SUMMER FLOWERS (Part 1)

Dahlia (Apple Blossom)

The apple blossom dahlia is a beautiful addition to any garden (or wedding bouquet) with its vintage-style blend of pale yellows and pinks. A short-lived perennial, this dahlia hybrid is also attractive to all kinds of pollinators.

Dahlia (Wizard of Oz)

The ‘Wizard of Oz’ is a pompom dahlia, producing stunning spherical blooms of delicate pink petals in late summer. Although beautiful, this tender perennial tuber is not hardy and must be cut when the flowers are just beginning to bloom.

Lily

True lilies are known for their large trumpet-shaped flowers, and are very popular for bouquets and gifting. They carry many different symbolic meanings depending on their color, from passion to prosperity and purity of heart.

Larkspur

Popular in cutting gardens, the larkspur (also known as delphinium) is a difficult perennial to maintain in hot, dry weather. The seeds of the delphinium are extremely poisonous and can cause death in just a few hours.

Rose (David Austin)

Rose breeder David Austin developed this variety in 1950 and it is still a favorite today. The David Austin rose combines the beauty of modern roses with the fragrance of old roses, perfect for cut flower displays.

 

Rose (Polyantha)

Also known as ‘The Fairy’, this is a shrub rose, blooming from the beginning of summer to first frost. Not typically fragrant, it produces masses of beautiful flowers with lush pale pink petals and pale yellow centers.

Rose (Rainbow)

This manipulated flower is created by slicing the stem of a cut white rose and dipping it into different cups of colored dye. The result is a beautifully unique flower that creates a bold statement in a floral display.

Snapdragon

This tall flower is named for its resemblance to the face of a dragon. It has many other uses besides the ornamental, including making an oil from its seeds and a dye or poultice from its flowers.

Cock’s Comb

This ornamental annual is also sometimes known as a wool-flower and it has a very high seed rate. With fluffy, vivid buds, cock’s comb (Celosia cristata) makes a great addition to a bouquet, and it is also edible!

Bachelor’s Button

This annual has blooms that resemble clover flowers with yellow plush tips. Growing on long stems, this long-lasting flower makes a great addition to a garden, or is beautiful in a bouquet as it is attractive up-close.

Zinnia

Originating from Mexico, this shrub-like annual grows in many different colors, from orange to pink to white. Zinnias can withstand hot temperatures, making them popular in garden beds.

Russian Sage

This long-blooming perennial is part of the mint family and is very low maintenance, although it may require some pruning throughout the growing season, as this flowering bush can grow to over 8 feet (7 meters) tall.

Bluestar

This perennial takes its name from its blue, star-like flowers. Requiring little maintenance, they make a great addition to garden beds, although their blooms can make them top heavy, so do surround them with supportive plants.