A rose is a rose is a rose. Or is it? Unbeknownst to most of us, the 1990s spawned a virtual baby boom of rose varieties. Brought on by a fertile production period, today there are close to 120 rose varieties commercially available – up from the few dozen choices found in flower shops in the 1980s.
These new rose varieties have not only expanded the color palette – from extreme lights to bright brights – but have enhanced characteristics such as bloom size, shape, stem length and strength of fragrance. The Society of American Florists offers the following guide on the expanding color families of roses:
Rage for Red Roses
The new reds forroses range from shades of bright raspberry to majestic scarlet to velvety-dark red to orange-kissed hues.
Pretty Pink Roses
Chooseroses from the family of traditional bridal pinks or adopted siblings of hip hot pinks. Cousins on this family tree include peaches, apricots, corals and lavenders.
Yellow Roses
Whether crisp lemon, buttery hues, golden yellows or trendy two-tones, the variety of yellowroses cover a broad spectrum of color – and appeal. If you’ve never given flowers to a man before, introduce him to this family of colors. Yellow is the second most popular color cited by men. See Sending Flowers to a Man.
Bright White Roses
The trend toward neutral schemes for home environments makes an arrangement of lush whiteroses the perfect gift. Shades of white – ultra white, ivory, champagne lineages – are as lovely for weddings and romantic settings as they are easy complements to elegant home decors.
Roses are like fine wines, a delight to be savored and cultivated. Like an expanding wine cellar — florists’ coolers are now stocked with more choices worth learning about. After all, variety is the spice of life. Ask your florist what’s in stock. For the address to aflorist near you, visit our Florist Directory.
All you need to create a romanticValentine’s Daywith flowers is a little imagination and the help of your localflorist.
Roses in Unique Colors
A dozen redrosesremains the classic Valentine’s Day favorite. However, many women report that they adore roses in other colors just as much. There are hundreds of colors to choose from. The choices are endless and it’s easier than ever to select a rose that is as unique as your sweetheart.
Roses Designed in Arrangements
There are several ways to add a personal touch to the classic redroses. There is a plethora of red shades and textures available – from deep burgundy to pert reds with orange undertones. Ask yourfloristto create a unique arrangement – you can even bring in your favorite container from home for a custom-designed arrangement.
Tussie Mussie Flowers
TheTussie Mussieis a charming compact cluster of flowers with bound stems. A small crystal or glass vase makes the perfect container for this arrangement that typically features sweetheartroses, open garden roses, fragrant hyacinths, miniaturecarnations, pinocchio pompons, sweetpeas orfreesias.
Spring Flowers
Add a burst of spring to your Valentine’s winter with flowers such aslilies,alstroemeria,iris,tulips,daffodils, hyacinths, tuberoses orfreesias. A spring arrangement in a casual basket or clear glass vase makes a perfect accent for a romantic dinner.
Flowers in Bud Vases
With all of the sensational flowers available to choose from, even just one or two elegant blossoms can make a big impression.Lilies,gerberaand long-stemmedrosesare all exquisite choices – ask yourfloristwhat he has available.
Beautiful Plants
Bothgreen and blooming plantsmake romantic Valentine’s Day gifts.Spathiphyllum(commonly called “peace lily”),cylcamen,kalanchoesandazaleasare examples of the many varieties available to you. Ask yourfloristto combine flowering and green plants in a dish garden for a great long-lasting gift.
Flowers Come in All Shapes and Sizes
Add yourfloristto your romance team! Ask him to create a unique flower arrangement for your sweetheart – perhaps a wire heart or sphere encircled with heather or ivy. Afloristcan prove to be a man’s real best friend.
Order Flowers from a Local Florist
Talk to your florist about Valentine’s Day flowers. To find a florist, visit ourFlorist Directory.
