Look for the designations DN I or DN II when purchasing. This indicates that each bulb will produce one or two flowers.

When choosing bulbs, remember that a naturalizing group will bloom intermittently over a long period of time.

If you choose to go with one or two varieties, you will have most of your blooms at the same time.

Planting daffodil flowers: Soil Requirements

Soil which is not too dry is the best suitable soil for planting daffodils.
The soil for planting the daffodils should be loose. Plant the daffodils about 5 to 8 inches deep in the soil. The exact depth to which the daffodil flowers will be planted depends upon the size of the bulb size. The larger bulbs will be planted deeper than the smaller bulbs. Leave a space of about 2 to 6 inches between each bulb.

Planting daffodil flowers: Use of fertilizers

Adding fertilizers to daffodil flower plants is not an absolutely necessary. But adding fertilizers can be good for the development of the daffodil flowers.

Planting daffodil flowers: Watering Daffodil plants

Watering daffodil flowers is very important. The daffodil flowers need moisture continuously. Daffodil flowers cannot grow in dry conditions. So keep watering the daffodil flowers regularly to keep them moist and fresh.

When displaying daffodils as cut flowers, be aware that daffodils and tulips do not mix well in the same vase. The sap from the daffodils will kill the tulips. To make them compatible, place the daffodils in a separate vase for 24 hours before mixing with tulips.

If you want the daffodil flowers to be healthy and continue flowering for coming years, fertilize after blooming is over. After that, keep adding fertilizers every two weeks.

Don’t ever cut the foliage before it dies back. The daffodil bulbs use the nutrients from the foliage to continue blooming every year.

Thanksgiving Decoration Tips

Everybody takes time to decorate their homes for Thanksgiving. A beautiful centerpiece for the dining table, flower bouquets and flower vases with fragrant flowers, all play a part in making your home pleasant and inviting for your guests.

Here are some Thanksgiving decoration tips to complete your Thanksgiving decorations in smaller budgets. Using flowers from your garden and simple decorative pieces from your own home may make your Thanksgiving decoration cheaper and also give you the satisfaction of creating things and making the decorations on your own.

Thanksgiving decoration tips

Thanksgiving decoration tip 1: Follow a color scheme.  The autumn flavor is colors like bright yellow and red. Make these colors your choice while you are buying ribbons and other fabrics for bouquets and other decorations.

Thanksgiving decoration tip 2: Gather the flowers.  If you don’t want to spend much on the flowers or if you have a garden with useful flower blooms, take time to collect flowers and twigs. Go outdoors and choose all the flowers, sticks and branches that may be useful for your decorations.

Thanksgiving decoration tip 3: Centerpiece is the main attraction.

Without a doubt the centerpiece will be the main catcher of all your Thanksgiving decorations. Use the flower blooms and the branches that you collected to make an attractive centerpiece for your table.

First select an attractively shaped branch. Glue your leaves and braches to this main branch. Make sure you follow the basic shape of the centerpiece that you intend to create. The generally used Thanksgiving decoration centerpieces will be either round or cone shape. Keep in mind the shape that you want to create.
 
Fill in greens in the centerpiece to draw attention to the colors of the flowers used and also to fill in the centerpiece without leaving any gaps.

Thanksgiving decoration tip 4: Accessories for your Centerpiece. Once the centerpiece is completed, you can keep it on the table. Place some attractive Indian corn and gourds from a local grocery store next to the centerpiece on the table.

Thanksgiving decoration tip 5: Use lots of candles.  Candles have a very inviting luster that lights up the room. Make use of the warmth of the candles to illuminate your house and add attraction to your decorations.  Select candles of different sizes and shapes. Candles displayed in the right corners can provide an ambient atmosphere in the room.

Follow the above Thanksgiving decoration tips to add your personal touch to your home decorations this Thanksgiving.  Just remember – it takes just a bit of interest, lots of patience and a bit of imagination; make the time – You will be pleasantly surprised by the results.

ROSE--The Queen of flowers

appearance and performance. They will open at different rates and in different ways.

Some will open widely (such as Konfetti, Orange Unique and Black Magic) while others will just unfurl (such as Ilio, Gypsy Curiosa and Nicole).

Roses of different colors represent different emotions.

Red rose: Love; I love you
Pink rose: Perfect happiness
Deep pink rose: Thank you
Light pink rose: Admiration
Dark crimson rose: Mourning
White rose: Innocence and purity
White with red roses: Unity
Yellow rose: Friendship

Even the way the Roses are presented symbolize different moods and carry different messages.

Lilac Flower

Lilac flower welcome the spring with their enchanting fragrance. Lilac flowers are known for their charm and their fragrance. Initially, the lilac flowers were seen in only a few colors- mostly purple and white but there are many varieties, colors and shapes of lilac flower available now.

Lilac flower: Fragrance

The most obvious feature of a lilac flower is its fragrance. Different varieties of lilac flower show various degrees of fragrance- ranging from slightly sweet to pungent. White lilac flower is known to give out the best fragrance.

Lilac flower: Overview

Lilac flower belongs to genus Syringa. The lilac flower is native to Asia. The common lilac flower belongs to species S.Vulgaris. All the lilac flowers of syringa species are known for their attractive fragrance. And among all lilac flowers, the most fragrant is the S.pubescens. This lilac flower is native of China and gives a very pleasant, sweet scent.

Lilac flower: Shrubs and trees.

The lilac flower grows on shrubs. Sometimes these shrubs can become very large growing to a considerable size. On the other hand, we can also actually find some lilac flower trees. These lilac flower trees can grow to a size of a mango tree . They provide good shade

Lilac flower: Flowering

The lilac flower trees give flowers very late compared to other common lilac plants. They usually flower about one week to 10 days later after the early lilac flowers bloom. But the late lilac flower blooms have a distinctive smell and these are mostly hybrid plants

Growing lilac flower plants

Growing lilac flower plants is very easy. The lilac flower doesn’t need a lot of food or a lot of care. So it is easy to grow lilac flower and take care of them. Lilacs need good sun, and should be planted in good garden soil with a slightly alkaline nature. Lilac flower grows best in cold climate.

LILAC--In winters

It is a shrub that does best where winters are cold but there are varieties (most called Descanso hybrids) for mild-winter climate also and many more.

Growing and Caring for Azalea plants

Spring brings with it the beautiful blooms of Azalea plants. Azalea plants are beautiful semi evergreen shrubs. They are a kind of Rhododendron flowers and belong to the family Ericaceae.

Southeastern Asia, North America and Southern Europe. A distinctive feature of Azalea plants are large clusters of pink, red, orange, yellow, purple, or white flowers. Azaleas form flower buds in late summer and autumn, and bloom in the spring. Gentle forcing will produce flowers in the house during the winter and very early spring. Azalea plants are best suited for use in an informal garden that has partial shade.

Unlike non-azalea rhododendrons which have flowers in trusses- which are groups of many flowers, Azalea plants have single flowers rather than trusses.

Many hybrid azalea plants have been created and about 10000 different species have been created so far. Plant enthusiasts continue to grow new azalea plant varieties.

AZALEA--The blooms

Flowering indoor azaleas bloom in a variety of colors such as white, pink, lavender, and coral. Azaleas prefer bright filtered light and even moisture. Indoor azaleas are kept as foliage plants after blooming because they are not hardy but can be placed outdoors for the summer and into the cool fall days. Azaleas should then be brought indoors and kept cool until it blooms again.

Pink Azalea plant

Pink azalea plant is very appealing with beautiful blooms and nice fragrance. Pink azalea presents delicate individual blooms. Azalea plants show terminal blooms-that is one flower per flower stem. There are many stems and when they flower, they appear as bunches of colorful specks.

Growing Azalea plants

Planting Azalea flowers plants

Azaleas are grown from seed and propagated by stem cuttings.  Though Azalea flowers grow best in spring, Azalea flowers can be grown at any time of the year. Fall is however the best time to plant new azalea flowers plants.

Purchasing Azalea plants

While buying an Azalea plant, the size of the plant is not important. You can also buy either an azalea plant which is potted or a stem wrap.

Consider however, the possible final size of the flowers and the resistance and cold bearing capacity of the plant. These details will be given at the nurseries.

Azalea plants grow to small heights, sometimes reaching a maximum of only two feet. Some azalea plants can on the other hand grow to heights of twelve feet. Your choice should depend on your requirement and the layout of your garden.

You can also balance the blooming of the flowers by a bit of planning certain plants which bloom early in the season and some which bloom later. This will keep up a presence of azalea flowers blooms throughout the season.

Azalea plant requirements

Azalea plants need to be grown in acid soil, with a pH of around 5.0 to 6.5 . Materials that make soils more acid are ferrous sulfate or copperas, iron chelate, and finely ground dusting sulfur. Adding liberal amounts of peat moss and decaying oak leaves also tends to make the soil more acid.

Azalea plants must be planted in areas receiving direct sunlight in the mornings for a few hours.

The Azalea plants should be in shade during the hottest part of the day.

Planting Azalea flower plants  

To plant the azalea root ball, you should dig a whole which is double its size and goes about 1-11/2 times deeper. Mix compost and peat moss into the soil.

Loosen up the roots of the azalea plant when you are removing it from the plant and planting in the ground. This will make them adjust better to the new soil.

Add a small amount of rhododendron food into the hole.

Now fill up the hole neatly and water it very thoroughly.

Maintain the azalea plants very carefully.

Remember that the buds for the next year’s blooms will be formed now. You need to remove the faded and dried blooms to facilitate budding.  

Azalea plants grow slowly and rarely need pruning. However, to maintain them at a certain size or to increase the density of their growth, azaleas may be pruned immediately after they've completed flowering, just as the new growth is being produced. These shrubs bloom each spring on the previous season's growth, having formed buds by summer's end, so don't prune them after early summer lest you sacrifice next year's flowers.

Ranunculus Flowers  

I have yet to plant a Ranunculus, but I know a little about them.

Ranunculus--The Spring flowers are bright, rounded flowers atop dense green parsley-like foliage. A great plant for spring color with shades of red, purple, yellow, white, pink, and orange typically not kept as a houseplant, but can be used outdoors in the spring and summer.  

Ranunculus flowers Colors

Ranunculus flowers are seen in winter and spring. Ranunculus flowers are found in many different attractive colors like the yellow, white, red and pink. You can even find copper Ranunculus flowers and the and also Ranunculus flowers with dark and yellow circles.

Ranunculus flowers are brilliantly colored and are very attractive and special. The Ranunculus flowers are mostly in multiple layers with very thin petals.  Ranunculus flowers can also be very long-lasting cut flowers. Ranunculus bulbs are also available widely and especially in mild-winter climates. Ranunculus flowers last up to six weeks.

Ranunculus flowers are mostly fully double, 3-6 inches. The Bloomingdale variety however has a very short stem and flowers as double flowers.

Ranunculus Flowers care:

Tips: Remove all foliage, re-cut stems and change water regularly. The stems are inclined to buckle. If you don't want them curvy, insert a flower wire to keep them upright.

Tips for growing Ranunculus flowers

Step 1: Choosing Ranunculus tubers

Ranunculus tubers can be very dry and hard when you are choosing them in a store, but they can get very softened and plump by absorbing moisture. There is no need to soak them in water before planting. The moisture they absorb themselves is mostly enough. More water can make them like a much and useless for planting.

Step 2: Choose a location

For planting the Ranunculus flowers, the location should be very sunny and the soil should be well drained. The cool soil of fall and early spring offers some protection from rotting, but soil that is never soggy gives extra insurance.

Step 3 : Planting Ranunculus flowers

The Ranunculus tubers should be planted with their claws pointing end down. Space them 8 to 12 inches apart.

Ranunculus flowers as cut flowers

Ranunculus flowers can last up to 7 days after being cut, This makes them a good cut flower. Ranunculus flowers are also comparatively very inexpensive.

Ranunculus flowers are to be cut when they first show color in the early mornings. The moisture they absorb at nights gives them their best possible color and look in the early hours.

Arranging Flowers

Arranging orchid flowers is easier than arranging flowers of any other type. Because, when simply placed in the vase, the orchids arch down and fill the complete space the vase covers. They fall in a nice shapely arrangement by themselves.

Steps for arranging flowers

•For arranging flowers in a loose arrangement, you can just clip the ends of the stems .
•Catch all flowers in a hand and clip out the extra ends .making a nice overall shape.
•Place the bunch in the vase and adjust the flowers to fill the vase on completely stretch them further around to.
•You can trim the flowers regularly to keep the flowers fresh for longer time.  

Arranging flowers: Growing hobby

Arranging flowers and making flower bouquets is becoming a favorite hobby for many people –of all ages. Many people are opting for arranging flowers themselves for presenting to their loved ones on birthdays, anniversaries and other different occasions. This way, along with the lovely message that flowers alone can convey, flower arrangements add a personal creative touch to the gift.

Benefits of arranging flowers

You can save money by making your own arrangements for gifting friends.

Arranging flowers can be very economical if you have habit of giving out flower arrangements for a large group of friends on many occasions.

Arranging flowers can be a very pleasant hobby and a great stress reliever.

Tips for arranging flowers

Explained below are some simple tips fro arranging flowers to make the perfect flower arrangement.

Arranging Flowers Tip 1: Maintain Balance

The size of the flower arrangement should be around one and half times the size of the container.

Arranging Flowers Tip 4: Keep in cool place

Before arranging flowers in to the vase, keep them in cool place. You can cut the tips of the stems and place them in lukewarm water and store them in cool place.

Arranging Flowers Tip 5: Add Lemon –lime soda

Adding a quarter of lemon-lime soda to three-quarters of water will keep the flowers fresh for longer periods.

Victorian Flowers

Victorian women elaborated on Floriography i.e. assigning meanings to flowers.

Flowers afforded the Victorian women a silent language. They used the Victorian flowers to communicate any sentiments that the society of those times would not normally allow.

This communication using flowers became very popular among lovers. Even today this practice is followed. Not only flowers but also anything like a handkerchief carrying the smell of the particular plant would convey the same message.

Of course, more than one type of flower may be used to convey one's message, just as one flower can have many meanings depending upon color and size.

Messages of Victorian flowers

Single flowers could convey feelings just as strongly as an arrangement. Presenting these flowers to the receiver in the upright position is a friendly gesture and upside down had the opposite meaning.

The message didn't have to be conveyed through a live flower, necessarily. Either cards such as decorated with the right flowers could speak volumes. A personal gift such as a floral embroidered hanky revealed feelings also.

Victorian flowers: Language

Even Queen Victoria believed in the language of Victorian flowers. So she had Myrtle (a kind of flower) in her bridal bouquet which symbolizes love and marriage. She later planted it. So even to this day, at every royal wedding in England, a piece of her myrtle is either tucked into the bride's bouquet, or is added to one of the floral arrangements at the wedding breakfast.

Lavender flowers

Lavender flowers add beauty to your garden by their variety of colors and their rich foliage. Lavender colors are found in a wide range of colors - from the pure white color to the bright purples.

The Lavender leaves are also very colorful and add to the attraction of the lavender flowers. Apart from the beauty of the

blooms, lavender flowers are also useful in many other ways. Dried lavender flowers are used potpourri to oil, in preparation of aromatherapy products, colognes, lotions and soaps. Lavender wands are also very popular in use.

LAVENDER flowers --For the fragrance

foliage and sweet smelling flowers, it is sought-after for hundreds of other uses.

Lavender flowers is antibacterial, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, antiviral, anticoagulant, carminative, cordial, deodorant, decongestant, diuretic, hypotensive, insecticidal,
parasiticidal, restorative, sedative, tonic, vermifugal, and vulnerary.

Lavender flowers work well in the treatment of acne, eczema, dermatitis, fungus, burns and wounds. Research shows that lavender is beneficial for the treatment of indigestion, hypoglycemia, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, kidney stones and anemia. It is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.

Besides its countless medicinal properties, lavender has many uses around the home, in the car and at the office. Used alone or blended together with other flowers, leaves, and pods, lavender potpourri is delightful to perfume an entire room. Hence lavenders are very useful.

Lavender flowers: Marital Bliss

Many legendary stories associate lavender flowers with marital bliss and harmony among a married couple. It is believed that the couple who place lavender flowers on their bed will never quarrel. In fact, using lavender flowers in decorating rooms can be seen in many traditions.

Lavender flowers are available in different varieties -some of which are the Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) and French lavender (L. dentata).All these varieties of lavender flowers were used as herbs in Roman baths.

Some lavender flowers come with different unusual flower heads. Some lavender flowers are identified through their flower heads and sizes, while some other lavender flowers are identified, some other lavender flowers standout in the garden among other flowers for their attractive, while others are garden standouts for the color and shape of their foliage

Some other lavender flowers

Some other lavender flowers varieties are the 'Silver Frost', 'Ana Luisa', 'Richard Gray', and 'Sawyers'

Lavender flowers: As dry flowers

Lavender flowers are also used a lot as dry flowers also. Dark purple flowers are mostly used as dry flowers. For the use as dry flowers, dark lavender flowers are preferred. Many people find that the darker the lavenders, the more attractive they will are.

Lavender flowers plants like sun and well-draining soil and grow best in such soil. The lavender flowers where the plant is nourished well and planted in well aired soil bloom in bright colors and stays longer.

Different Types of flowers

The beauty of the flowers lies in their softness, their pleasant fragrance and their different colors. Many flowers come in different colors , some of which are found commonly but some colors are rare and this rarity add a which adds their beauty and makes them even more exotic.

Types of flowers for occasions

There are many flowers which have become so much a part of life by being used for so many occasions that it is difficult to remember the specific emotion they represent. But still even the colors of flowers and the different ways of presenting a bouquet can mean different messages.

Different uses of different types of flowers

Going to some of the interesting facts about flowers, where does the fragrance of flowers come from?

Fragrance in flowers is nature’s way of encouraging pollination. Just as fragrance draw people to take a deeper breath it lures insects to blossoms hidden by leaves and other plants. Some flowers are fragrant only at night times and attract only night flying pollinators while others are more fragrant during the day times. The fragrance comes from essential oils called attars that vaporize easily and infuse the air with their scents. They are present in different combinations in different in different flowers.

Apart from conveying messages, giving out fragrance, flowers are of high medicinal value and are used in different medicines.

The Japanese people have great respect towards flowers because they form a part of their art. Inside their homes many Japanese have an alcove or special place that is decorated with flowers and plants to show the changing of the seasons. Japanese people often make field trips (like "pilgrimages") to see the flowers and trees in different seasons.

Amaryllis Flowers

Amaryllis flowers History

Amaryllis flowers history is very fascinating. Presently the amaryllis flowers are usually associated with Holland mostly but the amaryllis flowers have not originated in that place.

for plants in Chile. In this expedition, he spotted very vibrant blooms on a Chilean mountain.

Beauty of Amaryllis flowers

He was amused by their beauty and is said to have shouted with joy at the spectacular sight of the beautiful amaryllis flowers. The name amaryllis flowers are based on the name of Greek Mythology- Amaryllis is the name of a Greek Shepherdess. The amaryllis flowers later reached Europe where they were hybridized. The hybridizers from Holland experimented with the different varieties of the Amaryllis flowers and made the large-flowered amaryllis flowers that can be seen today.

Other names of amaryllis flowers

Amaryllis flowers are also called as the flowering bulb Hippeastrum. Modern hybrids of Amaryllis flowers are called Giant Amaryllis flowers or the Royal Dutch amaryllis flowers.

Colors of Amaryllis flowers

Amaryllis flowers are noted for their flamboyance and the delightful colors. The amaryllis flowers are known for their bright colors and their big flowers. Now, almost two centuries later, their flamboyant, robust flowers continue to delight.

Amaryllis flowers are sold at nurseries and garden centers as indoor flowering plants. Amaryllis is perfect for adding colorful punch to buffet tables, sophisticated cocktail parties or traditional family gatherings.

Amaryllis flowers for decorations

Apart from the holiday seasons when amaryllis flowers are in much use for decorations in parties and other occasions, amaryllis flowers can be enjoyed all the year long. The amaryllis flowers varieties flower from spring through winter in places such as the San Diego. Amaryllis flowers become very soft and tender in the cold climates.

Growing Amaryllis flowers

Growing amaryllis flowers is very easy. Planting and growing amaryllis flowers is so easy that it can be said that any person who cannot grow amaryllis flowers may very well quit the idea of gardening.  "They want to grow and flower, even without water or sun light," Threadgill says. "If a person can't grow an amaryllis, then it's better to take up bowling or some other hobby than gardening."

Amaryllis flowers: Climate

In a moderately cool climate, amaryllis bulbs stay fresh and healthy for nearly an year. In warmer temperatures, the amaryllis flowers flower in about two tofour weeks. The amaryllis flowers don’t grow very well only in one month of the year- August.

Amaryllis flowers as Holiday gifts

Amaryllis flowers are associated mostly with fall through winter. Amaryllis flowers are a very popular in the holiday season as gifts for friends and for decorations. The actual time for amaryllis flowers to bloom is in the months of May and June. But the amaryllis flowers are dug from the ground and chilled for blooming in the months of December.

Amaryllis flowers can grow in December provided they have been chilled for many months. But this is true for only some varieties of the amaryllis flowers. Some of such varieties are the South African bulbs. When the bulbs are dug out and planted in pots, the amaryllis flowers appear in about one month. The South African bulbs are sold as Christmas amaryllis.

Amaryllis flowers: Varieties

With growing popularity, an amaryllis flower is being grown in different areas and indifferent colors. The amaryllis flowers are now not restricted to a few colors such as the white, orange, red, and pink. The amaryllis flowers are now grown in different colors and different sizes. The new amaryllis flowers are even available as double colored flowers and bloom in bold colors, pastels and bicolor.

Amaryllis flowers: Categories

Amaryllis flowers are separated into five main categories. The five categories are :

Large flowered, small flowered, trumpets, double-flowered and cybister.

Large flowered amaryllis flowers: Large-flowered are the most popular and widely grown. The large flowered amaryllis flowers are about 8 to 10 inches in diameter. The stems of these large amaryllis flowers also grow to about 2 feet tall. The large flowered amaryllis flowers are available in a range of colors, bicolor or striped.

Small-flowered amaryllis flowers: Small-flowered amaryllis flowers are called miniature amaryllis flowers produce flowers which are up to 3 to 5 inches in diameter on stems of up to 12 to 15 inches. The amaryllis flowers bulbs of this variety are often a little smaller.

Trumpet Amaryllis flowers: Trumpet amaryllis flowers are named so because of the shape of the flowers. These amaryllis flowers resemble lilies. These flowers are lightly scented.

Double flowered Amaryllis flowers: Double-flowered amaryllis flowers refer to the increased number of petals on each flower head. The trumpet amaryllis is available in pure red, pure white, or with red or blush pink edges and stripes.

Cybister amaryllis flowers: Cybister amaryllis flowers are perhaps the most unusual type of amaryllis flowers. This variety was developed by a San Diego-area plant breeder, the late Fred Meyer. The cybister amaryllis has been derived from the Brazilian species . These hybrids have long, narrow petals with finely striped splashes of green or burgundy.

Amaryllis flowers: Price range

Large amaryllis bulbs (30-32 cm.) can range in price from $8.95 to $20; miniature, cybister and trumpet amaryllis are about $10 to $12.

Growing Amaryllis flowers

As we have mentioned earlier, growing amaryllis flowers is very easy. Here is the procedure for planting amaryllis flowers. To place the amaryllis flowers, choose a container only slightly larger than the bulb.  Place the bulb in the container and add potting soil making sure that the top of the bulb, where it tapers upward, is above soil level. Water thoroughly, and then keep soil moist but not soggy until growth begins.

Place container in sunny location. If there isn't enough light, the stalk may grow excessively. When flowers appear, move to a place with less light to preserve flower color and length of bloom. Some large-flowered varieties grow so tall that they may require staking.  You can also grow several bulbs together in a larger, but not deeper container. Miniature amaryllis is especially showy in this type of display.

After blooming, remove spent stalks several inches above the bulb top. Return pot to a sunny location to promote healthy leaves, which help supply food for next year's flowers.

If you want to keep them in pots, keep watering and fertilize monthly with a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer. Some varieties are evergreen; others lose their leaves. Plants ultimately will revert to their normal bloom period of May and June.

Amaryllis flowers also can be planted in a landscape here. For coastal gardens, select a sunny location. Inland, they do better with afternoon shade, which keeps flowers from fading.

National Flowers

National flowers of different countries

Many nations have chosen flowers as national symbols. Some countries automatically give a picture of a flower which is mostly found in or other wise strongly associated with the country.  This flower can be automatically treated as the national flower of that country.

Here is a list of some of the national flowers.

Some nations have adopted a particular flower as the national flower
owing to their history and tradition while some nations have chosen their national flowers according to conscious thought.

For whatever the reason, flowers chosen as the national flowers have become a national logo.