Flower of the Month: Spotlight on DELPHINIUM

With the holiday's, a new year, and some large events we were a part of over the last few months, our studio has been buzzing. We took a few months off from our Flower of the Month posts... But spring has sprung and it's now time to start our flower spotlight again! This month, we're talking about Delphinium, one of the few true blue flowers that nature offers.

There are amazingly about 250 species of Delphinium (pronounced del-FIN-ee-um), but today, we'll focus on the three main hybrid groups grown as cut flowers. Those groups are the ones we primarily receive in our studio that we sell and arrange for you. Delphinium are a beautiful flower, tall and sturdy and available in a range of blues from light to dark. They are one of the rarities in nature - a blue that God created and our florists don't have to mess with a bit to try and make a different hue! One group of hybrid delphinium do come in a variety of colors (white, cream, mauve, lavender and purple) but for the most part, the delphinium we work with and most people favor are the true blue stems.

Delphinium are not only known for their color, but for their multiple blooms and nice height. They add variation and lots of interest to an otherwise ordinary arrangement. Their stem of sometimes as tall as 5 feet can be used in a very large arrangement, or cut down to compliment and still add height to a shorter design. Check out some of the ways our designers have worked with delphinium.

As far as the care for delphinium goes, they will usually be ready for you to enjoy by the time you get them from Lisa Foster Floral Design, or any floral shop, but you can help them last longer by re-cutting the stems daily and washing the container every other day.

Quick Facts on our FOTM:

Name: Delphinium
Beauty: Nature's true blue bloom, unique design options
Colors: Blue, light to dark - other varieties come in white, cream, mauve, lavender, purple
Care: Re-cut daily for maximum water uptake; stake or wire bent stems
Bloom Time: Available year-round, highest supplies May-October; lasts 4 -12 days

We work with delphinium on a regular basis at our studio and make a variety of arrangements that are unique and beautiful. We can add some color to your budding spring, or you can impress a loved one with your knowledge of an interesting, unique flower by sending them a cheerful arrangement with delphinium - just call us!

*delphinium information courtesy of Florists Review

Flower of the Month: Spotlight on PEONY

It's that time again - our Flower of the Month is here! This October we've chosen to highlight the Peony, a fragrant, huge-headed flower.

This flower is a favorite of many with its delightful scents and large range of colors and shapes. About 2,600 varieties of peonies are available and the array of colors include pink and red, purple, apricot, salmon, white, ivory/cream, and yellow and bicolors. The forms of a peony are wide-ranging too, but here in the U.S., double-flowered varieties are the most common.

Peonies are best to buy when they're in a "puffy" stage, meaning the buds are about to open. Be careful not to purchase any that have an overly tight bud; they may never open. Also look out for any fungus, called Botrytis (gray mold) as it will rot the entire flower head. Just remove any flowers contaminated and the bloom should continue to stay healthy.

After ensuring you've purchased the healthiest bloom, re-cut the stems, removing at least one inch, and put the flower(s) in water. Peonies like cool air and are heavy drinkers, so make sure to water them often. If you care correctly for this unique flower, it should give you 2 to 7 days of enjoyment, with a bloom opening 6 inches or more.

The peony is one of the most notable seasonal flowers, available from March to August, with its peak season in April, May and June. So why, you might ask, would we feature a flower that is so seasonal (and that's not even in season now)? Well, we think you can never plan too early! We know many brides who already have their day booked for next spring, and we think peonies are a lovely addition to any wedding bouquet. Check out this picture of Amy Wiseman with her lovely bouquet of pink peonies, designed by one of our talented florists here at Lisa Foster Floral Design.



Peonies work beautifully for any occasion, not just weddings. So if you have an anniversary, birthday, or special day rolling around in the spring, consider a peony as part of your gift of flowers.

Quick Facts on our FOTM:

Name: Peony
Beauty: Fragrant, huge-headed, blooms quickly, variety of colors
Colors: Variety - pink, red, purple, apricot, salmon, white, ivory/cream, yellow, bicolors
Care: Cool air, hydrate, water often
Bloom Time: Seasonal, best in April, May, June; 2 -7 days


The designers at Lisa Foster Floral Design can make you a gorgeous arrangement in the spring with peonies, but don't forget us for the fall too! We have some amazing colors in the cooler now - fall is so beautiful... Let us help you give the gift of the season to someone special. Call us for a delivery today!

*peony information courtesy of Florists Review


Lauren &

Flower of the Month: Spotlight on LISIANTHUS

Okay flower lovers, here's your chance to learn more about one of the most versatile and long lasting flowers out there. The Lisianthus, pronounced lis-ee-AN-thus, is most commonly known as "Prairie Gentian" and "Texas Bluebell". It's a favorite of florists and consumers based on its versatility and length of life.

The blooms of a Lisianthus have showy, cup-shaped, tulip-like flowers. Sometimes, due to their double-flowered varieties, they are mistaken for garden roses. The stems are anywhere from 12 to 24 inches long with gray-green leaves. There are flower buds at several intervals up the stem.

Colors of a Lisianthus range from pastel pink, to yellow, lavender, salmon or coral, all the way to deep purples, white, green, and even red hues.

Lisianthuses are available year-round, but most prevalent from June to December. So you still have time if you'd like one, or many, in an arrangement from Lisa Foster Design!

Okay, so you have your facts, and you've decided to get the flower for you, or be absolutely thoughtful and give a special someone a boutique or an arrangement with a Lisianthus as a highlight...How long can you expect it to last?? Anywhere from 7 to 14 days. Blooms last about a week and larger buds on the stems should open within that time. Make sure you cut the stems and replace flowers in a clean container for the best results.

So there is it! Our first Flower of the Month; a new feature we're incorporating here on the blog. We want you to get the most bang for your buck and the most enjoyment out of whichever flower you choose for yourself or the special person receiving the colorful gift.

Here's a quick recap of our FOTM:

Name: LISIANTHUS
Beauty: Showy, cup-shaped flowers, resemble garden roses
Colors: Variety - pinks, purples, reds, yellow, green, bicolors
Care: Cut stems, clean container, cool area
Bloom Time: year-round, best in June - December; 7 - 14 days

We'd like to thank Florists Review for much of this information on Lisianthus. Visit their site if you'd like to find out even more about this particular flower. Photo courtesy www.combifleur.com.

We hope this was helpful, and next time you get a beautiful Lisianthus, you'll know just what to do with it! Stay tuned to the blog for a new flower every month. Happy Pruning and Growing! And don't forget to order your own Lisianthus from Lisa Foster Floral Design!


Lauren, for: