Albert's Florist Blog

History

Joel Robert Poinsett was not only the first ambassador of Mexico, member of the House of Representatives, and Secretary of War; he also happened to have an eye for botany. During one of his trips to Mexico, Poinsett found a beautiful, red plant. In Mexico, this plant is called “Flor de Noche Buena” or the Christmas Eve flower. Poinsett sent samples back to his home in South Carolina in 1825, and by 1836 this bright plant became known as the poinsettia to most of the United States.

Legend

Poinsettias grow wildly in Mexico where a famous legend surrounds them. This story dates back to a Christmas Eve several centuries ago. A young girl had no present to offer the baby Jesus in honor of his birth. Her cousin suggested that she present a modest gift. And so on her way to mass, she picked some weeds to offer at the altar. As she entered the church and walked up the aisle, the weeds turned into beautiful, red flowers.

 Facts

Poinsettias have grown to become a cherished and iconic Christmas flower. Although most people believe the red parts on a poinsettia are petals, they are actually modified leaves called bracts. The real flower is in the center of the bracts. To find the best poinsettia, look for one without pollen on the clusters in the center. Visible pollen is a sign that the colorful bracts are about to fall off.

Poinsettias can grow up to ten feet tall, but are priced based on the number of blooms. They are also called the lobster flower or the flame leaf flower. Poinsettias are not poisonous, but their sap has been known to cause skin irritation to some people. They make up 85% of potted plant sales during the holiday season and are the best selling potted plant in the United States. December 12 is National Poinsettia Day, which honors the death of their namesake, Joel Robert Poinsett.

Buy our red poinsettia basket here!

1. Tulip bulbs were more valuable than gold in Holland in the 1600s.

2. Almost 60 percent of fresh-cut flowers grown in the U.S. come from California.

3. The largest flower in the world is the titan arums, which produce flowers 10 feet high and 3 feet wide. However it is not just the world’s largest flower, it is also the smelliest. The native of the central Sumatran rainforest is known as the Corpse Flower as it gives off the scent of rotting flesh.

4. In 2002, Scientists discovered the oldest flower in northeast China. The Archaefructus sinensis bloomed 125 million years ago and resembles a water lily.

5. In the fifteenth century, roses symbolized two divided groups in England. Red roses symbolized the Lancaster faction while white roses symbolized the York faction. And thus, the clash became known as the “War of the Roses.”

Mini Green Cymbidium Orchid

Orchids are exotic and delicate flowers that represent love, beauty, strength, and luxury. However their history is filled with lust, greed, and wealth. In ancient Greece, orchids were a symbol of virility. It was believed that if the father of an unborn child ate large orchid tubers or roots, the baby would be male. If the mother ate small tubers, the baby would be a girl. In the Victorian era, orchids shifted to a symbol of luxury and continue today to represent rare and graceful beauty. Pink orchids express pure affection and the Cattelya orchid conveys mature charm. In China, orchids represent refinement and the innocence of children. In the United States, they are the 14^th wedding anniversary flower.

Spotted Purple Phalaenopsis Orchid

There are nearly 25,000 varieties of orchids that span all the continents save Antarctica. The majority of orchids are epiphytes, meaning that they grow on top of or are attached to another living plant. The most common orchids are Dendrobiums, Cymbidium, Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, and Vanda. Orchids are believed to posses healing and protective powers. It is said that the Aztecs once drank the pulp from a Vanilla orchid mixed with chocolate to gain more power and strength. The Chinese also used orchids as herbal medicine to cure lung illnesses and coughs.

Visit Albert’s Florist today and choose from our wide variety of Phalaenopsis orchids and seasonal Cymbidium orchids or purchase them online here!

Discovered by Baron Claus von Alstromer in 1753, these beautiful flowers are a symbol of friendship and devotion. They are considered to resemble a miniature lily and are often called the Peruvian Lily or the Lily of the Incas. Alstroemeria are believed to have originated from South America and now have grown to about 50 different species of flowering plants. The most popular Alstroemeria is the hybrid of a winter-growing species from Chile and a summer-growing species from Brazil.

Today, Alstroemeria flowers come in a wide variety of colors including white, yellow, orange, pink, red, lavender, apricot, purple, salmon, mauve, cream, and bi-colors. When cut, these flowers are two to three feet long and branch into four to six stalks. Each of these pedicels holds about two to four flower buds. The leaves on an Alstroemeria plant start upside down and twist as the leaf grows out from the stem.

 Purchase our Alstroemeria Bouquet here!

What is proper sympathy flower etiquette?

Flowers are a universal gift of sympathy. Many families have a wake, visitation, or viewing for other family members and friends to pay their respects to a lost loved one. If you wish to send flowers for the wake or viewing, it is proper sympathy flower etiquette to send flowers or plants before the first visitation hours. Although the former is preferred, it is still appropriate to send flowers until the last visitation has occurred. If the last visitation is over, send flowers to the family of the deceased. It is inappropriate flower etiquette to try and send last minute flowers to the graveside. This can be disruptive and disrespectful. It is always proper to send flowers to the loved one’s family. Some people even wait until weeks or a month have passed before they send flowers to let the family know that they are still being thought of and remembered.

What kind of arrangements should be sent to a funeral home, mortuary, church, or residence?

A basic bouquet is always a great gift especially if you don’t know the family’s background. A cross-shaped arrangement can be inappropriate depending on the family’s religion. Sprays, wreaths, funeral baskets, green and blooming plants, and specialty arrangements are all appropriate displays that can me sent to a funeral home, mortuary, or church. Green and blooming plants and funeral baskets, as well as vase arrangements, are great gifts that can be sent to the residence of the deceased’s family. These are all perfect ways to express your condolences.

View our various sympathy arrangements here.