Our complementary flower, Freesia from Holland, is not about to take the back seat for long. The Freesia commonly seen in wedding flowers and corsages are likely the second or third cuttings from the plant's side shoots. We offer first cut, primary stem Freesia which are larger, more fragrant and more symmetrical.

The supporting roles are played by Italian Ruskus and Purple Wax Flowers. You can count on them to provide enduring encouragement for the main attractions by giving structure and diversity to your bouquet.

Several of our Endless Flowers recipients emailed us with some feedback a few months ago when we included a different variety of Australian Wax Flowers, these flowers lasted so long that they felt guilty tossing them out, so they decided to dry them! And those of you who were lucky enough to receive the bouquet of Orchids can attest to the durability of Italian Ruskus!

Lilies 101

Oriental lily flowers are usually larger and more flamboyant than their cousins. Lillium (the surname for this flower) is a hearty bulb that can be planted in fall and/or spring. The family of lilies provides something for everyone… easy to grow, long lived garden plants, and the more difficult and rare species. There are many moods to choose from… some are boldly colored, some pastel, and/or sweetly scented, others are rather spicy, and multi-hued or monotone.
You can count on their summer blooms to be the highlight of your garden. Most lilies bloom between June and August. They do well in a bed or border with other perennials, but of course, they are prima donnas and can definitely stand alone.
Lilies are divided into five main groups: Orientals, Asiatic, Tiger, Trumpet and Turks Cap.

Elegant Flowers, Enormous Range of Colors, And Exotic Fragrances

Oriental Hybrids are usually much larger and more flamboyant. They are highly scented, either sweetly aromatic or rather spicy in fragrance. The Oriental lily is the Grande Dame of lilies, and of course more expensive because its production is more cost-intensive. One stem bearing several Oriental lily flowers is often all that is needed to dress up an arrangement of more modest flowers. Popular examples include Casa Blanca, an enormous and perfect white flower, Star Gazer, the ever popular crimson flower with white edges and dark red spots… and of course The Le Reve.

Asiatic Lilies are the first to bloom, usually in June. Some varieties offer as many as 12 fragrant flowers per stem! They are great for cutting, forcing during the winter months, and borders. If you are a gardener, we suggest that you mix them with daffodils and tulips for a long season of outstanding blooms and arrangements. They will do well in full sun or part shades in zones 3 to 8. Plant 12-18 inches apart in holes that are six inches deep, and as with all bulbs, the soil should be well-drained.

Trumpet Lilies are also called Aurelian lilies. They have large, trumpet shaped blooms, and grow 4 to 5 feet tall! Blooms appear from late June through August and have a powerful, musky scent. They are suitable for zones 4-8.

Tiger Lilies are often seen growing wild along the roadsides in the United States. They bloom from July through September, and thrive in zones 3 to 8. They grow to a height of 48 inches. Orange, pink, yellow and red varieties are a thrill to behold. These lilies will always be my favorite. They remind me of my Mom and our cottage on Lake Thompson in Maine!

Turk's Cap (Martagon lily) is turban shaped, thrives in zones 3 to 8, and is shorter in stature than the other lilies, reaching a height of only 30 inches. This flower is usually described as nodding with the segments rolled backward.

Madame Lily Warrants Special Care

The experts say to add plant preservative to the water, but only half the recommended dosage. Lilies like to eat light. Trim the stems with a sharp knife to increase their water uptake before placing the lilies into your arrangement.
This is so important with all flowers. And furthermore, please don't just add water… change the water and wash the vase with antibacterial detergent as soon as the water begins to be cloudy to provide your flowers with the environment they need to live longer.

Pollen Cleaning Tips

When lily pollen gets on your clothing (and of course it will), the experts say, let it dry, then dab it off with a cloth or lift it off with adhesive tape. Although they say do not apply water, I have never had a problem removing pollen from any of my clothes when I use any one of the pre-wash stain removers.

News Flash
Lily hybridizers have succeeded in developing new pollen-free lily varieties that will be available as cut flowers by the end of the year. I don't think I will like them.
I can't imagine a gorgeous flower without its reproductive organs! In the words of my dear Grandmama, "What is this world coming too!"

Lilies Planting Guide

• Although fall planting is more common, Lilies can also be planted in the spring.
  
• The bulbs never go dormant, so plant them as soon as possible.
  
• Plant in a well drained, sunny location.
  
• Dig a hole 6 inches deep.
  
• Sprinkle bulb fertilizer or bone meal in the bottom of the hole. They will need to be fertilized again in the spring.
  
• Untangle the roots and place the bulb in the hole with the roots spread out.
  
• Fill the hole with soil and pack down to eliminate air pockets.
  
• Plant bulbs at least 8" apart, or as specified for the variety.
  
• Water well, and continue to keep the bulb watered until the ground freezes. This will ensure good root growth.
  
• Mulch well in areas that receive frost.

Companions

• Add shorter perennials in front of lilies. Delphiniums are a good choice to round out the picture.
  
• Globe thistle grows 2 to 4 feet tall with round blooms and bristly foliage. Their bloom time coincides with that of lilies for about 6 to 8 weeks.
  
• Garden phlox stands 3 to 4 feet tall and comes in white, red, pink, lavender and purple.
  
• Baby's breath is a nice cover for the bare lower portion of lilies.

Wax Flowers

The versatile Waxflower is a fairly recent arrival in the world of cut flowers. Widely used as a cut flower in Australia and overseas, Waxflowers last for well over two weeks. Each one of the small waxy petals includes many colors and hues. And because of the flowers' intricate construction, dark centers, and the different ways the blossoms look as they very slowly open, each cluster has its own personality. The green needle-like leaves (they look similar to rosemary) are ever so softly scented… just bend a few to release the delicate bouquet.
Pure White, Pale Pink, Variegated White and Pink, and Dark Purple
Wax Flowers can be used to complement the main attraction as they do in this month's featured bouquet, or simply enjoyed on their own. The flowers are cut from a medium to large shrub, typically 6 to 9 feet high. They appear in late winter and may last well into summer.

Freesia

Striking, Invigorating, Free Spirited!

This exquisite robust flower, Freesia, was first discovered on the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. It wasn't until the end of the 19th century that several European countries began to breed this genus. An avid plant collector and fellow student in South Africa honored Dr. Friedrich Heinrich Theodor Freese, a German physicist, by giving the flower his name around 1830.

These fragrant tubular flowers can be found in both single and double flowering varieties, and vary in color from white to yellow, orange, pink and lavender. Freesias grow from a corm, or thickened underground stem.

The Freesia family consists of 19 tender, deciduous, perennial corms, and actually they are members of the Iris family, Iridaceae. They bear extremely fragrant flowers in the spring and are often used in borders. And Freesia does well in containers outside, or as houseplants.

Freesias grow from 12 to 18 inches tall producing fans of small, sword-shaped leaves. In the spring, long, thin stalks grow above the leaves and bear clusters of dainty, trumpet shaped flowers up to 2 inches long. The sweetly scented flowers come in an array of colors including white, gold, orange, pink, red, purple, and blue. Some species have flowers veined or feathered with two colors. Some have double petaled flowers.

Freesias are one of the most loved and elegantly scented flowers. The one-sided sprigs carried on a single slim stem give them a certain delicacy, which is common to both the single and double flowered varieties.

In our high tech culture, Minimalism is often the watchword. The newer longer stemmed varieties of Freesias, which you have received in your March bouquet, display flowers with no accompanying foliage. The most up-to-date stylized interiors often include a group of identical vases, each showcasing Freesias of different colors.