Whether it’s called montbretia, copper tips or even more poetically, falling stars, the fiery colours of Crocosmia are unmistakable. Their tall, arched stems provide both height and structure in garden borders and floral designs, while the green seedheads that follow the vibrant flowers are an extra bonus. Buying Crocosmia Stem length: 65-90cm, generally sold in bunches of twenty, although it is possible to buy mixed colours in larger quantities. When to buy: Both flowering C

An at-a-glance guide to flowers and foliage at their best in September and October

Summer is Sweet Pea season. Su Whale explains the origins of this fabulously fragrant flower and how best to care for it in floristry.

Compact, with dark green leaves, Capsicum, or Sweet Peppers, produce white, star-shaped flowers in summer, followed by their unmistakable glossy fruits. Initially green, the fruits will change colour as they mature. Versatile and decorative these ornamental houseplants are great value for money and are particularly useful in the run up to Halloween and Christmas. How to Care for Capsicum Temperature: cool to warm around 10-18°C. Watering: Water using the immersion method (plu

Cosmos are one of those flowers that instantly make an arrangement feel lighter, softer and more natural. With their delicate petals and airy stems, they bring movement and texture in a way that few flowers can. It’s exactly why so many florists love working with them during the summer season. Although cosmos are often associated with wedding flowers, they are just as beautiful in everyday bouquets, retail arrangements and large floral installations. Their relaxed, garden-sty

The lavender blue Scabiosa or scabious, is a popular cut flower and a welcome addition to any garden border. Its delicate papery petals surround a distinctive hard centre that resembles a pin cushion. The relatively recent introduction of Dutch grower Danziger’s Scoop Series has expanded its previously limited colours of pale blue and cream to a dazzling range including rich red, deep pink, raspberry and maroon. Buying Scabiosa Stem Length: 50–80 cm. Typically sold in batches

As a florist, you’re always searching for flowers that stand out and leave a lasting impression. Meet the Dianthus, a beautiful flower ready to be your new favourite. Known for its bright colours, soft petals, and lovely smell, the Dianthus is more than just a flower, it’s a statement. Let’s look at why this versatile bloom deserves a place in your floral arrangements. The Beauty of Dianthus Dianthus has a long history and a charm that lasts. Originally from Europe and Asia,

Su Whale shares her care and conditioning tips for this exotic houseplant.

Pronounced ‘spath-ee-PHIL-um’ the Peace Lily, as it’s popularly known, is one of the best loved flowering houseplants on the market. Evergreen, with a profusion of glossy leaves it also produces elegant white flowers in spring and summer. The Peace Lily is fairly easy to look after and will reward the dedicated plant parent. Good for your Health The Peace Lily's air cleaning abilities have put it into NASA’s top ten houseplants, by absorbing pollutants in the air, breaking th

Su Whale suggests ways to create displays and gift products using heat-tolerant cacti.

We know that choosing the perfect green flowers for a wedding can be challenging. But once selected, the right varieties and colour variations can add a unique touch of beauty and colour to your arrangements. Seasonal availability, the different shades of green as well as the varieties that are available in this colour can be quite overwhelming. So, we’re here to help you out! How to Choose your Green Wedding Flowers Via the 3 C-s devised by Hoek flowers, we will guide you th

Heuchera (pronounced HEW-kur-uh) are evergreen perennials with extremely attractive foliage in an extensive range of shapes, colours and textures. Native to North America, they are members of the Saxifragaceae family, the same group contains Astilbe and Bergenia. Commonly known as coral bells or alumroot, they produce elegant stems of pink, white or red flowers in spring. Not only will they bring a welcome splash of colour to outdoor plant displays, but they are also excelle

No party should be without flowers, so get creative and start promoting your floral centrepieces and tablescapes!

You can say that having plants in your home or working space is a must. There are many good reasons to have plants: to brighten a dark room or to place in the shade. These are some of the best self-care properties you can get. Not only do plants enhance the overall appearance of your space, but they also help remove toxins and humidify the air. There are many scientific studies that show that just looking at real plants enhances your mood, increases creativity, and reduces st

East Durham College’s informative and colourful exhibit at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show was based on the science of tropism. Led by tutor Allan Raby the students created a display which gave a visual, floral interpretation of one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena. What is a tropism? It’s defined as the directional movement of a plant in response to a stimulus. This reaction can be both negative and positive. If the stimulus requires the plant to move towards it, that