Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
2/4/02
Contacts:
Cindy Haynes, Horticulture, (515) 294-4006, chaynes@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Yard and Garden Column for the Week Beginning February 4, 2002
Flower Gifts for Your Sweetheart
By Cindy Haynes
Consumer Horticulture Extension
And
Jennifer Hoyer
Horticulture Student
Iowa State University
Flowers and Valentine's Day go hand in hand. This year, instead of a dozen red roses, try saying, "I love you" with other cut flowers or flowering plants.
Try one of the many flower options available for a different, unique and creative gift for someone special.
Cut Flowers
Freesias are a fragrant, colorful alternative to roses. This highly fragrant flower is available in pastel shades of white, pink, red, purple, orange and yellow. Each flower stalk produces four to eight tubular flowers. Arrange several stalks in a bud vase or combine them with other cut flowers for a delicate floral display.
Oriental or Asiatic lilies are another excellent cut flower choice. Oriental lilies are fragrant and have several six to eight inch blooms per stem. Flowers can be pink, red, white or purple. Asiatic lilies have smaller, more brightly colored flowers and little or no fragrance. They are also available in a wider range of colors than oriental lilies.
Gerbera daisies are another popular cut flower. Their popularity is due to their large size, vibrant colors and long vase life. The two to five inch diameter daisy-like flowers grow on 10-16 inch tall stalks and are available in classic Valentine colors. They can last up to two weeks with proper care.
Other cut flowers include Alstroemeria or Peruvian lilies, tulips and orchids. Try a dozen of any of these cut flowers for an elegant bouquet, or mix and match a few of each for a vibrant floral arrangement.
Flowering Plants
Flowering plants are one gift that keeps on giving. These easy to maintain flowering plants add color to a home long after the Valentine's Day cut flowers fade away.
One of the easiest flowering houseplants to grow is the African violet. This compact plant has dark green, hairy leaves and colorful flowers. Gift buyers can choose from hundreds of varieties. Flower colors range from blue and violet to pink and white. Flowers may be single, semi-double, double or frilled. Both miniature and trailing types are also available. If properly maintained, African violets will bloom throughout the year.
Gloxinia is a relative of the African violet. It has velvety bell-shaped flowers in luxuriant shades of red, purple, pink and white. Richly textured leaves complement the flowers for a stunning display.
Cyclamen has heart shaped leaves that make it a perfect gift for your sweetheart. Its brilliantly colored flower petals flare upward and create a dramatic effect. This attractive flowering plant is available in the popular Valentine colors of pink, red and white.
If your sweetheart insists on roses, consider a miniature rose plant in a container. The perfectly shaped blossoms will proclaim your love this winter and again in the summer when the blooms repeat.
Love knows no limits. The flower options for gifts are endless. Be unique this year!
Care for Cut Flowers
Cut flowers will last longer when they are properly maintained. Here are some tips to lengthen vase life of cut flowers:
* Begin with a clean vase and remove all foliage that will be below the
water line.
* Place flowers immediately in water to prevent air from entering the
stems. If flowers have been out of water for more than a few minutes,
cut a small portion of the stem off under water.
* Add a commercial preservative to the water and check the water level
daily. Change the water frequently.
* Place cut flower arrangements in a cool, brightly lit location for longest
life. Keep arrangements away from heat and drafts.
-30-
ml: isugarden
Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.