Tag: flowers

Starbright NYC Flower Files: Hippeastrum (aka Amaryllis)

Amaryllis
Hippeastrum (commonly called Amaryllis)

Hippeastrum aka Amaryllis

 

Quick Notes /

Surprise! This flower, commonly called Amaryllis, is actually a member of the Hippeastrum genus! For years, there was confusion among botanists as to the generic names Amaryllis and Hippeastrum. The debate, it seems began around 1738-1753 and was finally resolved by the 14th International Botanical Congress in 1987. The IBC decided that  the name Amaryllis would belong to the originally identified bloom regardless of common use. So what’s the difference? The Hippeastrum bloom is commonly preferred for it’s ability to bloom indoors during cold winter months in the northern hemisphere while it’s namesake bloom, the actual Amaryllis, grows natively outdoors South Africa and is more commonly referred to as a Lily (though Amaryllis and Lilium, “true lilies” are only very distantly related). This oddly twisted bit of floral folly took over two hundred years to come to terms with. So let’s all do ourselves a favor and just keep on calling this bloom (in all it’s varieties) by it’s common name.

 

Visual Notes /

These bold trumpet-shaped flowers grow from easy to plant bulbs. Their long hollow stems are accompanied by long flat, sword-shaped leaves. One stem can produce up to six blooms. The blooms range in color from deep bold red to the brightest white and include a number of interesting bi-colored varieties as well.

Flower History/

The name Amaryllis comes from the Idylls of Theocritus or the Eclogues of Virgil (click to read Theocritus’ Idylls). In this pastoral poem, Amaryllis is a sweetly-singing shepherdess who is in love with a cold-hearted man. Desperately, Amaryllis pierced her heart with a golden arrow then, inexplicably, trekked to his cottage day after day for an entire month, shedding drops of blood along the way. On the thirtieth day blood-red blooms blossomed from the drops, the man was enchanted by the flowers, Amaryllis’s heart was healed and they lived happily ever after.

Inside Info /
  • The US imports over 10 million Amaryllis bulbs a year.
  • The name Amaryllis comes from Greek “to sparkle”
  •  The name Hippeasrtum, also from Greek means “horseman’s star”.

 

Starbright Logo

Looking for flowers in New York City? Visit our Event Gallery for inspiration. Or see our daily selection at Starbrightnyc.com.

NYC Holiday Flower Files: Pointsettia

Poinsettia
Poinsettia

Poinsettia Facts

Poinsettia Quick Notes /

A popular floral symbol of the Christmas Season, Pointsettias are indigenous to Mexico and Central America. The poinsettia plant generally grows to be between two feet and thirteen feet tall. The common English name – poinsettia – comes from the last name of Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico. Mr. Poinsett introduced the plant to the US in 1825.

Poinsettia Visual Notes /

The large dark green dentate leaves grow lower on the stem than the colored bracts, which are often mistaken for petals. The colored bracts are available in white, cream, pale green, pink, orange, marbled, or the most popular – bright red. The color of the bracts is affected by photoperiodism. Photoperiodism is a physiological reaction caused by the length of daylight or night. Poinsettias are peculiar in that their bracts require at least twelve hours of darkness in order to change color, but also exposure to bright light to deepen the shade of the color. The flowers of the poinsettia are tiny and unassuming.  Their yellow structures cluster in the center of the leaves.

Poinsettia
Poinsettia

 

Poinsettia Flower History/

The poinsettia has been called many things over the years and around the globe. The original name for the poinsettia plant is Cuetlaxochitl, which is Nahuatl for “flower that grows in residues or soil”. The ancient Aztec used the Cuetlaxochitl bracts for their red dye and as a medicine. In Mexico, the poinsettia is called flor de noche buena or “Christmas Eve flower” while in some other Spanish speaking countries it is called flor de pascua or “Easter flower”.  In Egypt, the name Bent El Consul translates as “the consul’s daughter” – in honor of Mr. Poinsett.

In the US, the poinsettia was popularized by the Ecke family in California who first sold poinsettia plants at street stands during the Holiday Season. After three generations of cultivating the plants, Paul Ecke Jr. solidified the plants Holiday association by sending free poinsettia plants to television stations from Thanksgiving to Christmas to be displayed on the air.

Poinsettia Inside Info /

  • Keep your poinsettia healthy by following these pointers
    • Water the soil when it begins to dry (aim for moist, but not soggy).
    • Keep the plant away from hot or cold drafts (a general temperature of 60-70 degrees fahrenheit is best)
    • Expose the plant to natural light
  • Despite popular belief, the Poinsettia is not poisonous – it’s been cleared of all charges by the American Medical Association.
  • Poinsettia plants will change color year after year with a little bit of work. Beginning in October, stash your plants in total darkness from 5pm to 7am and then expose them to full sun. Repeat every day and in eight to ten weeks, your poinsettia bracts should be changing color.

 

 

Starbright Logo

Looking for flowers in New York City? Visit our Event Gallery for inspiration. Or see our daily selection at Starbrightnyc.com.

Flower Files: Rose Hips

Rose Hips
Rose Hips
Quick Notes /

Also called Rose Hep or Rose Haw, these are the pollinated fruit of a rose plant, which begins developing in Spring and look like large bright berries by Autumn. They are generally available in a reds and oranges, but some varieties of roses have darker almost purple or black rose hips. A few species of roses are grown for the aesthetic value of their hips instead of their blooms, including Rosa movesii, which has large, bright red fruits. The waxy skin of the rose hip is reflective and seems to glow among the greenery in an arrangement.

 

Flower History/

Rose hips have a long history. While the rose hips we use are only for looking at (we do not recommend picking any of these fruits out a floral arrangement) these fruits have been used in everything from herbal teas to the central ingredient in the national soft-drink of Slovenia. There is rose hip jam, itching powder, and even wine and bread. This versatile fruit has one of the highest levels of vitamin C available in a plant. The rose hip Wikipedia page offered this fun historical fact :

During World War II, the people of Britain were encouraged through letters to The Times newspaper, articles in theBritish Medical Journal, and pamphlets produced by Claire Loewenfeld, a dietitian working for Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children, to gather wild-grown rose hips to make a vitamin C syrup for children.

 

Inside Info /
  • Most rose species require that the hip be chilled in order to germinate – some species only germinating after two winter chills have occurred.
  • The hairs inside the rose hip fruit are highly irritating.
  • The wild Dog Rose is most often cultivated for it’s hips.

 

Starbright Logo

Looking for flowers in New York City? Visit our Event Gallery for inspiration. Or see our daily selection at Starbrightnyc.com.

Holiday Collection Preview!

Tis the Season for new floral designs!

Starbright Floral Design is excited to release the first installment of our Holiday Collection!
"Tis Flower Season" arrangement
“Tis Flower Season”

Hydrangea, peonies, roses, and orchids get extra dressed up with gilt leaves and golden colored wire. The ruffled texture and rich rosy shades are the type of holiday lush you want to bring home for dinner. The wine and gold coloring of this arrangement makes it suited for the season, without a holiday theme.

"Rockefeller Center" arrangement
“Rockefeller Center”

There’s nothing like New York during the Holidays and one of the best places to celebrate – Rockefeller Center. Whether you’re planning to visit for the tree lighting (Wednesday, December 3rd!), seeing the 41st annual Merry Tuba Christmas performance (Sunday, December 14th) or going to the Top Of The Rock Rockefeller Center will show you a great time. This arrangement with berries, calla lilies, anthurium, pinecones and winter greens echoes the hustle and excitement of one of our favorite centers of commerce here in NYC.

"Central Park" arrangement
“Central Park”

This dramatic piece echoes the natural beauty of Frederick Olmsted’s Central Park design. With the arrangement’s classic tribute to the holiday designs of yesteryear you can transform your space into a seasonal winter wonderland…without having to step outside!

 

Starbright Logo

Looking for flowers in New York City? Visit our Event Gallery for inspiration. Or see our daily selection at Starbrightnyc.com.

Seasonal Sophistication

Holiday Flowers
Lotus Pod, Anthurium, and Pomegranate

Here at Starbright Floral we love the earthy elements that characterize this time of year. We’re all about leaves, pinecones, sticks – the whole woods and the whole harvest. But when you’re planning an event that isn’t holiday related, beware of seasonal stereotypes.

Seasonal sophistication is about incorporating an aesthetic without sticking to the standards. Go ahead and look past the pinecones and pumpkins – they’re not going anywhere. The fall/winter season offers a host of alternatives to the traditional floral fare. 

A few of Starbright’s favorites this year include:

Lotus Pods : These seed pods are exceptional. The wood-like appearance and organic texture is unlike most formal elements. The pods, which grow alongside lotus flowers, begin small and as the seeds grow, the holes in the pod increase to accommodate them. We’re not saying that every flower has to have a meaning, but the idea of growing into each other strikes Starbright’s fancy.

Fruits and Nuts : Generally speaking, using edibles in floral arranging is pretty traditional unless you go for the exotic types. We love using pomegranates and citrus for the shots of color and a festive nature.

Of course, any floral variety can be dressed up to fit a seasonal occasion with supporting details. Some of Starbright Floral Design’s favorite seasonal floral supporters include :

Curly Willow : Wrap vases or integrate curly willow into the arrangement for a refined version of rustic that will fit a sophisticated style. The rich sienna color also echoes the warm tones of the season without being seasonal.

Sprayed Seeded Eucalyptus : Ok, ok – this one isn’t at all natural, but we love it anyway. Seeded eucalyptus has a delicate appearance, and is a great filler for large flowers that want a little something more than greenery. The natural silvery green color of eucalyptus can soften the overall appearance of an arrangement. Our favorite ways to dress up the seeded eucalyptus are in gold, silver, copper, and black.

Deep Colors : Starbright loves the warmth and drama of saturated hues. Many floral varieties are available in deep shades of red including the anthurium (in photo), roses, carnations, and calla lilies. Check out one of our modern favorites. 

Starbright Logo

 

Looking for flowers in New York City? Visit our Event Gallery for inspiration. Or see our daily selection at Starbrightnyc.com.

Flower Files: Brunia

Brunia
Brunia
Quick Notes /

The Brunia flower is often overlooked in it’s natural habitat. The single-stemmed shrub it grows on vaguely resembles a pine tree, but is much softer, and grows between two and three meters tall. Brunia is characterized by small, spherical inflorescences that cluster at the end of a branch often disappear in the dark green foliage overhead.

As it is used in floral arranging, the petals of the Brunia flower have already fallen away to reveal a natural silvery cast that somehow seems both quirky and chic.

 

Flower History/

The Brunia albiflora is a tall shrub that is part of an ancient plant family. In northern Namaqualand, fossil pollen that matches modern Brunia pollen has been found in early Tertiary and late Cretaceous mineral deposits. If you’ve seen The Land Before Time…? This flower could’ve been Littlefoot’s lunch! But despite a very long history, this plant hasn’t spread very far, it’s native growth being isolated to southern tip of Africa.

“There is no indication where the ancestral stock originated, nor how it got to southern Africa. […] It could be that because this family is in a state of decline, its other relatives have already gone extinct and the southern African members are the only survivors.

 

But don’t worry that requesting this flower will contribute to it’s ultimate demise. Brunia flowers are commercially grown in Australia, California, or New Zealand.

As a decorative floral, Brunia is a fantastic filler! Because the flowers grow at the end of long branches, stem length is generally not a problem. These interesting florals last about a week, and will dry out nicely. Brunnia is most often available in silvery-white, but it also appears in yellow, green, and blush

 

Inside Info /
  • Brunia flowers are notoriously fickle about germinating. This is because the Brunia plant holds on to its dead flowerheads (which hold seeds) for up to 6 years! The seeds only drop and have the ability to sprout when a fire sweeps through and takes out the parent plant.
  • Sometimes used in the Language of Flowers for : Chivalry

Starbright Logo

 

Looking for flowers in New York City? Visit our Event Gallery for inspiration. Or see our daily selection at Starbrightnyc.com.

Saying Thanks with Flowers

“Visits always give pleasure–if not the arrival, the departure.”
― Portuguese Proverb

Thanks

There’s lots of guides out there for our Holiday hosts and hostesses. We’ve been doing our research – there is a blog for everything. From cooking to cleaning, seating arrangements to after dinner activities for the kids…these guys have their work cut out for them.

 

To show our appreciation for all that hard work, and food, Starbright Floral decided to put some brain time into how to best show our appreciation with flowers.

Contained arrangements are great host/hostess gifts, they allow for a quick pass-off and beauty...even days after you've gone!
Contained arrangements are great host/hostess gifts, they allow for a quick pass-off and beauty…even days after you’ve gone!

Saying Thanks with Flowers

The Problem : A bouquet looks best when unwrapped and ready to be admired. There’s nothing better than surprising a friend with flowers, seeing their face light up. But during the holiday’s, handing your host/hostess a handful of flowers, though sure to be appreciated, may cause inconvenience. 

The Solution : During the Holidays, it’s important to consider the timing and the recipient of your show of gratitude. Starbright Floral recommends these three alternatives that will surely go over with even the most harried host. 

Option 1 – Consider calling your host/hostess in advance of the party and voicing your interest in arranging flowers to show your gratitude. It is polite to inquire about preferred colors and a convenient time for delivery on the day of the party.

Option 2 – Arrive with an arrangement, unwrapped and in a vase. This is a great way to keep fuss time minimal for the recipient.

Option 3 – Sometimes the very best way to show your thanks is after the fact. Sending flowers the day after an event is perhaps the best way to treat the host/hostess. 

Tips and Tricks to getting it right.

1. Know your colors

Be aware of your host or hostess’s cultural traditions. Red and green arrangements are lovely, but they may get a funny look at a Chanukah party.  

2. Keep it odd

No, not the arrangement itself – the number of flowers. In the US, a dozen flowers, especially roses, will receive a warm welcome. But if your host/hostess is from elsewhere, an even number of flowers may be considered bad luck. For this reason, an odd number of flowers is generally considered best. Just avoid a bouquet of 13 flowers…many people all over the world consider 13 an unlucky number.

3. Be An Equal Opportunity Giver

Men and women alike appreciate flowers! No matter who is receiving the flowers, the trick to getting it right is to consider their personal tastes. If you’re giving flowers in advance of an occasion, consider their home and occasion theme. If you are sending flowers after the occasion, think about colors you’ve seen that person use. Is there phone case blue? Do they carry an orange wallet? These helpful details are useful guides for color selection.

Are you hosting Thanksgiving Dinner? Check out last weeks post for some ideas to Dress Up Your Table.

Starbright Logo

 

Looking for flowers in New York City? Visit our Event Gallery for inspiration. Or see our daily selection at Starbrightnyc.com.

Brightening Up With The Chrysanthemum.

Chrysanthamum
Chrysanthemum

Well, that’s it, it’s over – those long days of summer are gone. Even though our days are getting shorter and it’s almost always dark by the time we get home, here at Starbright, we’re finding lots of ways to brighten things up. Autumn flowers are winding down, but some of our very favorite staple flowers are at their peak: alstroemeria, carnations, lilies, and roses and most importantly – the flower of the month – the chrysanthemum.

 

The name “chrysanthemum” is derived from the Greek words chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower). Don’t let its name fool you into thinking these guys are only available in the beautiful yellow/orange combo that is so common at this time. There are about 40 different species of chrysanthemums and countless varieties and cultivars that are available in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Because of this overwhelming diversity, chrysanthemum plants are further described as being either a “garden hardy” or an “exhibition” variety and the bloom types can be further described as belong to one of the thirteen bloom forms recognized by the US National Chrysanthemum Society, Inc., which follows the international classification system.

 

According to principles of Feng Shui, Chrysanthemums are the floral representation of the Fall season and are ideal for brightening up a space. According to this practice, the cheerful presence of these blooms excites happiness and laughter. During the Fall season, displaying chrysanthemums creates especially good luck.

 

Here are five Feng Shui ways to use chrysanthemums to brighten up our days as they keep getting shorter!
  1. The showy, yellow, round-headed chrysanthemums are perhaps the most sought after due to their symbolic association with a life of ease.
  2. White and Yellow chrysanthemums are great for energizing “metal” spaces of the home which are associated with children, creativity, and helpful people.
  3. Chrysanthemums encourage tranquility and help to alleviate of grief and anxiety.
  4. Wish someone a long life and much contentment with a bouquet of chrysanthemums.
  5. Living chrysanthemum plants acts as indoors air filter, are easy to care for, and last will bloom for much longer than cut flowers – while having all the same symbolic perks of the cut flowers. Ask about Starbright’s Plant Boutique!

 

To make sure you get the most from your purchase, check out How To Care for Cut Flowers!

 

Starbright Logo

 

Looking for flowers in New York City? Visit our Event Gallery for inspiration. Or see our daily selection at Starbrightnyc.com.

Color Profile : Orange

Ever wonder where flowers got their “meanings”?

Color psychologist don’t. And they have loads of studies backing up their theories. The general model of color psychology relies on six basic principles:

  1. Color can carry specific meaning.
  2. Color meaning is either based in learned meaning or biologically innate meaning.
  3. The perception of a color causes evaluation automatically by the person perceiving.
  4. The evaluation process forces color motivated behavior.
  5. Color usually exerts its influence automatically.
  6. Color meaning and effect has to do with context as well.[1]

Over at Starbright Floral Design, we get to work with lots of colors everyday and all of us have our favorites. But why are they our favorites and what does that say? Up this week :

Orange

mini pumpkins
Orange comes in all sorts of forms here at Starbright Floral Design
“Orange is red brought nearer to humanity by yellow.” Wassily Kandinsky

The color orange has a special place in Starbright’s design palette even though it is the most contested colors here in the US; people generally have a “love it” or “hate it” reaction to orange. Here at Starbright, we tend to collectively lean towards loving it. And what’s not to love? According to Color Wheel Pro, “Orange represents enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success, encouragement, and stimulation”.

What makes orange so special?

Orange is a vibrant and energetic color that is highly visible to the human eye. It is often used catch attention and highlight important elements of a design. For a similar reason, orange can also be considered a “bargain” color – in floral design, this means orange flowers will make an arrangement feel more present.

The shade of the color is extra important when considering the symbolic associations of orange. Because the color was named for the fruit, orange is often associated with health and vitality. While in a muted tone, burnt or greyed oranges that can be commonly spotted in the color of changing leaves are most often associated with Autumn. Because of the close connection to nature, more subtle shades of orange are often used to represent change, movement, and comfort.

 

For Encouragement
Orange explosion
Orange you glad you did something for yourself today?

Are you trying to start a new project? Quit an old habit? Beginning a journey? Orange promotes a positive perspective on life and help to motivate people to look on the bright side of a situation. According to the color symbolism of ancient heraldry, orange represents strength and determination.

This perky shade is your best bet when you want to rev yourself up so you can hit the gym or channel creativity for a work project. “Orange is said to stimulate enthusiasm” 

 

For the Kids
Gerbera Daisies
Great big orange gerbera daisies

Looking for something for someone young? Kids and teens are especially down with the color orange.  We’re guessing it might because orange tends to carry a sense of adventure about it.

 

For the Hostess
Walk on an Autumn Day
Walk on an Autumn Day

It’s not always easy to say what you want to say. The color orange is associated with social communication. Studies have shown an increase in two-way conversations while the color orange is present. According to color theorists, “this color is both physically and mentally stimulating which gets people thinking and talking!”

 

Starbright Logo

 

Looking for flowers in New York City? Visit our Event Gallery for inspiration. Or see our daily selection at Starbrightnyc.com.

To Pin Or Not To Pin

When it comes to boutonnières, this is a pretty common question. Put your worries to rest, Starbright Floral Design will always include pins…whether or not you decide to use them.

At one point, every suit lapel was made with the expectation of wearing a boutonnière. If you happen to have a vintage suit in your closet, take a peek at the underside of the left lapel. You may find a flat loop about one inch below that buttonless buttonhole. This detail made it easy for a man of elegance to slip the stem of a boutonnière flower through the hole and under the loop so that it stayed secure, sans pins. While the extra buttonhole persists as a menswear standard, the boutonnière loop, unfortunately, seems to have faded into the past. Many suits today are designed without the boutonnière loop or an open buttonhole. Not to worry! This is a situation that either your tailor or you, and some YouTube tutorials, can solve in no time.

But don’t feel pressured to try your hand at tailoring in the days leading up to your big event! Boutonnière flowers today are commonly reserved for special occasions; while a single bloom used to be common, now boutonnières generally include at least three or more flowers, some type of greenery, as well as decorative ribbon for stem wrapping. With all that going on, it is not only perfectly acceptable, but also more common, to wear your boutonnière pinned to the outside of your lapel. About the only thing affected by the pins will be your suit.

If the boutonnière wants to be pinned to the jacket let the buttonhole placement guide you. Depending on the size of your arrangement, the bottom of the blooms in your boutonnière should be level with, or not too far below, the extra buttonhole on your left lapel. The tips of the flowers shouldn’t go above the seam where the collar and lapel meet, nor should they be below the extra buttonhole.  Basically, if you’ve covered the extra buttonhole – you’re good.

Boutonnières from Starbright Floral Design
Boutonnières from Starbright Floral Design

Starbright’s designer, Patti Ann, put together three examples of light weight designs that may be worn pinned or tucked through the hole and loop.

1. Mini Dahlia, Thistle, and Seeded Eucalyptus:

The dahlia and thistle in this boutonnière represent strength and grace.

2. Mini Calla Lily, Seeded Eucalyptus, and Dusty Miller:

Know you’ve picked The One? The calla lily symbolizes deep wisdom and intuition.

3. Ranunculus, Brunia, and Seeded Eucalyptus:

And by selecting a boutonnière with ranunculus, you’ll be representing everlasting commitment and devotion.

Would you like more info about boutonnières?

The Gentleman’s Gazette has provided a couple comprehensive articles full of the history, how-to, and general encouragement of the gentlemen’s boutonnière.

Starbright Logo

 

 

Looking for flowers in New York City? Visit our Event Gallery for inspiration. Or see our daily selection at Starbrightnyc.com.