Flower Buying Guide

Want to know the meaning of yellow roses?   How to care for your flowering plants?   Which bouquet  to send to Mum for her birthday?  We are here with all of the answers! 

What's In Season

Spring Flowers September through November Popular picks:  Freesia  Hyacinths  Lilacs  Lilies  Orchids  Peonies  Roses  Snapdragons  Sweet Peas	Summer Flowers December through February Popular picks:  Anthuriums  Freesia  Gardenia  Hydrangea  Lilies  Lisianthus  Orchids  Phaleanopsis  Stephanotis	Autumn Flowers March through May Popular picks:  Berries  Calla Lilies  Dahlias  Foliage  Gerberas  Hydrangea  Poppies  Tulips	Winter Flowers June through August Popular picks:  Anemones  Cumquats  Daffodils  Hyacinth  Jonquils  Sweet Peas  Tulips  Winter Rose

Fun Floral Facts

Not sure what kind of flowers to buy?  Each type of flower holds a special meaning!  Browse through these popular picks to find your perfect match. 

Carnations  These are durable, delightful, and delicate.  They are a symbol of love and fascination with a ruffled appearance, clove-like scent, and extended blooming period.  Red carnations  are a sign of love; the deeper the hue, the deeper the sentiment. Pink carnations  are associated with gratitude, perfect as a thank-you gift. White carnations  are said to bring luck to the beholder.	Gerbera Daisies  To send the gift of cheer, look no further.  Gerbera daisies come in a rainbow of fun and gorgeous colours, sure to brighten anyone's day.  Their meanings are associated with purity and innocence, though more recently they have been thought to bring happiness to a recipient. The cheerfulness that these flowers hold make them a perfect choice for birthdays, thank yous, congratulations, and get wells.	Irises  With a striking uniqueness and beauty, irises have rich meanings, and when given as gifts, can convey deep sentiments.  There are over 200 varieties in a wide spectrum of colours, with the iris taking its name from the Greek word for "rainbow." Dark blue  or purple irises  can convey royalty in some parts of the world, whereas yellow irises  can be a symbol of passion.	Orchids  A graceful yet exotic appearance is only part of what makes orchids so treasured.  They are known to be the most popular house plants, and also make perfect gifts. Orchids can give off a variety of messages, but historically they have meant love, beauty, and wealth.  They have also been associated with healing and protective properties. The Phalaenopsis,  Cymbidium,  and Dendrobium  orchids are the most popular, and Vanilla Orchids  are the most highly produced.	Peruvian Lilies  Reminiscent of miniature lilies,  these can be found in a variety of colours with multiple blooms to a stem, making a beautifully full arrangement for any vase.  Peruvian lilies are associated with friendship and devotion.  With so many gift-giving occasions centred around these themes, Peruvian lilies are a safe choice across the board. Whether used as the focal point or as an accenting flower in an arrangement,  they are sure to attract attention and bring joy.

Roses  As one of the most enduring symbols of love and appreciation, it's no wonder roses are among the most admired flowers.  Red roses  are a traditional symbol of love and romance. Pink roses  are a symbol of grace and elegance, often given as a symbol of admiration. Yellow roses  are associated with joy and friendship due to their warmth. White roses  are a symbol of honour and reverence, often used as an expression of remembrance. Orange roses  often symbolise passion and enthusiasm, making them a perfect choice for a new romance.	Stargazer Lilies  Delicate, bold, and fragrant all at once, stargazers are a fantastic choice for a number of occasions.  The lily  family has traditionally represented innocence and purity, and though stargazers have come to be associated with these meanings, they have taken on others as well.  White stargazer lilies  have come to evoke a sense of purity, though are also used to express sympathy. Pink stargazers  are a popular variety used to symbolise aspiration and prosperity.	Sunflowers  No flower can lift spirits quite like sunflowers can!  Bright and cheery, bold yet comfortable, the sunflower is a warm and caring gift. With their sun-like appearance, these smart flowers will actually turn to face the direction of the sun as the day progresses! They come in a range of varieties, from small  to large,  from bright yellow  to sunset red.   With the sense of brightness and warmth that sunflowers naturally impart, they have become an ideal choice for sending sentiments of cheerfulness and sunny thoughts.	Tulips  These are the world's most easily recognised and loved flowers.  They are not too elegant, too romantic, too big, too small, or too bright; the tulip is always just right.   The meaning of tulips is generally perfect love. Like many flowers, different colours of tulips also often carry their own significance. Red tulips  are most closely associated with true love. Purple  is synonymous with royalty. Yellow tulips  mean cheerfulness and sunshine! White tulips  can mean forgiveness, making them that perfect apology gift.	Wildflowers  Wildflowers are a bold choice, often beautiful and perfect for that nature-lover.  They make a thoughtful gift, and can also be stuck into any arrangement for a nice touch!  Violets  can be added into any arrangement for that extra touch of beauty or can be give on their own as a full plant or bouquet.  Look for different varieties, such as African Violets  or Canadian Violets.   Daisies  are always a nice choice of wild flower.  They can bring the perfect amount of cheer to any bouquet, or can do the job purely on their own!

Flower Care and Tips

It is said that the more flowers  a person sees, the better their mood will be.  With that kind of visual stimulation, you will want to preserve the health of those buds for as long as possible!

• Bouquets
• Your bouquet  will certainly be thirsty and the flowers will need about 8-12 hours to perk up.  With the proper care, your flowers will be blooming within the next couple of days.
• Before putting them into a vase,  cut one inch off of the stems with a scissor  and remove leaves that fall below the water line.
• Fill the vase with water and feed your flowers some food.  
• Re-cut the stems, change the water, and add a new packet of flower food after the third day. 
• For the longest life, most flowers will want to be kept away from direct sunlight, heat, and drafts.

• Plants
• Different types of plants  will need different amounts of sunlight, water, and fertiliser.   It is best to research the specifics before giving a plant!  You won't want to give one that requires complex care unless your recipient is a true green thumb.  
• For more tips and tricks on how indoor  or outdoor flowering plants  should be cared for, see our Gardening Guide.

Related Gift Guides

Valentine's Day Gifts	Birthday Gifts	Anniversary Gifts	Wedding Gifts	Mother's Day Gifts

External Links

• EdibleBlooms.com:  A fresh alternative to traditional flowers.
• MarketFresh.com.au:  Your Australian guide to fresh flowers, foliage, and potted colour.
• Petals.com.au:  Send flowers in and around Australia. 
• ProFlowers.com:  Read the "florapedia" for even more tips!