Top 10 Fragrant Flowers

If you want to know which flowers have the strongest and best fragrance, then this list is for you! Below you will find a list of the flowers with the strongest fragrance to the least fragrant.

All of the flowers on this list certainly make a statement, and make a fabulous addition to any arrangement or bouquet not only for their delicious smell, but also for their unique beauty.

Tuberose

This tall and elegant flower is made up of several smaller white/soft pink flowers that form a long stem with the unopened buds on top. The fragrance is very strong and sweet and is often used in perfumes, toiletries and essential oils.

Tuberoses generally flower in the warmer months from March/April until November and they have a vase life of 7 - 10 days.

Their stems are tall and straight and range in size from 40cm up to 100cm.

When pairing these flowers with others, it is not recommended to use other fragrant flowers, as the scent of the tuberose is so intoxicating, adding more fragrance would be a bad idea.

These flowers are not recommended for people with allergies to pollen.

Oriental Lily

The most popular of all cut flowers by far for it's pure beauty, intoxicating fragrance and versatility is the Oriental Lily. The fragrance of the Oriental Lily is subtle at first, but will increase in intensity as the blooms open. Two or Three stems of Oriental Lilies would be enough to perfume your entire home with it's lovely sweet fragrance.

Thanks to the many glasshouse growers throughout the country, these flowers are available year-round.

Oriental Lilies come in a range of colours, however the most popular cut flower colours are Soft Pink, Hot Pink, Hot Pink/White, Soft Pink/White, Dark Pink, Pure White, White/Yellow & Yellow.

The open blooms of Oriental Lilies are quite large, and can span up to a diameter of 20 - 25 cm. Buying Oriental Lily stems entirely in bud is a great idea, as you will have the enjoyment of seeing them open up completely blemish free and will have the freedom to remove the stamens as you need to. The pollen present on the stamens and the strong fragrance of the Lily can give some people allergies.

Freesia

Small and delicate, Freesias are a popular Spring flower and bring thoughts of Country cottages to mind. Their perfume is more subtle, but sweet and pleasant nonetheless.

Freesias are available almost year round, with perhaps the exception of Summer.

Although small, generally 15 - 30cm in length, Freesias have long straight stems and look great en mass in a vase, all on their own.

Freesias are popular choices as Buttonhole and Corsage Flowers for weddings, and also look amazing as part of a beautiful mixed bridal bouquet. They are available in a range of colours including white, soft pink, hot pink, red, orange, yellow, and purple.

Hyacinth

Good things come in small packages, as is the case with the Hyacinth. These short spring stems usually range from 20 - 30, but have a lovely soft fragrance.

Usually available in the cooler months of the year, from October until April, Hyacinths are popular to use in Country Posies or en masse in a glass vase on their own.

The individual florets can be pulled off the chunky stem and wired for wedding buttonholes or corsages, or floated in water with candles.

They are available in a variety of colours such as white, soft pink, hot pink, purple, lilac, blue, yellow and orange.

Frangipani

One of the most loved tropical flowers is the Frangipani for it's elegant beautiful flowers and lovely sweet smell. There is nothing quite like walking past a Frangipani tree in summer and inhaling the delicious fragrance of these delicate flowers. Frangipani fragrance is used in a variety of ways such as in perfume, toiletries and essential oils.

Generally only grown in warm tropical climates, Frangipanis flower during the warmer months of the year from May until September. They are available in a range of vibrant colours such as yellow/white, hot pink/white, hot pink, hot pink/yellow, hot pink/orange, orange, orange/yellow and orange/yellow/hot pink just to name a few.

A popular way to enjoy frangipanis at home is to float the blooms in a bowl of water, or to place a branch in a vase.

These very delicate flowers grow on trees and bruise very easily, which is why you usually won't find them available at you local florist. You are more likely to find a Frangipani tree for sale at your local nursery, however you must keep in mind that they prefer a warm and humid climate, and do not respond well to frosts.

Jonquil

Another spring flower that packs a punch full of fragrance is the Jonquil, also know as Narcissus.

These little flowers are apart of the Daffodil family and have a very strong smell. A small vase of Jonquils in the home will easily perfume an entire room.

Jonquils like the cooler weather and flower from October until May. They are more popular to display en mass on their own in a vase or to be mixed with other flowers of their kind such as daffodils.

Keep in mind that their stems exude a toxic clear sap, which is poisonous to other spring flowers such as Tulips, Hyacinths, Ranunculus and Freesias, so it is best not to mix them with these flowers.

Jonquils are not ideal for people with allergies to pollen.

Stock

Stocks are a lovely flower on their own and add an elegant dimension to any tall arrangements or bouquets. Their fragrance is soft and pretty and not too overpowering.

Preferring the cooler weather, Stock are available in abundance from October until March, and they have both a single and double bloom variety.

A fairly tall flower, from 50 - 100cm, Stock are also available in a range of pastel colours such as white, soft pink, lavender, lemon and bold colours like hot pink and dark purple.

The flowers of stock are made up of several florets starting with the largest blooms opening at the base of the flower head, and the buds at the top.

Stock are a popular flower to use in large impressive arrangements, country cottage style vases or using the florets in a crystal bowl of water.

Sweet Pea

As the name suggests, Sweet Pea have a lovely sweet and pleasant fragrance. They are also a popular English Country Flower and grow on short stems of 10 - 25 cm.

They are available in a range of pastel shades such as white, baby pink, hot pink, lemon, lavender, lilac and apricot.

Sweet Peas are popular to use in a Country style Posy bouquet, or in a mixed vase of flowers for the home. They are a joy to grow and will grow in abundance in cooler climate areas.

It is often said that if you plant your Sweet Peas on St.Patricks Day, they will flower for you by Easter.

Sweet Peas generally have 2-3 flowers per head and have a standard vase life of 5-7 days.

Peony

The lovely large heads overflowing with petals belong to the Peony, as does it's amazing fragrance.

Peonies like the warmer months, and flower from June until September. They are available in a range of colours and variegated colours such as red, burgundy, hot pink, soft pink, white and hot pink/white, soft pink/white, burgundy/white.

Peony stems can be fairly tall, ranging in size from 50 cm up to 100 cm. They are popular to use in large bouquets, bridal posies and tall arrangements.

The vase life of the Peony is excellent as they will last up to 7 days or more with the proper care.

Peonies are not recommended for people with allergies to pollen.

Rose

The most famous of all fragrant flowers is of course, the Rose. These days, however, due to greenhouse growing, the fragrance of Commercial Roses sold in Florists has sadly been somewhat lost. As roses open, their fragrance intensifies, however garden grown roses seem to fair the best in regard to providing the best smell.

Rose oil is used in many different ways, and the fragrance of Rose is still one of the most popular in the world today, being used in perfumes, toiletries, essential oils, cooking and vitamins.

Roses are a very versatile flower and are used in bouquets, wedding bouquets, buttonholes, corsages, tall arrangements, sympathy arrangements, valentines day, the tango...the list is endless.

They are the most recognisable flower in the world, as is it's fragrance.

Rose fragrance is not too overpowering, and will gently perfume a room as the blooms open.

To Find Out more Make Sure you Check out Lily & Rose - The Online Flower Guide

Amy L. Sampson is the Author of the Online Flower Guide Lily & Rose

Amy's goals are to share her experience, passion and knowledge about Flowers, Weddings and all things Creative.

To see more visit:

http://www.lilyandrose.com.au

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_L_Sampson

A Brief History of Silk Flowers

The History of silk flowers began before the 12th century crediting the Chinese for being responsible in their creation, and in the 12th century, Italy was making artificial blooms using the dyed cocoons of silkworms, improving on the silk flowers. The English settlers brought it to America and from the 14th century to the 18th century, France was at the forefront of artificial flower making. Because of the French Revolution, some French artisans left for England, and from England the art of silk flower making would reach America during the 19th century.

The term "permanent botanicals" became the term most florist used for silk and other artificial flowers for many years. Florist and gardeners looked upon the artificial flower as an inferior product due to the poor manufacturing quality.

Today silk flowers are as unique as the quality of fine aged wine. Silk and other artificial flowers that are manufactured today are as breathtakingly real and must be touched to feel their quality and compare them to nature's own. Silk flowers are so well crafted one would never guess the authenticity. Manufacturers have tired to recreate the beauty of perishable flowers and mass production of the "plastic flower" that kept the interest in artificial flowers at an unusually low point in history.

Most "silk" flowers today are from the cotton/polyester blend fabrics that hold color dyes, retain their textures and display well, exceeding any manufactured product from the past. Some high quality flowers are hand painted to give that illusion of real blooms and stems, shapes and colors pleasing to everyone.

• A flower arrangement changes the color and feel of any room for a relatively small investment.

• The improved manufactured quality of the silk flowers over the years help the home decorator to create an arrangement that will enhance the look and feel of any home.

• Floral arrangements are a well-balanced mix of flowers and stems with real flowers are enough to satisfy the individual host.

Creating a silk floral design can be as exciting as creating any arrangement made with real flowers. The quality of flowers today will surprise and delight the most skeptical. Today, the silk flower arrangement is available for a weddings bouquet, an anniversaries surprise, or a birthday treat, or even a holiday arrangements centerpiece to create that feeling of pleasure for everyone. Why not stop by a craft shop to pick up a holiday table showpiece and see the reaction of family and friend.

Stop and take a look at the arrangements the next time you are in a store, craft shop, or even in a restaurant or office building to help you appreciate the quality of a silk flower arrangement of today.

I find silk flowers a joy to work with and I take pleasure in completing the arrangements that fill my home marking each development a delightful beauty. A lasting gift of silk flowers to any of my friends will bring them happiness and just seeing the expression on their faces is my pleasure. My art background and my experiments with the different type and styles have given me the confidence to create elaborately. Weddings are a favorite of mine and the young bride will have a lasting gift of her silk floral bouquet, as will her bridesmaids. Silk wedding flowers are a lasting beauty. Flowers made of silk will mark a wedding as unique and traditional as the occasion. That July Fourth celebration is not complete without a floral arrangement centerpiece, as any holiday occasion should always include that special floral design to brighten any table.

Would you like to know my secret for creating your very own silk floral arrangement? Instructions are free when you visit http://www.floralcreationsinspired.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fran_M_McCain

Victorian Flowers and Traditions

Flowers are my passion and when I was asked to set a table for a benefits banquet using a floral centerpiece and eight place settings I found the Victorian Era theme fit my love of flowers. This era was named for Queen Victoria who ruled England from 1837 to 1901, whose enthusiasm for flower designs was a time of elegance for all things flower. They decorated not only with flower arrangements in a vase but also with flowers on plates, tea pots and in pictures for the walls, and their use of flowers was displayed in all their treasures. The Victorian women would often wear flowers in their hair, on their arm or around their neck. Their love of flowers was a way of expressing affection, and was given to friends and lovers according to the message they wanted to express, for the Victorians knew the meaning of flowers. Their floral arrangements were, formal, proper, opulent, lavish and showy. Aristocratic members of society would exhibit wealth by creating large, excessive, luxurious and often overdone flower arrangements.

In the fifteenth century the nosegay (an appeal to the nose), flowers or herbs tied together with a sweet-smelling fragrance was worn around the neck for a satisfactory smell, and to mask foul odors. Proper women of the Victorian Era society carried these bouquets at most social gatherings and Judges would often carry them into their court room and wear around their neck to ward off the unpleasant smell of the streets.

In the mid-19th century Victorian England the tussie-mussie (small bouquet of flowers) were exchanged between Victorian sweethearts expressing secret love messages; a gift of a traditional Valentine flower unique and personal and very fashionable. Victorians considered a young lady to be cultured if she understood the study of flowers.

The language of flowers, sometimes called floriography was a way of communicating in Europe in the 1800's and during the Victorian era. In the Victorian time the most popular flower was the rose, the meaning of love and it was almost always required for a flower arrangements. Following are other appropriate flower meanings, and it is said that knowing the meaning of floral language was as important as appearing well dressed in a public place:

• Lavender - luck, forgiveness
• Marjoram - blushes
• Rosemary - remembrance
• Lilac - love's first emotion
• Orange Blossom - chastity
• Carnation - pure love
• Rose (white) - innocent love
• Rose ( red) - passion
• Rose ( pink) - romantic love
• Star-of-Bethlehem - reconciliation
• Witch Hazel - a spell
• Sweet Pea - delicate pleasures
• Ivy - wedded love
• Holly - domestic happiness.

In this era the key word was romance and it was said with flowers however, careful consideration should be taken when conveying a message. I have come to appreciate this expressive and elaborate flower arrangements and designs and have adapted it as my own and it has become my design and technique as my signature.

As my passion of working with flowers grows I have enjoyed this study of Victorian Era, with their many traditions and impressive ideas, I saw this as fascinating and impressive time spent. I look forward to developing my own designs to imitate their elaborate and luxurious creations. With each design I studied it was like stepping into the past and living among new friends which was both inspiring and creative. http://www.floralcreationsinspired.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fran_M_McCain

The Most Popular Flowers

All flowers are popular in their own right depending on the use they're intended for. No flower is left neglected especially when you're making a flower arrangement. They're all used in all aspect of the arrangement you intend to do based on the occasion the flowers are used.

However, no matter how important flowers in all occasions, there are some that shines over the others especially in their price value and the quality of their flowers. There are flowers that are short lived and long lasting. Others are low quality and high quality, some priced flowers intended for some special occasions used for dignitaries.

To give you some ideas regarding the popularity of flowers, I have researched the most popular flowers for your guidance.

1. Lily. This type of flower have a strong fragrance that is commonly used in sympathy tributes that's why some people associate lily flowers with funerals. Though they have a strong fragrance some people don't appreciate its scent especially those with allergies, while some people adore their strong fragrance. You'll need to weigh those factors in when deciding whether or not to use lilies.

2. Rose. Rose is the most favorite flower because it symbolizes romance and it's also edible. In every special occasions, roses are always used as decorative ornaments as the main decor for flower arrangement. Each rose color symbolizes different meaning, that's why in every occasion you could always see a rose flower as a token.

3. Tulip. A perfect flower for people in love, this flower signify fame, charity and a perfect lover. When a guy is deadly in love with his woman, he would offer a red tulip to her arms to declare his undying love.

4. Orchids. Orchids is a well known flower that also signifies love, beauty and refinement. In China this flower is a symbol for children. It's also an excellent ingredient in all kinds of flower arrangement in all occasions.

5. Sunflower. This flower is the favorite of home gardeners as an attractant for butterflies and honey bees because of its large size flowers, that easily catches the attention of friendly insects. Its seeds are also edible as a source for precious high quality oil. Sunflowers symbolizes loyalty and wishes.

6. Carnations. Carnation flowers are edible and has been used to make the French Liquor in the 17th century. It has different colors that symbolizes different meanings, but generally carnations is a sign of affection, health and strength.

7. Gardenia. Like roses, this flower also symbolizes love, so that when a man have a secret crush to a woman, he would send a gardenia flower to be recognized. Gardenia is a good combination with other flowers in forming a flower arrangement intended for all occasions.

8. Marigold. Marigold is a good companion crop in the garden because it's considered as an insect repellent. It ward-off some destructive pests in the garden, since its flowers have an aroma that insect pests hates to smell. Besides being a popular garden flower marigold also signifies cruelty, grief, and jealousy. So, the next time you send a flower to your friend, be careful not include marigold, you might be losing a friend.

Happy gardening!

Cris Ramasasa, Freelance writer, writes about home gardening and Internet marketing tips. You can get a copy of his latest ebook "Discover How to get started in Flower Gardening" and "Vegetable Gardening Made Easy", also get lots of tips, Free articles, and bonuses at: http://www.crisramasasa.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Crisologo_Ramasasa