Types of Flowers
Flowers are beautiful and have many uses. So, it’s no surprise that they are one of the most popular types of plant life. Yet, there are many different types of flowers, and not all flowers are created equal. Here’s a rundown of some of the most common flowers you can use in your home or garden and their attributes and uses. Here are 10 of the most popular types of flowers that are renowned by gardeners and florists alike.
1. Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria is among the most popular types of flowers. This type is also referred to as an Easter lily, and it’s commonly used at funeral services. Its name comes from alstroemeria, which means beautiful in Latin. These yellow-hued, trumpet-shaped blooms also have a sweet fragrance. However, it’s not just their physical appearance that makes them so appealing; they’re symbolic too. For example, the ritual arrangement is often given to somebody who has done something nice for another person without anyone else knowing about it.
2. Calla Lily
The calla lily is a type of lily that has an inflorescence consisting of many large white to lilac flower heads atop a tall stem. They are often known as the Queen of Flowers and, for that reason, should be at the forefront of any floral display. This bloom has recently gained popularity due to its hardiness, making it easier for even novice gardeners to grow and enjoy these beautiful blooms. The calla lily is also traditionally used as an elegant centerpiece when creating a wedding bouquet because the simplicity of color pairs well with other kinds of flowers.
3. California Poppy
Growing California Poppy is not for everyone. The plant does not tolerate being transplanted. In addition, it is susceptible to various insect pests and diseases, the sap has a nasty smell when it gets on your skin, and the plant dies after flowering in spring (if you try to dig them up). All these drawbacks aside, the bright orange-yellow flowers make this a showy annual that brings some color to meadows. Flowers are borne singly or in dense clusters at the top of a single, erect stem that grows 3-6 feet tall with loose whorls of leaves only near its base. As with many wildflowers, the Cali poppy grows readily in disturbed soils but will look nicer if planted together to help camouflage its unattractive root system.
4. Gardenia
1. Gardenias have a distinctive, wonderful scent that may remind you of the tropics or Hawaii.
2. Their fragrance varies depending on the time of day and can get stronger at sunset.
3. You should plant your gardenia outside during the warmer months and move it indoors as cooler temperatures hit your area.
4. Gardenias are sensitive to temperature changes and need plenty of sunlight to thrive indoors–without enough sun. So, they won’t bloom as well or last as long in your home décor arrangement before wilting away in disappointment!
5. Carnation
Carnations are the most popular type of flower in the United States. They come in various colors, such as red, pink, purple, white, and yellow. Carnations often signify romantic love and affection. They can also represent gratitude or admiration.
6. Gerbera Daisy
The Gérbera Daisy, also known as Gerber Daisy, is a popular annual flower that has also been classified as an everlasting flower. This plant will grow anywhere and prefers to grow on garden slopes. But it can be grown in more controlled circumstances. It gets its name from the French physician and botanist Jean-François Gérard (1766-1837), who classified it after its namesake. The flowers are arranged radially around a central point, which may be surrounded by decorative foliage leaves or other objects such as filler berries. Gerber daisies are typically yellow but may also be orange, pink, or red.
7. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are perennial plants, which means they live for more than two years and come back every year after being cut down. Depending on the variety, they can come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. Chrysanthemums have a pleasant aroma and are prized by flower lovers worldwide. In addition, some people enjoy crushed foliage as an herbal tea additive that helps keep bad breath away and freshen your breath.
8. Orchid
Orchids are relatively low-maintenance flowers, but they do require high humidity. For this reason, an orchid should be placed away from windows where there is a draft and away from air conditioning vents. Also, orchids need different light and water levels to grow properly, depending on the variety. Some types thrive in bright sunlight, while others prefer less light. The watering schedule also varies with the type of orchid; some varieties like to have their soil completely dry between waterings. While others need a little more frequent watering. Generally speaking, larger varieties will require more frequent watering than smaller ones since they contain more soil that can retain moisture for longer periods.
9. Tulip
A tulip is a beautiful flower with a life span of about six weeks. Tulips are often planted for their showy appearance and come in various colors, including red, pink, yellow, and white. For centuries, tulips have been used as symbols of love in several different cultures worldwide. The most popular legend attached to the origin of the symbolism tells the story of a man called Hans. Hans delivers tulip bulbs to his sweetheart to symbolize his love. The young woman receives them with joyous delight. But her father throws them away because he knows it means Hans will eventually steal his daughter away from him.
10. Dahlia
Dahlias are easy to grow from seed and produce a flower stem up to three feet tall. The dahlia’s most interesting feature is the eye, an intense disk with many colors that develop on the top of the petals. Dahlias also bloom at different times depending on their type. So labeled floribunda will typically begin flowering in June and continue for four months. Those labeled perennial will produce showy blooms for four months. Then their stems die back and re-sprout each year in autumn; that labeled diva will stop flowering after two months, after which they can be grown as pot plants or passed onto friends.