Liatris Flower Facts

Some might think that the onset of summer means that all flowers will be in bloom.  However, this is not the case.  There are a number of flowers that do not bloom until the middle or latter half of summer.  Liatris flowers are examples of flowers that bloom later in the summer season and maintain their blooms until the cooler autumn months arrive.  Although they are only in season for a fairly short period, these flowers are sometimes available at your florist even when out of season.  What would be do without things like import / export and greenhouses?

Liatris flowers are native to various parts of the United States and Canada.  Those grown in the west are different to those in the east and, because of this, they are named accordingly.  The eastern varieties are known as liatris spicata or gayfeather.  The western species is called liatris ligustylis or the Rocky Mountain blazing star.  The eastern liatris flowers grow in marshy areas in the eastern regions of the country while the western variety makes its home in places like Montana, Minnesota and even Mexico. 

The eastern varieties are taller than those in the west.  They grow as large as 4 feet in length and 18 inches wide whereas the western species only grow to a height of up to 3 feet but it can spread to a width of 2 feet.

Liatris flowers are unusual in the sense that, unlike most other linear flowers, they open from the top downwards.  The majority of other linear flowers do the exact opposite and open from the bottom upwards. 

They are also wonderful flowers for drying and are easily dried by hanging upside down.  Even as dried flowers, liatris is a popular bloom.  Dried flower bouquets often include this flower for its different kind of flowers and textures.

Because the flowers bloom from all sides of each stem, these flowers can be placed facing any direction.  They are great for bouquets that will end up being viewed from all angles like the ones you find on dinner or lunch tables.  If you are planning on working with these flowers at all, please note that cases of contact dermatitis resulting from contact with them.  So, if you experience such problems, have sensitive skin or simply don't want to take any chances, where gloves when working with liatris flowers.  If you want to increase the number of florets that open on each stem, apply a solution to encourage the buds to open.  Ask your local florist about such substances as they should have them in stock or at least know where to find them.

Liatris flowers are available in pink, rose and white but purple and lavender shades are more common and popular.  Provided they are cared for correctly as cut flowers they can last as long as two whole weeks!  That means fresh water every few days, displaying them away from direct sunlight and wind and all the other general care guidelines that are followed with most other cut flowers.

Flowers For A Beach Wedding

The summer season is a busy time for couples looking to tie the knot.  The weather I perfect, the days are longer, the nights are shorter and florists have the best possible selection of fresh flowers available.  A top location for summer weddings is the beach. The beautifully crisp ocean air and soft white sand beneath your feet is all you need to create the perfect romantic setting to say I do.  Another great thing about summer weddings is the fact that it will usually cost you a fair amount less than many other locations.  If you keep everything simple in terms of the wedding reception and other extras, you will have more than enough in your wedding budget to afford the very best flowers for your big day.

Brides should consider a simple, light wedding dress for a beach wedding.  If you are getting married with the sun overhead, you can get rather hot in a dress with multiple layers of fabric.  The last thing you want is to sweat all your make up off.  Some couples even prefer to go barefoot when getting married on the beach.  It makes sense since you will find it extremely difficult to walk in heels on the soft sand.  You can keep some slip on shoes ready for you to wear to the reception.

Now the big question: what kind of flowers are best for a beach theme?  Well, when you think of the beach and coastal locations, you are likely to imagine more exotic or tropical flowers.  Your wedding could even have a colourful Hawaiian theme if you like.  Decorate the area with bright flowers and present each of your guest with a traditional Hawaiian lei as they arrive.

It's also good to remember that some flowers look great as handheld bouquets and others are best set on a table.  You need to choose how many bouquets and how many table arrangements you will need.  Many couples choose to set up an arch on the beach where they will say their vows.  This arch is often decorated with flowers and possibly also a light, chiffon type fabric.  It depends on your budget as well as your preferences.

The most important flowers in any wedding is the bridal bouquet and those for the bridesmaid(s), the boutonnières and your reception flowers.  The bride's bouquet can include orchids as the focal flowers and other blooms and foliage to complete it.  Since orchids are available in various types and colours, you should have no trouble finding something to compliment your dress.  For table arrangements, you can include flowers like Bird of Paradise.  Their bright colour and unusual shape make them perfect for bringing the beach theme into your reception venue.

If your budget is particularly tight despite choosing a simple dress and cutting everywhere you can still have a beach wedding and use more of a wild flower theme.  Decorate your beach wedding with flowers that resemble daisies, lavender and other flowers that resemble the wild flowers in your area.  Place them close to one another in what might resemble a hand picked bunch of flowers for your bridal bouquet and bridesmaids' flowers.  For the tables, you can use something simple like gerbera daisies and chrysanthemums.  These cheap flowers will make your day just as special without breaking the bank!

Flowers That Bloom During The Summer Months

Summer is most people's favourite season.  No more thick, heavy clothes, longer days and a whole lot more fun and activities too.  Your garden is probably also looking a lot more attractive now and shopping at your local or online florist is a breeze with so many options to choose from.  Whether you want to send flowers to somebody special or buy some for your own home, you won't be left wanting during these hot months!

A classic favourite of all time, the rose, is in season.  Sure they are available from your florist throughout the year but they are only really in season during the summer months.  This means that if you have roses planted in your garden, now is when you will see them burst into blooming action.  You will probably also notice a price change at your florist because seasonal flowers are usually cheaper than those imported or grown in artificial conditions.  If you are all about organic products, then now is also the time when you will be able to get your hands on some organic roses.

Lilies are also a very popular flower.  They can be grouped with other blooms or simply arranged on their own.  Calla lilies, for instance, look great even as a single stem while stargazer lily arrangements look better when there are at least five stems in a vase.  During summer both callas and stargazers are in season as well as casa blanca and gloriosa lilies.  So, take your pick!

When it comes to filler flowers, there is none more popular than baby's breath.  As luck would have it, they are in season during summer and autumn.  When the weather starts to get really chilly, that's when these little beauties will stop blooming.

For really bright summer arrangements, flowers such as amaranthus, cockscomb and birds of paradise are all in season for the duration of summer.  If your garden is stepping out and showing off some bold colours, this certainly calls for you to do the same with the kinds of bouquets you use to decorate your home.

Many people enjoy creating a bouquet that resembles more a field of wild flowers as opposed to a carefully made arrangement.  If this is you, then take advantage of the cosmos flower for this.  Available in a number of colours that are just dying to be mixed together, these flowers do indeed grow in fields and they are perfect for achieving this look in your own home.

Other well-known favourites are also in season so you really can't go wrong.  These include delphiniums, dahlias, hydrangeas and chrysanthemums.  Between these four favourites and the rest of the flowers mentioned above, you are sure to find a bouquet that is perfect for you and your home.  Of course, there are so many other blooms available depending on your location.  The best thing you can do is take a look at an online florist or two as well as your local florist and get a good idea of the summer flowers available near you.