Albert's Florist Blog

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.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemum history dates back to the fifteenth century B.C. The prefix “chrys-” comes from the Greek language meaning golden, it’s original color, and “anthemion,” meaning flower. Although this flower started as golden, years of gardening have produced a wide variety of colors including pink, red, white, magenta, and purple. These daisy-like flowers are a symbol for optimism and joy. Chrysanthemums are the thirteenth wedding anniversary flower, the November birthday flower, and the official flower for Chicago.

Different cultures celebrate the chrysanthemum in unique ways. The chrysanthemum signifies a life of ease in Chinese cultures. The Japanese consider this flower to be a symbol of the sun and the unfolding of the petals signify perfection. Confucius even suggested that the chrysanthemum should be used as an object of meditation.

The various colors of chrysanthemum have distinctive meanings. Yellow represents a refusal of romantic advances. Red chrysanthemums mean the spark of a new relationship. White signifies honesty and the request for truth. Violent chrysanthemums represent a wish for health and wellbeing.

If chrysanthemums are visualized in dreams, this indicates the discovery or unfolding of the inner self. It can also represent a time of great personal growth out of hardship leading to a stronger realization of identity.

 Purchase our purple chrysanthemum here!