Fun Facts about our Flowers of the Month: July Edition

DELPHINIUM

Sometimes called “Larkspur,” Delphinium is the birth flower for the month of July.  It blooms from late spring to late summer, and has been said to symbolize “an open heart and ardent attachment”- qualities associated with the astrological sign of Cancer, which the sun rests in for most of July.

   Because of its blue/black color, Delphinium has traditionally been held to ward off lightning and to keep witches from casting spells.

These flowers are native to the North Hemisphere, and the mountainous African tropics.

They are a part of the Rananculaceae family, which is the family of buttercups, and are a popular garden plant due to their height in the garden and their showy flowers.

The name ‘delphinium’ is from the word meaning ‘dolphin’ in Latin, which originally came from the Greek , named due to the plant’s bud and spur that resembles the shape of a dolphin. The flowers of delphiniums, grow on tall spikes and range from purple, pink, red, yellow, and white in color.

Delphiniums typically grow up to 2.1 metres (7 feet) in height, although this depends on the species.

Historically, parts of delphinium plants have been used to create blue dyes and inks.

GERBERA DAISIES

(Gerbera Daisies are a deal this week! Buy 5 for only $9.98! )

Gerbera Daisies are the fifth most used cut flower in the world (after rose, carnation,chrysanthemum, and tulip). They generally are  resilient, easy to care for, and come in a variety of colors.  Gerberas are also used as a model organism by students when studying flower formation.

This flower was discovered in 1880 by Robert Jameson while operating a gold mine in Transvall, South Africa. The gerbera flower is actually a cluster of hundreds of individual little flowers.

The gerbera is a classic symbol of beauty but it also holds the meaning of cheer. Many believe this symbolism stems from the large assortment of color option.

Gerbera daisies were not produced in North America until the early 1920s.

Many people place gerberas by their bed to enjoy a better sleep! Gerberas emit oxygen and absorb toxins and carbon monoxide at night instead of during the day like most flowers.

Gerberas always turn towards the sun. They track the sun as it moves from east to west.

SUNFLOWERS

(Available at Sunnyslope- 5 stems for only $9.98)

Sunflowers were brought to America by Russian Royalty, and now are native to the Americas!

Back in the day of early civilization, sunflowers were often used in foods, medicines, dyes, and oils.

Thanks to its multitude of uses, indigenous North American tribes began cultivating the cheery and useful flowers as far back as 3000 BC. Tribes often used sunflowers to treat chest pain, kidney issues, and other conditions.

The sunflower has long been admired as an example of orderly natural beauty- the pattern made by the florets inside the head of the flower is a form of Fermat’s spiral, related to the golden ratio.

The worlds tallest Sunflower reaches 30 feet and 1 inch tall!

Not surprisingly, sunflowers are absolutely crazy about sunshine. It is right there in their name, after all.

Put simply, the main reason they need SO much sun is because it provides them with the necessary nutrients to sustain their super-rapid growth. And trust us, it is super-rapid! In fact, it’s not unheard of for sunflowers to grow 8-12 feet in as little as six months.

This is one of our favorite local Sunflower grower in West Michigan with gorgeous large sunflowers every summer and fall!

We offer an array of gorgeous designer selected arrangements and bouquets that will give you the best bang for your buck and will look absolutely sunny and cheerful that is appropriate for any occasion!

Know someone who has lost a loved one or someone who is in the hospital? Know someone who has a birthday or an anniversary coming up? Let us help you look good! Our Designer selection summer mix is a great option for any occasion. The brightness lifts spirits and brightens days and homes!