Ask and Answer Flower Questions Archive - Dec 2007

By KevinWhy do cut flowers need artifical preservatives and what ones are best?

Answer By Webmaster: Artificial preservatives will increase the life of cut flowers and should always be used. (Adding aspirin, wine, or pennies to cut flowers WILL NOT help to keep them fresh longer. Do not attempt a home brew concoction.)

For the Cutflowers a floral preservative is used. It is a complex mixture of sucrose (sugar); acidifier, an inhibitor of microorganisms; and a respiratory inhibitor. Sucrose serves as a source of energy to make up for the loss of the functioning leaves and insures continued development and longevity of the flower.

In the market, there are many number of floral preservatives. It is very difficult to identify them. But it is adviced to use the branded companies, as they can be more reliable.

By Scarlett: When should we plant hydrangea plants

Answer By Webmaster: If you could plan your transplanting Hydrangeas for later into fall or early spring when the plant is not in active growth you will have much less risk of transplant shock for the plant.

By Velma: Are poinsettia leaves poisoness to pets if they chew on them?

Answer By Webmaster: According to the American Society of Florists poinsettias are not toxic and do not pose a health threat to children or pets.

This truth has been even proved by The consensus of government agencies, health centers, veterinary groups, and plant and flower organizations.

By Hope: Need to know how to prune Gerber Daises as well as Mums?

Answer By Webmaster: Pruning Gerber Daises as well as Mums:

Gerbera Daisy should be kept well pruned of all dead leaves and flowers to prevent any pest or fungus growth. When pruning any spent flowers, move the flowers at the base of the plant An effective way to water a Gerbera Daisy plant is to place the potted plant into a shallow pan of water and allow the plant to draw up the water. Plants Should be kept in bright indirect light.

Mums: Cut back all old stems and leaves down to the soil, if they are indeed totally brown. There is no advantage in keeping the old dead wood on mums or any other plant once it has come through the winter and ready to put forth the spring growth.

By A Visitor: Give some info on Mango Bonsai

Answer By Webmaster: In my view, its good to have a Mango bonsai. Mango roots should not be mucked much, as they do not like their roots mucked with too much. Tying down the branches and pruning will give you a nice shrub.

Kathleen:Would lilac shrub survive in Arizona climate without lots of watering?

Answer By Webmaster: Yes, Lilacs(common Lilacs) can be grown in Arizona.

By A Visitor: What is the botanical name, Common names of Nag Champa flowering plant and its location

Answer By Webmaster: This delicate flower possesses a rich, ethereal odor that is much prized by the people of India.

Description & History: Nag Champa is one of the flowering trees of the Magnoliaceae family with bright Orange Yellow flowers. Michelia Champaka Alba is a close relative of Michelia Champaka producing white flowers with more or les the same aromatic compounds. Champaka is a holistic flower with hundreds of references in the folk lore & legends of Hindu mythology. It is also refered to in many classical medical textbooks of ancient India. The fragrance resembles Yalang-Yalang, though Yalang-Yalang is sweeter in comparison to Nag Champa. These flowers produce an exquisite and heady fragrance just before sunset, when they bloom.

The petals resemble the hood of a snake. Hence the name Nag Champa. In many Indian Languages Nag means Snake.

Botanical Name : Michelia Champaka / Michelia Champaca, Michelia Champaka-Alba

Common Names : Golden Champa, Nag Champa Chembakam, Sembagam

Major Producers : India(East, South and Himalayan Foot Hills).

Aroma : Flowery Sweet, Lingering and slightly heady.

Part used : Flowers & Leaves.

By DL: What is the official flower of ontario, and italy

Answer By Webmaster: White Trillium - Ontario : (Trilliium grandiflorum) Ontario chose the trillium as its provincial flower in 1937. This white flower grows in the forest in the springtime. It is called the trillium because it has three petals and three leaves. The ?tri-? part of trillium means three.

Alpine Poppy - is the official flower of Italy

By Kitty: How to make the Poinsettias force to bloom

Answer By Webmaster: To force blooming indoors in time for Christmas, one has several options. It needs long nights, but at the same time sunny short days.

There are few methods, by which one can force poisettia to bloom.

An easy method would be to put the plant in a little used room with a sunny window and no extraneous light at night.

Or keep the plant in absolute darkness for 12 to 14 hours every day starting in the beginning of October. In a closet or under a box.

By early November, the new leaves will be coming out red, and you are on your way to a flowering plant by December.

By A Visitor: Historian facts of Jasmine plant

By Webmaster: The plant originated from India -- from the northern parts of the Himalayan valleys.

Others place the origins of the sampaguita even farther off to Egypt and Persia or present-day Iran.

Since ancient times Jasmine has been thought of as the 'queen of flowers'. The name Jasmine is derived from the Persia 'yasmin', meaning a fragrant flower. It's also a Persian girl name.

Plant must have been introduced into Egypt prior to the time of the XXI dynasty (around 1000 BC).

It was said that a Chinese emperor of the Sung dynasty (960-1279 AD) had Jasmine in his palace grounds so he could enjoy its fragrance. In the 1400s, Jasmine was planted for kings of Afghanistan, Nepal and Persia.

Varieties of Jasmine used in perfume, found their way to places across the seas -- beginning from areas along the Arabian Sea, such as Persia and India then crossing the Red Sea into Egypt.

They reached into the territory around the Aegean Sea into Turkey and Greece. And, they spread to areas along the Mediterranean Sea from Africa through Egypt, Algeria and Morocco -- reaching Western Europe through Spain by Moors in 1600, and France and Italy.

The plant was introduced into Britain in the latter part of the 17th century.

Description: Jasmine flowers are generally white, although some species have yellow flowers. Unlike most genera in the Oleaceae which have four corolla lobes ("petals"), jasmines often have five or six lobes. They are often strongly and sweetly scented. Flowering is in spring or summer in most species.

By Kathy:If a Christmas cactus has always bloomed pink or fushia colored flowers is it possible for them to change to white? "

Answer BY Webmaster: Holiday cacti are actually quite easy to care for once you understand the basics. When the plants are in flower, they should be kept in bright, indirect light.

Too much light can cause the flower color to fade (may be color change or fading to white is due to that or the heat my cause the flower buds to drop. Day temperatures of 70°F and evening temperatures of 60-65°F are considered ideal.

By Ada: Why Jasmine leaves are getting yellow though waterered.

Answer By Webmaster: If the jasmine is being kept in that pot for more than 3 years, remove from the pot and repot it with new soil and aquarium gravel for fast drainage in the soil.

Observe the water content, should neither be too low nor high.

Don: Large Mums, about 4-5 in in dia. what is its name?

Answer BY Webmaster: Probably you mean Dendranthema x grandiflora: with common names as Potted Chrysanthemum, florist's chrysanthemum, garden mum, hardy chrysanthemum.

Its a lowing growing shrub(sub-shrub) to about 60cm in height and width, native of Japan to China. Leaves are medium to dark green in colour with three to five rounded lobes. Leaves are up to 9cm in length, they are arranged alternately on the plants stem. Flowers buds are produced terminally and are green-silver in colour. Flowers are 2-10cm (4 inches)in diameter depending on which cultivar you are growing.

By Donald: Leaves drying with white dots on the trunk & lower branches?Explain and cure

Answer By Webmaster: May be your problem is Aphids.

Aphids are tiny soft-bodied green or brown insects that accumulate on the tips of shoots and on leaves and stems, causing leaves to wilt or yellow. Their eggs are white and tiny. They feed on the plants sap and excrete a sugary liquid called honeydew.

To prevent them, Purchase lady bugs or use insecticidal soap.

By Nancy : How long is the Christmas Cactus kept in the dark to start the blooming process?

Answer By Webmaster: When the christmas cactus plants are in bloom it is important not to let the plant dry out or expose them to direct heat as that may cause the flower buds to drop . Too much light can fade the flowers. Fertilize with a high potassium fertilizer when the buds form and continue until the flowers fade.

One can repeat the flowering process year after year. There are two important factors in encouraging bud formation 1. Long nights Christmas cactus requires at least 14 hours of darkness. 2. Prolonged cool temperatures of 50-55 degrees. Bud formation will not happen if temperatures are above 70 degrees. The plant should bloom within six weeks.

Now with love and care Schlumbergeras will flourish.

By A Visitor: Name some hardy perennials of Tropical Chrysanthemums

Answer By Webmaster: These are some of the hardy perennials of Tropical Chrysanthemums: Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium, Chrysanthemum carinatum

By Gina:What is the flower given to a sick person

Answer By Webmaster: Peony is the flower which means healing, That means healing for the sick. So, Peonies can be sent to the person who is recovering.

By A Visitor: What is the meaning of a pink Rose:

Answer By Webmaster: Pink Rose meaning - Perfect Happiness, Secret Love, Grace & Sweetness, Indecision.

By Judy : Name the type of rose that is multi-stalked at the base & it's branches (are very long) cascading style.

Answer By Webmaster: You may be talking about the rose from the Rockies through the Cascades, a very hardy favorite is Rosa woodsii, or Wood?s Wild Rose.

By Pat : What does the yellow, purple carnations mean?

Answer By Webmaster: Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) are one of the most popular florists' flowers. As long lasting flowers, Carnations are very popular as boutonnieres, in corsages, bouquets, and in a wide range of floral arrangements. Carnations are popularly favored on special occasions, especially Mother's Day and weddings.

Purple Carnations mean Capriciousness

Yellow Carnation mean Disappointment, Dejection

By A Visitor: Is there a substitute flower for lily of the valley to be used in a bouquet?

Answer By Webmaster: Cut flowers depend upon the season.

Flowers like peonies, lily of the valley and ranunculus, have a definite season.

If they are purchased out of season we may have to pay more and quality may not be as good.

So, Peonies and Ranunculus may be susbstitutes for the Lily of the Valley.

John: Amaryllis belladonna 3 years in pots do not flower, why

Answer By Webmaster: Since it is 3 years old, try to repot the bulb, so that in the new conditions, the plant may flower.

Amaryllis is best grown in a porous growing medium which allows air to reach the roots. The container used must have drainage holes and should be at least 5 inches deep and 2 inches larger in diameter than the bulb. Clay or ceramic containers are recommended.

Bulb should be repotted every three or four years, because the roots are sensitive and should not be disturbed often. Delicate repotting should be done just before the bulb's dormancy is broken. When repotting, the bulb should be taken out of its old container and as much growing medium as possible removed from the roots by pouring water over them. The bulb and mass of roots should be placed in the center of a pot 2 inches larger in the diameter than the bulb, the empty space filled carefully with a good porous growing medium, taking care not to damage the roots. After the medium has been firmed around the roots, the base of the pot should be immersed in a bucket of water for about a half hour to make certain the medium is thoroughly moistened.

When propagating from offsets, upon lifting the bulb for repotting, just before breaking dormancy, small offsets known as BULBILS can be found clustered around the base of the mother bulb and should be detached with fingers or sharp knife. The bulbils can be grown in a plastic tray or large pot with a porous growing medium. After 12 months, the bulbils will be big enough to plant in individual small pots and can be grown for one year and then moved to another pot about twice their size. The bulbs will bloom in three or four years after being removed.

By Chris: Will heating foxglove seed in an oven release its poison as a gas?

Answer By Webmaster: We do not know precisely the release of poison as gas when foxglove seeds are placed in an oven. But the toxic properties of these plants don't disappear even after drying or cooking or in an oven.

But all the parts of the Foxglove plants are poisonous. Poison is usually present in higher levels of toxicity just before the maturation of the seeds.

Being so dangerous plants it is not advised to consume them in homemade products.

The cold also does not destroy the effect of the cardiac glycosides within the seed.

By Steven: What is the National Flower of Morocco?

Answer By Webmaster: Morocco country does not have a national flower.

By Eileen: Are Salvias annual? Should we pull them out when look dead?

Answer By Webmaster: Salvia, Torenia, Marigolds and Ageratum come under Autumn Flowering Annuals.

Yes , they should be pulled out.

Once the annuals have finished flowering they should be pulled out and replaced. Once it starts to look tatty, pull it all out - even though there may be still some plants in flower. It's time to replace them with the new ones.

By Erica: Why was the Apple Blossonm chosen for Arkansas State flower

Answer By Webmaster: As Arkansas was the chief apple-producing county in the U.S, the Apple blossom was chosen as the state flower. And Arkansas was called as The Land of the Big Red Apple. Today Arkansas ranks 32 nd in apple production.

By Sammi: Do marigolds go good in coffee?

Answer By Webmaster: Marigolds also yield a fragrant volatile oil called tagetes oil that is used in perfumes and in many types of processed food products, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, frozen desserts, candies, puddings, condiments and relishes.

It is not known anywhere about the presence of marigold flower petals in coffee, but seen in China Teas.

Apricot Scented: A touch of marigold flower petals and essence of apricot enhance this China black tea.

Mango Scented: Marigold petals and the essence of mango enhance this China black tea.

By Rosa: Morning Glory on winter time should we trim or cut down the vine?

Answer By Webmaster: If it is an annual, just save seed to replant for next year. If a perennial it should come back in the Spring.

Jasmine williams: What is the commonname for jasmine flower?

Answer By Webmaster: Poets Jasmine, Common White Jasmine are the common names of jasmines. Jasmines include many species in the genus jasminum.

Jasmimium sambac or sampaguita or melati etc are some of the common names of jasmine sambac.

By Ed: What is the flowering season or period for Gerberas?

Answer By Webmaster: Gerbera flowers bloom throughout the year but best quality gerbera daisy flowers are available in late spring, summer and mid autumn.

By Mary: Cultivation, water needed and sunlight about heather, campanulas, mignonette, canterburybells & narcissus flowers

Answer By Webmaster: Heather - eather (Calluna vulgaris) Scotch Heather/Ling Heather, is an evergreen branching shrub. Heather flowers bloom in late summer. Wild species of Heather flowers are usually in purple or mauve shades.The flower's variuos cultivars come in colors ranging from white, through pink, a wide range of purples, and reds. Different varieties of Heather Flowers bloom from late July to November in the northern hemisphere. The flowers may turn brown but still remain on the plants over winter, and this can lead to interesting effects.

Campanulas - is one of several genera of in the family Campanulaceae with the common name bellflower. It takes its name from their bell-shaped flowers, and campanula is Latin for "little bell". The genus includes about 300 species and several subspecies, distributed across the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with the highest diversity in the Mediterranean region east to the Caucasus. Plant needs sun or partial shade

Mignonette - Mignonette (Reseda) is a genus of fragrant herbaceous plants native to the Mediterranean region and southwest Asia, from the Canary Islands and Iberia east to northwest India.

Canterburybells - Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium) also known as the bell flower, is an annual or biennial flowering plant with attractive bell shaped flowers with a flat base. The plant thrives in lightly shaded to sunny locations in well-drained soil.

Narcissus - Narcissus is one of the most popular flowers in the world and the most popular flower in Germany. Narcissus JonquilaA spring-flowering bulb, Narcissus is the name of a genus which includes flower bulbs like Daffodils, Jonquils, Paperwhites and so forth. Narcissi (plural form of Narcissus) are easily grown from bulbs. The word Narcissus is derived from the Greek word narke, meaning numbness or stupor. Some attribute the naming of the flower to its narcotic fragrance while others debate that it is associated with the poisonous nature of the Narcissus bulbs.

By Justice: What is an Inflorescence

Answer By Webmaster: An inflorescence may be defined as a cluster of flowers, all flowers arising from the main stem axis or peduncle.

Flower inflorescences can be of 2 types.

Single: when all the flowers are gathered in the same single pattern.

Compound: when a complex pattern is made of another single patterns.

By Geli:Why was the nj state flower (viola sororia) chosen as an nj state symbol?

Answer By Webmaster: The Violets are hardy enough to grow in New Jersey fields, lawns, and anywhere they can find warm spring sunshine.

New Jersey has considered the violet as the State flower since 1913. It wasn't until 1971, however, that the Legislature adopted a bill that made the Viola sororia one of official symbols.

By Judy: Is it safe to have Sun Parasol Mandevillas and are they toxic to children

Answer By Webmaster: There are Mandavilla speices white and Crimson. Both the speices are poisonous. So it is adviced to avoid the plant in children's presence.

By Molly: Can we move a "survivor" plant that is now blooming.

Answer By Webmaster: Do not move, but deadhead the plant before fall, which induces the plant to flower.

By Visitor: Where and how is sampaguitaa perfume made

Answer By Webmaster: sampaguitaa perfume is made in France, Italy, Morocco, Egypt, China, Japan and Turkey produce the best oil. The sampaguita oil from the sweet smelling Jasmine has been known to be one of the most expensive scents in the world costing upwards of $1,500-3,000 a pound. Today it is a billion dollar plus industry in France growing sampaguita and distilling its perfume.

In manufacturing, sampaguita oil is produced as a 'concrete' by solvent extraction, and an absolute is obtained from the concrete by separation with alcohol, and an essential oil is produced off the absolute by steam distillation. 1,000 lb of flowers (about 4 mln flowers) yield approximately one pound of liquid concrete, which yields 0.2% aromatic molecules. The main chemical components of sampaguita oil are: Benzyl, Nerol, Terpineol, Linalyl acetate, Methyl anthranilate, Jasmone and Farnesol.

From one hectare 6 lb of luqid concrete can be produced, or 0.5 g of oil. Which is about 12 drop of Jasmine oil.

By Pam: Do you cut Red Alert Asters back in the fall? Or When

Answer By Webmaster: You can also cut back the top six inches of Red Alert Asters in mid-June to force more blooms and bushiness in fall. But do not cut in fall.

By Evelyn ElstonName of the Rhododendrons that has small white flowers? Looks almost like gooseneck.

Answer By Webmaster: There are many species of Rhododendrons, which are white and combination colors.

By A Visitor: Which Magnolia species bloom later than most Magnolias

Answer By Webmaster: Magnolia virginiana: Blooms later than most other varieties and may remain evergreen in warmer climates. Fragrant white flowers are borne in the summer.

Magnolia X soulangeana (M. denudata X M. lilliflora): Which has Fragrant white flowers.

By A Visitor: Infestations on Chrysanthemums

Answer By Webmaster: Hardy chrysanthemums that develop yellow-brown spots starting on the lower leaves and gradually moving up the stems may be infested with foliar nematodes. Nematodes are slender, unsegmented roundworms that are barely visible to the unaided eye. Foliar nematodes overwinter in the soil, in infested plant material. They swim up the film of water on the plants, created by spring rains, and enter leaves through the stomata. Nematodes can become dormant and survive for over a year in fallen leaves. Yellow-brown spots on the leaves eventually run together and cover the entire leaf, which dies, turns brittle, and falls. Severe infestations can kill entire plants. Foliar nematodes are easily confused with leaf spot (see above), but fungal leaf spots are most often black, not brown. They additionally infest hosta and ferns.

Probably the condition of the plant is due to nematodes.

Prevention and Treatment: Remove infested plant material, along with the surrounding soil. Mulch plants in the spring to discourage nematodes from climbing up from the soil, and avoid spraying water on the leaves when watering. Foliar sprays with insecticidal soap may help reduce nematode populations.

By A Visitor: What are the major exporters in Africa

Answer By Webmaster: Geographically speaking,in Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe are major exporters. Both are good rose producers.

In South America, Colombia is a leading flower producer and exporter. In fact it accounted for about 60% of all flowers imported by America in 2004.

By A Visitor: What is the color of the whole Chamomile plant

Answer By Webmaster: The whole plant is downy and greyishgreen in colour.

By A Panjwani: Can Jasmine plants be kept indoors

Answer By Webmaster: Jasminum plants are outdoor or plants which need sun.

So, I do not think that jasmines would grow well in indoors.

By Debra: What causes black spots on Rose leaves

Answer By Webmaster: Black spot on the leaves of roses is, caused by the fungus Diplocarpon rosae is the most common problem of roses.

The fungus that causes black spot thrives under wet conditions. Therefore, infection occurs primarily during spring (May and June); it is this period when fungicide sprays are most needed to prevent black spot.

By Sondra Howel: Where can I order a book with pictures of various floral designs?

By Webmaster: Mastering the Art of Floral Design by Paula Pryke's is the best book it gives good information and pictures of various floral designs. You can buy them at Amazon. Mastering the Art of Floral Design by Paula Pryke's is the best book it gives good information and pictures of various floral designs.You can also look at these books also The Complete Book of Floral Design and Wedding Bouquets: Over 300 Designs for Every Bride.