Winter is certainly upon us. While it is only the first week of winter officially, she has certainly made sure that we feel her presence, by chilling us to our cores.
I know that I have shared some of the lovely fresh cut winter flowers that will be available over the coming months such as the cymbidium orchids, tulips, hellebores, johnquills, daffodils and hyacinths. I have also shared some of the benefits that winter brings:
- Less heat means that the bacteria growth is slower, and therefore you don’t need to change the water as frequently
- The water doesn’t smell as quickly and flowers tend to last that little bit longer….but that is a bit of a generalisation.
The truth is, that SOME flowers will last longer in the cooler months, but others will suffer.
Any guesses what kind of flowers DON’T like the cold?
TROPICALS.
When you think about it, it is understandable that tropical and sub tropical blooms don’t enjoy the cold environment that the winter months brings.
Heliconias, orchids, anthuriums and ginger flowers, all grow in more humid environments. Much of their water is consumed through absorption of the air as well as through the stem, so when that humidity goes, so does part of their sustenance.
You will notice that tropical blooms wither in the cold, just a Hydrangea does on a super hot day. They go limp, the edges brown quickly, they shrivel, and dehydrate. Instead of looking their luscious, plump, succulent and glossy selves….they look sad ☹️
This kind of brings us back to the whole ‘shop seasonally’ mindset right?
Just like with fruit and vegetables, when you buy out of season, the flavour and texture isn’t as good, it’s the same with flowers. Sure, you may be able to get something out of season, but at what cost and at what quality and condition?
When you are buying flowers that are out of season, they don’t last as well. Anyone see a vaseful of tulips in summer? Trust me it’s not a happy sight. They have been in transportation for some time to get to you, so they have been without food and water. Then WHACK they are hit with with an explosion of (heat or) cold, the direct opposite of the environment they have been grown in.
So what about heaters?
It may seem like a logical solution to pop the heater on to keep your tropical blooms nice and toasty….but this will not help. Tropical blooms love warm, HUMID conditions. Heaters provide a warm, but dry environment, so you will still have problems with the blooms dehydrating prematurely, and all the physical signs that come with that (pronounced veins on the petals, brown edges etc)
There are plenty of wonderful choices available throughout winter, so your best bet is to talk to our friendly staff about what your local, seasonal choices are. Talk to them about how long you want/ need them to last, what the occasion is, if there is something special on. This will help us guide you on your best choices, and also manage your expectations by providing honest, professional advice.
That also helps this small, local, family business help support other small, local family businesses.
Fwf x
Feature image source : Orchid Republic
