Lately I’ve been extolling the virtues of classic fall flowers, such as mums, carnations, hydrangea, sunflowers, daisies, dahlias and calla lilies.
In orange for Halloween, natch. A bouquet lasts longer than candy and it’s calorie-free.
Anyway, if you’re like me you have friends with fall birthdays as well as a few parties to attend. Time to come up with some unexpected blooms and new colors.
Oh, and before you decide that mums and carnations are old hat, be sure to check them out in lush darker colors like magenta.
Browsing around, I found these terrific additions to the list above.
Anthurium: Once you see one, you’ll never forget it. These brilliant red blooms represent hospitality, making them a perfect choice for a hostess gift. And they’re long lasting.
Bouvardia: Named after Charles Bouvard, the personal physician to Louis XIII and the superintendent of the Royal Gardens in Paris. A fragrant, feminine flower that symbolizes enthusiasm.
Goldenrod: A member of the aster family, this bright yellow flowering plant is the state flower of Kentucky and Nebraska as well as the state wildflower for South Carolina.
Marigold: Native to the southwestern United States, Mexico and South America, there are varieties all over the world. In Mexico, it’s used in Day of the Dead celebrations. In India and Thailand, it’s a key part of weddings and festivals. Marigolds are part of the aster family.
Flower Fact of the Day: Pansies are a garden favorite, especially in the South. For tips on growing them, visit: hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20081030/LIFESTYLE/810300310.