Care Tips for Specific Flowers

ORCHID FLOWER CARE

Orchids are the most complex, advanced and successful family of flowers on the planet, with approximately 25,000 species occurring naturally throughout the world. Orchids are sensitive to sun, heat and drafts, so be sure and display your orchid arrangement away from direct sunlight, heat-generating appliances and fans. Since orchids drink in water not only from their stems but also directly through their blooms, you should also mist them with cool water, especially upon arrival.

Average Lifespan:7 days Seasonality:Year-round

Colors:White, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Burgundy and plenty of

bi-colored varieties.

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TULIP FLOWER CARE

Tulips are one of the most popular flowers of all time and come in a variety of colors, heights and shapes. Be aware that tulips can grow almost an inch daily, even when cut. Tulips also naturally bend toward the light, so carefully consider placement to avoid a lopsided bouquet. When your tulips first arrive, it is best to keep them in the protective wrap while hydrating for the first 4-5 hours to help straighten and support the stems. Sign Up for a chance to get FREE Flowers at Teleflora.com, click here

Average Lifespan:5 days Seasonality:Year-round

Colors:Red, White, Pink, Fuchsia, Purple, Cream, Orange, Peach,

Yellow and plenty of bi-colored varieties.

December Birth Flower: Narcissus

The narcissus is the December birth flower and symbolizes good wishes, faithfulness and respect. The narcissus can often be confused with the daffodil, the birth flower for March, which is a type of narcissus. Although most narcissus flowers are spring flowers, there are several species that bloom in the winter, such as the paperwhite narcissus — making it appropriate as the birth flower for December.

The December birthday flower has a rich history. As a native of the Mediterranean, the narcissus was brought over to Asia where it became widely cultivated in China. From there, the narcissus made its way into Europe via European colonists and eventually made its way into North America. Today, the narcissus is mainly cultivated in Great Britain, Holland, and The Channel Isles.

Narcissus Meanings and Symbolism

The narcissus flower’s name is derived from Greek mythology. Narcissus was a young hunter who was famed for his attractiveness. He was so attractive that he, himself, was obsessed by his good looks. One day, when looking at his own reflection in pond, he leaned in to take a closer look only to fall in and drown. Therefore, the narcissus is known for being a symbol of vanity in Western culture.

However, in other cultures and organizations around the world, the narcissus carries on different meanings:

• According to the Victorian “Language of Flowers” giving someone a narcissus means that they are “the only one.”
• In Kurdish culture, the narcissus is a symbol of the new year.
• Similarly, in Chinese culture, the narcissus symbolizes the Chinese New Year because it is one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. It is also a symbol of wealth and good fortune for the coming year.
• As a symbol of hope, the narcissus has become an emblem for cancer societies around the world.

December Birthstone

Turquoise and zircon are the birthstones of December.

Turquoise is a gemstone that is popular for its color. A symbol of good fortune and success, it is one of the earliest stones used in jewelry — even as early as 5500 BC. Upon excavation, mummified pharaohs have been found adorned with turquoise bracelets, and turquoise beads were found in ancient Mesopotamian ruins. The turquoise is also the national stone of Iran. In Native American culture, the turquoise is called “Chal-cui-hui-tal” which means “the highest and most valued thing in the world,” and is a large part of southwest American culture. Turquoise has a striking blue-green color that is derived from the combination of copper and iron that’s present within the stone.

Zircon is the secondary birthstone for the month of December. It is a mineral that is typically found as deposits in granite and metamorphic rock, and gemstone quality zircon are rare to come by. Zircon colors can range from red to brown and from orange to yellow. In the 1920s, a blue zircon gemstone was created by heating brown and yellow zircons. The most prized color of zircon is the red gemstone.

December Zodiac Horoscope

According to the zodiac horoscope, both the Sagittarius and Capricorn are born in December.

Sagittarians are characterized as optimistic and upbeat. They are always the first to see the positivity in all things and are known for their loyalty. They are also known for their cheerful personalities, as well as for their humor and wit and soliciting joy and laughter from people around them. Favorite hobbies include being outdoors, sightseeing and going on roadtrips. Sagittarians born in December are born between December 1st to December 22nd.

Capricorns are also characterized as highly pragmatic. They are known as being ambitious and will strive for perfection. Although they can sometimes be blunt when it comes to expressing their opinions, Capricorns have an easy temperament and are excellent at maintaining their composure. Similarly, they are great listeners and are dependable friends. Capricorns born in December are born between December 23rd to December 31st.

Famous Birthdays In December

• Louis Pasteur, French physician and the “Father of microbiology, December 27, 1822
• Georges Seurat, French post-Impressionist painter, December 2, 1859
• Woody Allen, Oscar-winning director, December 1, 1935
• Jane Fonda, American actress, December 21, 1937
• Gianni Versace, fashion designer, December 2, 1946

Do you have a December birthday, or know someone that does? From beautiful bouquets to gourmet birthday treats, check out our selection of truly thoughtful birthday gift ideas! 

Save 20% OFF on Birthday flowers & gifts with code.  Click here

5 Tools Every New Gardener Needs

Starting a garden is an exciting process. It’s fun to imagine the final outcome of your flowerbed or vegetable garden before you’ve even begun digging. Chances are, the early stages of your flower garden will come with many trips to nurseries and home-improvement stores to stock up on your materials. Here are five tools that all new gardeners need in their arsenal to get started:

1. A Hoe
When you begin gardening, it may feel as if all you’re ever doing is digging. Therefore, you’ll want a quality hoe that makes that process a little easier. Once your garden has matured, you’ll still be able to use your hoe to cultivate the soil and cut weeds beneath the surface. It’s probably one of the best investments a gardener can make!

2. A Hose
Summer weather can be incredibly unpredictable, so there’s no telling whether rain will come when your flowers need it most. This is why a hose is crucial to any gardener. It makes the process of watering your flowers much easier than having to continuously walk back to the faucet to refill your watering can. If you don’t have access to a hose though, just make sure you get a quality watering can to make it as easy as possible on yourself.

3. Pruners
Your flowers don’t always grow exactly how you want them to. Sometimes, one side of the plant will grow wild, making the whole thing look lopsided. That’s what a pruner is for! This handy tool will allow you to trim your bushes and keep them looking aesthetically pleasing. Plus it if done appropriately, it encourages flower growth so you can really stop traffic with your beautiful garden.

4. Gloves
While you may not have a problem with getting your hands dirty from time to time, it’s still beneficial for you to invest in a nice pair of gardening gloves. This is especially true if you’re planting thorny flowers, like roses. Make sure your gloves aren’t too big for you, as that’ll make it difficult for you to grip your tools properly.

5. A Trowel
Many beginning gardeners don’t realize they need a trowel until they grow tired of digging the holes for all of their plants with their hands. A trowel is a shovel with a pointed end that make it easy for gardeners to break up dirt and dig the right size holes for their plants. Be sure to find one with a comfortable handle!

Once you’ve planted your seedlings, you’ll be so excited to watch them grow into adult plants. Caring for your flowers and watching them flourish is an incredibly rewarding experience. It takes some time, though! If you can’t wait until your garden has matured to enjoy fresh flowers in your home, then order a gorgeous bouquet, like Fashionista Blooms from Teleflora to help tide you over. It comes with a keepsake vase that you can use for your own flowers when they flourish.

From $50 for Deal of the Day at Teleflora.From $50 for Deal of the Day at Teleflora. http://coupon4share.com/store/teleflora.com

Flower Delivery from Teleflora with Coupon Code 2016

Bouquets Hand Arranged by a Local Florist

We are proud to offer beautiful hand-arranged bouquets and fast, reliable delivery by one of our local florists located across the US and Canada. Every Teleflora order is sent to a local florist as we believe that supporting our local businesses strengthens our communities.  Our fresh bouquets are delivered in a vase, ready to be enjoyed immediately; unlike other companies, we never pack the arrangement in a box to be shipped across the country. That's the Teleflora difference! Use Teleflora Coupon Code for 20% OFF Deal of the Day! Never miss such a chance! Valid until July 31.2016!Use Teleflora Coupon Code for 20% OFF Deal of the Day! Never miss such a chance! Valid until July 31.2016!

Send Fresh Flowers for Every Occasion

With Teleflora, you can buy cheerful birthday blooms, thoughtful Mother's Day arrangements, romantic Valentine's Day bouquets and more.  We offer a large selection for sympathy and funeral, including funeral bouquets, casket sprays and sympathy floral baskets for the home.  With a huge variety of everyday arrangements, bestselling plants, centerpieces for a special party, wreaths and trees for a Christmas celebration, floral baskets and gourmet food baskets - you'll be sure to find the perfect gift for anyone on your list.  You can shop for arrangements by type – does your recipient love Roses, Carnations, Daisies, Tulips or Lilies?  You can shop by occasion, make a beeline for Best Sellers, or use our recipient guide to help you find the perfect gift.  If you need help writing cards & messages our guide can help you pen the perfect sentiment.  For ideas & inspiration, visit the meaning of flowers glossary.

Same Day Flower Delivery

Teleflora has been providing high quality services that have made people smile for the last 81 years. Sending gifts is easy with Teleflora, order online from your desktop, tablet or phone. If you need same-day flower delivery, be sure to place your order before 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, or by 12:00 PM on Saturday or Sunday (in your recipient's time zone) and we will deliver the arrangement the very same day.

Teleflora Bouquets Make A Wonderful Gift

Teleflora's celebrated Flowers-in-a-Gift collection includes arrangements that arrive in ceramic mugs, teacups, pitchers, mercury glass bowls or many other unique containers.  Our unique Teleflora keepsakes are exclusive vases and containers that can be enjoyed for years to come.  Shop our exclusive Collections to view elegant and artistic bouquets curated by our expert florists to fit a specific theme and occasion.

Order Flowers Online for the Best Deal

Looking for the best online promotions and deals? Send a Deal of the Day bouquet and feel confident knowing a local floral designer will create an unforgettable arrangement with their own signature style and flair. Designs will vary as our artisan florists work with the freshest, in-season blooms and their own personal inspiration - but you can be sure your bouquet will delight! 

How to Build A Summer Garden

Whether you want to have access to your own gorgeous flowers every day or just want a pleasant reason to get outside and tend to your plants, flower beds are a great option. While flower gardens take some work to start, they’re relatively low maintenance throughout the summer months. Here are a few tips for getting your garden started:

Choosing A Garden Location
In order for your garden to flourish, you have to plant in the proper location in your yard. Flowers require different amounts of sun, so check out your flowers’ preferences before you start any planting. If your yard gets sun all day, then make sure you pick out flowers that can tolerate that much sunlight. If your garden location is more shaded, there are plenty of plant options that will flourish in the shade. If you want to go the extra mile, plant some shade loving veggies and really give your green thumb a test. It’s also handy to plant your garden in a location your hose can reach to make watering easy during the hot summer days.

 Use Teleflora Coupon Code for 20% OFF Deal of the Day! Never miss such a chance! Valid until July 31.2016!

Prep Your Garden Soil
Be sure the soil in your future flower bed isn’t too sticky or sandy so your flower’s roots are able to absorb moisture and drain properly. To prepare the soil, add a couple inches of organic matter to the space you want to become your garden. Try some lawn clippings, compost or old leaves and till it into your soil. You want to make sure the soil is moist enough to form a ball in your first but falls apart if you drop it. Digging when the dirt is too dry or wet can ruin the structure, and it won’t be a good enough conductor of moisture to nourish your plant’s roots.

The Difference Between Perennials and Annuals
When shopping for flowers to plant, pay attention to whether they are perennials or annuals. Each type has its own benefits, but it’s best for a gardener to know what to expect from his or her plants. They each require different types of care as well.

• Perennials: Perennials are best for people who don’t want to spend a whole lot of time tending to their flowers. Their root system stays alive through the off-season, and they grow back every year with little maintenance. However, perennials tend to have a much shorter bloom period than annuals do and may not even bloom the first year that you plant them because they’re getting established in the soil in the garden.
• Annuals: Annuals need a bit more care than perennials do. They may require you to water, fertilize and sheer them more frequently. However, they usually stay in bloom all summer, as true fruits of your labor. They also work very well in pots if you don’t have enough space to plant a full garden.

Use Plants or Seeds for Your Garden?
There’s no shame in planting flowers that have already grown! Not only does this allow you to bask in fully bloomed foliage all summer long, but it’s also less time-consuming than nursing plants from little seeds. However, if you want that sense of pride that comes along with seeing the entire cycle of a plant’s life, you can purchase seeds at your local farmer’s market or nursery. Just be sure to closely follow your seed’s instructions to ensure the flowers bloom successfully. If you’re planting your entire garden from scratch, never let your seedlings dry out. Water them every day, unless it rains.

If maintaining a garden is too much or you just don’t have the space, check out Teleflora’s bestselling plants or zen succulents! You can easily create a low maintenance indoor garden to suffice your nature needs.

Top Summer Wedding Flower Trends for 2016

Wedding season is in full swing and with weddings, come flowers. While many people believe that flowers and floral arrangements are timeless, flowers go through trends just like everything else. From style to color palettes, here are some of the hottest flower trends of 2016’s wedding season for you to give a try. 

Exclusively for NEW customers: Save 20% OFF sitewide with Teleflora coupon code. Offer valid through 7/31/2016.

Keep Flowers Seasonal
One of the best parts of having a summer wedding, is having a vast selection of summer blooms available to you that aren’t around the rest of the year. They are bright, fun, and unique, making for interesting bouquets all around. Here are some of the most popular summer flowers to consider using:
•Gloriosa daisies and lilies.
•Dahlias
•Marigolds
•Beardtongues
•Peonies
•Daffodils.
•Plumerias
•Lavender
•Sunflowers
•Aster
•Hibiscus
•Wildflowers

Vary Your Flowers
While a bouquet or centerpiece of a single type of flower can certainly look elegant, that trend has been set aside this season in favor of large bouquets, made up of a variety of flower types. This is especially popular in summer and fall weddings, when wildflowers are at their peak. If you aren’t a fan of wildflowers but still want an eclectic mix of flowers, Teleflora’s Smile for Me summer bouquet is made up of a variety flowers in different colors with unique textures. With its pops of fun and excitement, it is like a summer’s day in a vase.

Incorporating Greenery Into Bouquets
There is so much gorgeous greenery out there that it would be a shame to keep it out of your bouquets. You may be asking yourself why you would ever add greens to your flower bouquet. Aside from just adding complementary colors that accentuate your beautiful blooms, it also adds fullness and complexity to your flower bouquet. Just be sure to not replace the flowers in your arrangement with greenery. You want it to be an addition to your beautiful flower arrangement, not all greens and a few flowers. Think about adding some fern leaves or even a couple of succulents into your bridal bouquet this summer.

Large, Whimsical Wedding Bouquets
Speaking of not wanting your bouquet to look too uptight, large “natural” bouquets are the trend of the season. The greenery included in the bouquets makes it easy for you to have a large, cascading armload of flowers that looks like you picked it in a field on your way to the wedding. This style of bouquet is elegant, whimsical and a fun alternative to the classic rose bouquet. This trend makes it easy to play with different flowers without requiring the arrangement to look extremely neat and tidy if that that’s not your style. Like a summer’s night, these bouquets are carefree and effortlessly beautiful and will be sure to impress all of your guests. This beachy summer bouquet is everything a wild heart could ever dream of.

Mix and Match Wedding Centerpieces
Sometimes, a couple can’t decide on one cohesive centerpiece to use on every table in their reception. There’s no need! It’s becoming increasingly popular for wedding receptions to have an array of different floral centerpieces, giving the room a bright and cheery atmosphere. There’s no need for your floral arrangements to be matchy-matchy with your wedding colors. If you prefer warm tones while your husband-to-be prefers cool ones, incorporate them both! You don’t want arrangements that are going to completely clash with one another, but it’s completely acceptable to play around with different styles. Make a new theme for every table and create the centerpieces of your dreams.

Exotic Wedding Flower Arrangements

Teleflora’s Gardens of the World Collection is a great example of bringing something exotic to your wedding. Use some bamboo or orchids in your reception centerpieces or have your bridesmaids carry flowers with tropical pops of colors. You don’t have to make your entire wedding a theme, but using the flowers to bring a little something different to your aesthetic can make a statement without going over the top. Rose bouquets will never go out of style, but if you want to be different than don’t be afraid to go with something crazy or out of the ordinary. It’s important to feel like your personality is brought out on your big day.

Accent Wedding Flowers
Similar to an accent nail on your wedding manicure, accent flowers are an exciting pop of something different in your bouquet. This could be a few large burgundy flowers in your bouquet of blush peonies or some tropical looking hibiscus flowers in your subdued centerpiece. You could get really wild with it and incorporate accent fruits or berries into your bouquet instead of accent flowers. You can be creative when you are adding accents to your bouquet and test out a few different options before settling. There are no rules and each season will present you with new things to try.

Handmade Flower Wedding Decorations
DIY flower decor is becoming more and more popular. Maybe it’s the inception of Pinterest, or the fact that flowers are likely the most expensive aspect of a wedding – people want to do as much as they can on their own. Whatever the reason, homemade centerpieces, flower curtains, and even flower crowns for the bridal party are becoming common staples of wedding decor. A floral wall or curtain is much cheaper to make than to rent a wedding photo booth, and the pictures will turn out gorgeous! As long as you are good at your homemade projects, your wedding decor can look just as good as a professional’s. Plus it adds something a little extra special since you are putting your own personal touches on your big day.

Trends come and go, and the 2016 summer wedding trends is all about bringing your own personal style out. Whether you are designing it yourself or working with a florist, let your imagination come to life and watch how your floral arrangements unfold.

Teleflora Blog: Alternative 4th of July Party Themes

As Independence Day approaches, you are likely planning a party. If a traditional 4th of July barbecue isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate. Here are a few alternatives to the typical red, white and blue shindig that we think could be equally, if not more fun:

Film Fest
Cinephiles, here’s the chance to turn your home into the Deli from When Harry Met Sally. Serve guests popcorn or movie-themed food, like dates from Indiana Jones, lobsters from Annie Hall, or ratatouille from, well Ratatouille. Then, instead of battling crowds to go to see the fireworks when it gets dark, set up a projector with an old favorite movie and curl up in the back yard. Every movie is better under the starry night sky and it’ll be a 4th of July you never forget.

Happy Birthday America!

Since Independence Day is the anniversary of the country, what better way to celebrate than with a birthday party? Sing Happy Birthday while serving cake and ice cream, play party games like having guests try to name all 50 states in 5 minutes, or have a contest to see who has visited the most American landmarks. To add a few final touches to the event, set up patriotic flowers such as Teleflora’s ’65 Ford Mustang Bouquet. This bouquet is a combination of red carnations, white chrysanthemums, blue delphiniums and yellow alstroemeria in a ceramic mustang collectible keepsake. After all, nothing says Happy Birthday America like a quintessential American automobile. Use Teleflora Coupon Code for 20% OFF Deal of the Day! Never miss such a chance! Valid until July 31.2016!

WWII USO Show

Celebrate this great nation by transforming your home into the Hollywood Canteen. Don your nylons and your best ’40s dress, pin up your curls, and touch up the red lipstick because it’s time to put on a show! You can collect donations from your guests for a worthy cause while screening ’40s films like Casablancaand The Best Years of Our Lives in the background. Start the night with a classy dinner to make the evening a whole affair. You can play the Andrews Sisters and Glenn Miller during dinner and practice your swing dancing as the fireworks go off. It’s a recipe for a perfect evening.

Thanksgiving in July
Break out the cranberries: here is a way to celebrate Thanksgiving with the people you actually like! Kick off the holidays six months early, and try out your recipes at this Fourth of July party instead. Decorate the table with an arrangement like Teleflora’s Fall Blush Bouquet; a combination of orange bi-color roses, lilies, yellow alstroemeria, and orange carnations will set the scene for this pretend fall meal. Eat food, give thanks and watch fireworks, what could be better than that?

Historical Milestones
If you want to do something completely different this year, use July 4th to revel in other historical moments in history. July 4th is also the day that Lewis Carroll first told the story of Alice in Wonderland, Robert E. Lee withdrew from Gettysburg during the American Civil War, and Providence, Rhode Island was founded, to name just a few historical moments. Revel in all history this year and play games like bingo or host a costume contest. You are still honoring America but taking a road down America’s memory lane.

Alternahistory
What if Kennedy wasn’t shot, or Nixon had won in his place? What if William Henry Harrison had worn a coat at his inauguration? Dare to imagine with Alternahistory, and have friends come up with strange versions of parallel American universes. This will challenge not only your history knowledge, but also get your creative juices flowing in a healthy, competitive way. In the end, the best alternate reality wins and you can come up with a prize of choice.

4th of July weekend is rich in history, but that doesn’t mean you have to do the same exact thing every year if you don’t want to. Try out a few of these alternatives and let us know what you think!

Tips for Sending Flowers to the Hospital

Whether you are sending a loved one flowers to wish them well during a tough time or because of good news, here are a few things to consider before you send a vase of flowers to the hospital:

Check with the Hospital
Some parts of hospitals, such as intensive care, do not allow flower arrangements due to patient immune sensitivity. Before you do anything, call the hospital and see if patients in that area can receive flowers, and ask for details about delivery. The hospital staff may also have suggestions for good floral choices or tips on how to get things delivered if you cannot bring them in person.

Opt for Scent-Free
Hospitals have a lot going on, and while it can be tempting to send something that will smell great, there are considerations. It’s possible that the person staying in the hospital has to share a room with someone who doesn’t enjoy heavy scents, and there is also a good chance that something heavily scented will clash horribly in a room scoured with antiseptics. Send a cheerful arrangement but avoid arrangements that are too aromatic. Teleflora’s Upsy Daisy bouquet is the perfect addition to a hospital room. White and yellow daisies are mixed in a yellow vase that is sure to cheer anyone up. Daisies have little scent but , which will keep everyone happy.

Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Flowers and plants are good for people staying in the hospital; they can accelerate healing and improve patient morale. However, hospital rooms have limited space, so as nice as a bouquet the size of a person is, send something small that can fit easily on a nightstand. It will be easier to enjoy, and when it’s time to go home, the patient can transport it without too much trouble.

Prevent the Sneezing
Just because someone has an allergy doesn’t mean he or she can’t enjoy flowers. There are plenty of options for people who cannot tolerate pollen. Consider getting arrangements of roses, or opt for something leafy, like bamboo. Teleflora’s Good Luck Bamboo is an excellent option for the pollen-averse. Long stalks of bamboo are suspended by white stones in a square bamboo container. A gift of bamboo is also considered good luck, so they are not only beautiful, but they also may speed up recovery time as well.

 There are many things to consider before sending flowers to a hospital, but perhaps the most important thing is to check and make sure the person in the hospital wants flowers. Once you find out that, you can find beautiful arrangements at Teleflora.com to match your loved one’s personality. Save 20% OFF on the July 4th Flowers with Teleflora coupon code 2016 Offer valid through 7/4/2016.