4 Reasons Why 'White' is the Perfect Colour Choice for Flowers

It’s our last stop along the floral rainbow, and this time we’re going to talk about white flowers. Some of you may say ‘white’ isn’t a colour, but it’s a very popular choice for flowers which is why I include it in my floral rainbow.  

You really can’t go wrong with white flowers. Here are four reasons why, when shopping for flowers, they make the perfect choice:

1 - White flowers are neutral.  If you’re giving flowers as a gift, and you’re ever in doubt about your colour choice - choose white. Their subtleness will be compatible with almost any surroundings they’re put in. And while I think white flowers make their biggest impact in a monochromatic arrangement, they also work well in a mixed bouquet.

2 - Meaning and symbolism. A big reason white flowers are so popular is for what they represent. They symbolize purity and innocence and exude tranquillity. At the same time, they have an elegance that evokes perfection and simple beauty. 

3 - Capable of portraying different looks or moods. Have you ever wondered why white flowers are popular for both weddings and funerals - two very different emotional life events? It’s because of their versatility. At a funeral, white flowers give a feeling of calm, serenity and respect, while at weddings they create a sense of timelessness and the way they reflect light creates a sense of brightness.

4 - Can be a gift for everyone. White flowers can be gifted to anyone for any occasion. Male or female, young or old. Gift them for new births, birthdays, get well soon, anniversaries, a thank you, or to someone looking for a bit of hope and light. 

The list of flowers that come in white is long. Here are some of them you could look for: Tulips, roses, lilies, orchids, carnations, lisianthus, peonies, gardenias, gerberas, hydrangeas, daisies, daffodils, lily of the valley, anemones, cosmos, dahlias, amaryllis, scabious, snapdragons, sweet peas, and baby’s breath.

Personal note: My favourite white flower is the snowdrop. Why? I think it’s because they’re the first flower bursting through the ground as winter very slowly starts to turn to spring, my birthday is in January and the snowdrop is one of the official birth month flowers (carnation being the other), and because snowdrops symbolize ‘hope’.  

What’s your favourite white flower? And do you have a special reason why?

3 Reasons Why Pink Flowers Are So Popular

It’s time to once again visit our floral rainbow , this time focusing on the colour pink. 

If I could choose only one colour flower to have for the rest of my life, without a doubt I would choose pink. And it turns out I’m not the only one who feels this way, as pink is one the most popular colour choices for fresh flowers. Here are three reasons why we love pink flowers:

Pink is seen as a positive colour:  Pink represents compassion, nurturing, affection, and admiration. And depending on whether the flowers are light pink or bright pink they create a different mood or emotion.

Soft pink flowers have a gentleness and daintiness to them that creates a sense of calm and serenity.  A great place to have light pink flowers is in the bedroom where they add a feeling of peace and tranquility.

Bright pink flowers are strong and dramatic creating a feeling of energy. If you want to be more motivated and productive at work, make sure you have some bright pink flowers on your desk.

A large variety of flowers come in the colour pink:  Pink flowers are also popular because there’s such a wide variety of pink flowers they’re always available. The choices are almost endless. I couldn’t possibly list them all here, but these are my suggestions for ones I think you might like. 

Roses, alstroemeria, gerbera, lilies, carnations, chrysanthemums, snapdragons, gladioli, tulips, sweet peas, ranunculus, hydrangea, peonies, and dahlias.

Pink flowers look great on their own, or mixed with other flowers: The versatility pink flowers have is yet another reason why they’re so popular. A monochromatic arrangement always looks great, but it’s also fun to mix pink flowers with other colours. But here’s something to keep in mind: not only do pink flowers come in light and bright shades, they also come in warm and cool hues. The success of how your overall arrangement looks will partly be based on what you pair together.

Warm pinks have a tint of yellow. Think of peach, salmon or coral. Warm pinks look great paired with orange or yellow flowers.

Cool pinks have a tint of blue. Think of fuchsia or hot pink. Cool pinks look great paired with purple or blue flowers.

To create the most cohesive look, use either all warm hues or all cool hues in your arrangement.

Top designing tip: To create an arrangement with a natural, balanced look leave the stems of the lighter coloured flowers longer than the brighter coloured flowers. Having the brighter shades lower will anchor your arrangement, while the lighter colours higher up will create an airy feeling.

My favourite pink flowers are tulips and sweet peas in a soft pink. What are your favourite pink flowers and do you prefer them in a light or bright shade?

Purple Flowers

Having flowers in your environment enhances your surroundings. The colour of the flowers you choose plays a big role in what mood you create and what emotions you evoke. It’s time to explore the effect purple flowers can have on your day.

Purple is one of the most popular colour choices for flowers. Its shades range from pale mauve, to vibrant violet, to deep wine.

When you think of paler shades of purple flowers, think of lavender, lilac and heather. They ‘re calm and soothing, symbolizing charm, grace and elegance.

The darker shades of purple have always been tied to royalty and ceremony, symbolizing dignity, pride and success. They also create a feeling of mystery and enchantment.

Let’s take a look at purple flowers throughout the seasons:

Winter: One of the first pops of floral colour in winter is when the crocus bursts through the cold, icy ground, a bright little spot in an otherwise grey environment. But crocus aren’t the only purple flowers you can find at this time of year. Waxflower, with their tiny purple blooms on long stems, are great as a filler in an arrangement or in a big vase just on their own. You can also turn to flowering houseplants and get a splash of purple from cyclamens with their stacked layers of petals, or with that old stand-by, the African violet.

Spring: Spring arrives and purple flowers start to arrive in abundance. The deep purple anemone is a good representative for this season as it’s meaning is anticipation – and aren’t we all waiting for days to get longer and warmer! Verbena, campanula, hyacinth, columbine, and lilac are just a few varieties you’ll find.

Summer: This is when purple flowers arrive in abundance. Lavender, sweet peas, allium, foxglove, gladiola, lupines, lisianthus, hydrangea, morning glory, hollyhock, zinnia … the list goes on and on. You’ll be spoiled for choice.

Fall: As the days get shorter and colder, don’t despair. You can still find purple flowers to add a little bright spot to your day. Asters, cosmos and pansies are especially beautiful. Put a vase in the centre of your table to be seen by all who enter your home.

Throughout the year keep your eye open for what’s in season in your area, and make the most of their purple beauty both inside and outside your home.

PS: My favourite purple flowers are lilacs, lavender, and sweet peas. What are yours?

A Love for True Blue Flowers

Our next step along the floral rainbow is the colour blue. Blue flowers benefit our mental, physical and emotional wellbeing, by producing a calming effect that in turn slows down our metabolism and thoughts. 

Only 10% of flowers come in the colour blue – that makes them the rarest of colours to find. But they do exist, so don’t buy any that are fake or dyed. ‘True blue’ flowers are definitely the only way to go. 

Blues can range in shades from soft and pale to rich and vibrant. What you choose, and what you pair it with can create an impact ranging from a peaceful calm, to a sophisticated elegance.

So once again as we talk about how to incorporate a specific colour flower into our arrangements, I’d recommend turning to nature for inspiration.

Spring: Spring is all about the return of blue skies, sunshine and white fluffy clouds. Blue, yellow and white creates a feeling of freshness and openness.  An arrangement with these colours would be perfect in the kitchen to greet you first thing in the morning.

Summer: An idyllic summer day is warm and lazy where the pace slows down as you lounge at the edge of a pool.  A mix of soft and medium blues paired with eucalyptus greens creates a warm, relaxed feeling. This would be a perfect combination for the bedroom.

Fall: Fall arrives and the days start getting cooler and shorter, yet we’re not quite ready to let go of summer. Blues, dark pinks and oranges make a great combination to transition from summer sunsets to cozy evenings in your home. A vase in your entrance way will be a beautiful greeting as you come through the door earlier and earlier each evening.

Winter: Winter means cold, clear, crisp weather with time spent indoors. Rich vibrant blues, deep purples and dark greens create a warm, glowing feeling. This is perfect in the living room for when you gather with family and friends.

 Some of my favourite blue flowers are cornflower, tweedia, nigella, hydrangea and delphinium.  If you are unfamiliar with any of these, have a chat with your local florist who should be able to help you, or please message me with any questions. I’d also love to know your favourite blue flowers.

 PS - My very favourite blue flower is one that is too tiny to really use in flower arrangements. It’s the very sweet and dainty forget-me-not. But starting in the spring, keep your eyes open as you go for walks as you’ll often see them blooming in your neighbour’s gardens. 

Yes, There are Green Flowers

St. Patrick’s Day is almost upon us, so as we continue our way along the floral rainbow, it’s the perfect time to focus on the colour green.

In general when we think of a bouquet, we think of the ‘green’ element as the foliage surrounding the flowers. But there are many varieties of flowers available in shades of green, ranging from the softest mint to the most vibrant lime. 

Green is a fabulous colour that symbolizes life, renewal, nature, energy, growth, freshness, harmony and good fortune.  When green flowers are used in a bouquet, they add a wonderful contrast to the other colours, thus enhancing the overall look. Muted, soft shades of green pair well with pastel colours like baby blue and lavender, while lime green makes all the other colours in the bouquet pop.

 If you’re struggling with deciding what shade of green to use when, turn to nature and the seasons for clues.    

• Spring: a time of renewal, so use a bright green combined with cheerful yellows to create an energizing feel;

• Summer: hot and hazy, when the pace of life slows down, so use a soft shade of green paired with shades of lavender for a relaxing, mellow feel;

•  Winter: icy and cold, use darker shades of green paired with red flowers and seasonal greenery to warm up your home and get into the festive spirit; 

•  Fall: a time when nature is full of an abundance of textures, so use all different shades of green to create depth and interest, mimicking what’s happening outside.

 My favourite green flower is a hellebore, with the hydrangea a close second. You’ll also find roses, orchids, dahlias, zinnias, chrysanthemums, daylilies and gladiolus in various hues of green. You can pick the flower that is the right size, shape, and shade for the look you are going for.

Next time you are choosing flowers for a bouquet, pop a few green blooms in the mix and see what you think. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

A Vase Full of Cheer

Flowers are an easy and affordable way to add a splash of colour to your life. Every colour conveys a meaning and an emotion. We’ve already talked about how red creates energy, and orange enthusiasm. The next colour we come to as we travel along the floral rainbow is yellow.

Yellow symbolizes, joy, optimism, and cheerfulness. It’s the happiest colour on the spectrum; it’s all but impossible not to smile when you see a vase brimming with yellow flowers. My favourite yellow flower is the daffodil. I love how each spring they burst into bloom, symbolizing new beginnings. 

Yellow flowers can range in shade from light and pale, to bright and sunny. The pale shades are gentle, with a warmth and compassion that make them the perfect choice for someone going through a difficult time. The bright shades are like sunshine. Anywhere you place a vase of bright yellow blooms will automatically look fresher and create radiant warmth.

The two most popular yellow flowers are daffodils and sunflowers, but there are a multitude of others that bloom throughout the year for you to consider: roses; ranunculus; freesia; alstroemeria; forsythia; tulips; chrysanthemums; lilies; gerberas; zinnias; carnations; peonies; and dahlias.

The final thing to note about yellow flowers – they represent friendship. Why not pop out today, pick-up a bunch of yellow flowers and surprise a friend? It’s sure to put a smile on their face – as well as your own!

The Sunbeams of the Floral World

The colour of flowers you choose plays a big role in what mood you create and what emotions you evoke. As we continue our way along the floral rainbow, we come to the colour orange. If red is the colour for energy, orange is the colour for enthusiasm. A radiant orange floral arrangement will have you eager to get up and get going, excited about what the day will bring.

 If I think back over time I can only come up with one memory of orange flowers – marigolds planted in the vegetable garden to deter pests. That’s it, my only memory of orange flowers. In fact until recent years, I don’t think I could even have named another orange-coloured flower. But all that has changed as I’ve learned about the effect flowers have on our well-being, colour psychology and how the two work together hand-in-hand. I’ve realized what a positive impact orange flowers have. They’re the sunbeams of the floral world spreading warmth, joy and an enthusiasm for life.

 Orange can range anywhere from a pale, light shade, to a bright citrus hue, to a dark moody tone. The pale, light shade and the bright, citrus hue, have a positive mood-boosting energy. The dark, moody tone is warm and inviting making an environment feel safe and cosy.

Orange flowers are great in any environment but one of the best places to have orange flowers is in your workplace.  Their burst of brightness will inspire creativity and increase productivity. Hospitals and care facilities are also vital places to have them as they’ll fill the room with a cheerful optimism.

If you’re searching for some orange flowers and aren’t sure which flowers to use, here are some suggestions for each season.

Winter: Use a mix of the dark, moody tones to mimic the flames of a fire creating a feeling of warmth and heat: chrysanthemums, marigolds,cosmos and zinnias;

Spring - Spring is the time for light and bright shades to represent sunshine and joy: California poppies, tulips, gerberas;

Summer - A mix of shades of orange will represent sunsets on a summer evening: roses, dahlias, lilies, snapdragons.

Autumn - Choose mostly flowers with deeper hues mixed with a bit of the brighter shades to capture warmth and sunny thoughts: chrysanthemums, cosmos, marigolds and zinnas.

Energize with Red Flowers

I have a special memory of red flowers. When my husband and I had our first apartment, he would come home every week with half-a-dozen red carnations, put them in glass coke bottles, and place them all around the apartment. Nothing fancy -  single stems in recycled bottles - but that simple act created a happy memory that has lasted for years.

Flowers truly brighten up our lives, making us happier and healthier - in the moment, and through lasting memories. All flowers have this impact on us. But one thing to keep in mind when choosing flowers, is that each colour conveys a different mood. Once you understand what each colour is portraying, you can choose flowers that will help you create the feeling you are looking for. Today we’re going to focus on the colour red, and all that it offers.

The most popular red flower is the rose. Universally it’s understood that it symbolizes true love. This is a perfect example of how the colour of a flower can portray a specific message or emotion; a yellow rose, for example, would convey a different message than a red one. Let’s explore red flowers a bit deeper and see what other types of red flowers you can use and what moods you can create with them.

Red exudes energy. It’s fiery and passionate and represents love, courage, and strength. All red flowers have that indisputable energy, but variations of the shade can add another layer of meaning. It’s up to you to choose which shade of flower is right for you. Sometimes it’s tough to make a choice; but when I’m trying to make a decision I find great inspiration in nature. I’ll lead you through the seasons to show you what I mean.

Winter: When we think of winter we tend to think of a cold, barren, perhaps icy landscape. But if I say ‘crimson’ what pops into your mind? Holly berries, poinsettias, amaryllis, ilex – all of these thrive during the coldest season of the year and are iconic symbols of the holiday season.

Spring: Nature bursts into bloom in the spring with a plethora of floral choices. Tulips, sweet peas, ranunculus, begonia, petunias and poppies. All come in a bright, bold shade of red waking us up and getting us ready for whatever the longer days will bring our way.

Summer: The heat of summer slows things down, softening the shades of nature. Red is still abundantly available with dahlias, peonies and azaleas. When you spot them in the middle of a long hot day they add a bit of a pep to your step.

Autumn: This is the time of year which shines in golds and yellows – but reds are still prevalent. The warmth of chrysanthemums, anemones, gerberas and asters will make you feel cozy even as the days begin to chill.

Flowers are one of the best parts of any season, so turn to nature to soak up the strength and passion of red flowers all year long.

Next up on journey along the floral rainbow is orange and how it inspires enthusiasim, creativity and cheerfulness.

The Floral Rainbow

Flowers are an easy and affordable way to add a splash of colour to your life. When you look at a beautiful bouquet, the colour of the flowers will determine the emotion you feel. Every colour, from the deepest red to the palest purple, conveys a meaning and an emotion.

 I’ve always been drawn to the colour pink. For as long as I can remember it’s been my favourite colour. In fact I once had an all-black kitten that I named ‘Pinky’. So it probably goes without saying that I love pink flowers. They make me happy. If I ever have a choice – I choose pink.  But recently, with all that I’ve learned about colour psychology, I’ve become more open to other options.

Take yellow for instance. Yellow is not a colour I would usually choose for anything. But yellow is a colour that represents everything I love: happiness, optimism, joy, and friendship. How could I not be surrounding myself with yellow flowers, and basking in the message they send?

All colours portray a specific meaning and it’s important not to limit yourself to just your ‘favourite’ colour. There are colours that are energizing - red, orange and yellow. If you deal with fatigue, having flowers around you in these colours can give you a bit of zing. Then there are colours that are calming - light blue, pale purple and soft green. If you have trouble sleeping at night, try a vase with pastel-coloured flowers in the bedroom to set a relaxing mood.

We’re going to be working our way through the rainbow looking at each colour in depth; what each colour represents, what its benefits are, what message it sends and examples of flowers in that specific colour that are available each season throughout the year.

Stay tuned. Coming up first - red!