10 Interesting Flower Facts

As you're setting up your new bouquet, you may be wondering about the blooms in front of you. For example, did you know that some flowers generate their own heat to attract pollinators? Or that some species are even capable of moving on their own? See below about some interesting facts on common varieties that are sold by us.

1. Roses are Edible.

The petals, buds, leaves, and rose hips are all edible and high in vitamins such as A, C, and niacin. Plenty of recipes also exist. Try sprinkling dry petals on your favorite desserts, making rose hip tea or creating your own rose water and adding it to culinary dishes. Depending on the variety of roses, they also have differences in flavor. As long as the roses aren't treated with pesticides they are able to be consumed without worry. If you have any concerns consult your physician.

2. Peonies Originated in China Around 4,000 Years Ago.

Peonies have been around for thousands of years in China. Originally, they were domesticated for their medicinal qualities however as they started to grow in popularity they began to cultivate many different species for ornamental purposes. They were greatly enjoyed by the emperor and high-ranking families where they symbolized wealth, beauty, and love. By the 8th century, the peony was introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks and the Japanese became a major producer of peonies. Daikon island in Japan is famous for its abundance of many cultivars and produces the most peony seedlings in the entire country. When peonies were introduced to Europe in the 1800s they grew in popularity around the world. Over 40 species are available today.

3. Hydrangeas are Actually Comprised of Sepals Instead of Petals.

Hydrangeas actually have no petals! They are made of sepals which on most flowers is the leafy green part on the outside of the flowers. These sepals actually have the ability to change color depending on the soil. More acidic soil will make the sepals more intense blue while more alkaline soil will make the sepals pink. Moreover, the sepals grow in a unique pattern known as a corymb. This is best described as a flowering pattern where all the flowers converge into one large bloom.

4. The Emperor’s throne in Japan is called the
“Chrysanthemum Throne."

Chrysanthemums have a long enduring history in Japan that represents the emperor of Japan. According to legends, the Chrysanthemum Throne is the oldest monarchy in the entire world and is said to have been founded in 660 BC by Emperor Jimmu. Every year on September 9th, there is an annual holiday for peonies in Japan. They are also a common offering made to Buddhist shrines. This flower is also seen as highly medicinal and is often used in culinary dishes such as sashimi and with a blanched chrysanthemum dish called kikka no ohitashi.

5. Ukraine is the Largest Sunflower Producer.

As of 2021, 23% of all agricultural holdings in Ukraine consist of land allocated for sunflower production making sunflowers one of the country’s most valuable crops. They are a global leader in sunflower seed oil production making up to 47% of the world’s total sunflower oil exports. This industry has generated hundreds of thousands of jobs in Ukraine. The arid climate of Ukraine makes it ideal for growing vast amounts of sunflowers. Sunflowers hold a special place in the hearts of Ukrainians as their national flower. They often will use sunflowers to decorate their homes or for special occasions.

6. Lilies are the Traditional Flower Used for 3oth
Wedding Anniversaries.

In floriography - or the language of flowers - lilies represent transitions and remembrance which is why they are often used for 30th-anniversary bouquets. Of course in many different cultures, they have varying symbolism. In Japan and China, they represent good luck while in Greece they represent motherhood. Different colors also have varying meanings. White lilies represent purity, pink lilies represent propensity and red lilies represent passion. Lilies also are a popular flower for bouquets because they are the longest-lasting cut flower.

7. Tulips were Once Considered a Very
Expensive Flower.

Tulip Mania occurred when the price for trading tulip bulbs became so extraordinarily high that they even cost more than houses. How did it get this way you ask? It all started when the botanist Carolus Clusius. He noticed that some tulips would develop strange flame-like patterns with different colors. The result was that the - what we know now were diseased tulips - were becoming highly sought after. The Dutch began to trade these unusual bulbs for high sums of money which often took place in taverns. However, seemingly overnight, the tavern trade collapsed. The phenomenon known as “Tulip Mania” was the first known case of an economic bubble.

8. Mature Orchids Grow Upside Down.

Most orchids, you see are actually blooming upside down! This is known as resupination and is believed to be for the purpose of helping out pollinators. What resupination does is provide a landing strip for bees and other insects by placing the “lip” of the orchid upside down. Special hormones in the flower bud called auxins tell the bloom when it’s time to turn around. Not all orchid species partake in resupination but the majority usually do this.

9. Gerberas were Discovered by Robert Jameson While he was Operating a Gold Mine.

Native to tropical regions in Africa, Gerberas were initially discovered by Robert Jameson. Also known as African daisies Jameson noticed the Gerberas growing nearby the gold mine in Transvaal, South Africa. Later on, he took two plants home with him to Durban and contributed them to a botanical garden there. The scientific name of Gerberas is Gerbera Jamesonii named in honor of Traugott Gerber and Robert Jameson by botanist Frederic Gronovius.

10. Ranunculus means, "Little Frog" in Latin.

Rana means ‘frog’ and unculus means ‘little’ in Latin. Native to Asia, the name of the flower comes from where it is naturally found by streams and small bodies of water. They are also referred to commonly named as buttercups and are found throughout the entire world. Each flower contains as many as a 130 petals that slowly open up to reveal a darker colored center.