In a recent poll, tulips topped the tally for 'Autumn Flowers You Would Most Like to Receive'. Traditionally a Winter/Spring bloom the beloved tulip is now bred to flower earlier in the year. We have even arranged them for a Christmas wedding (mid Summer in Australia) and they proved popular as ever. These elegant blooms are enjoying a resurgence for wedding bouquets and special events.
Originally from Central Asia and first cultivated by the Turks as early as 1000 AD, tulips were then introduced to Western Europe and the Netherlands in the 17th century. Named after the Turkish word for turban, Carolus Clusius planted them in the 1590's after he became the director of the Hortus Botanicus, the oldest botanical garden of Europe and this was the beginning of the amazing bulb fields of Holland we see today.
In the 20th century it was discovered that the frilly petals and dramatic flames that gave the flower its stunning look were, in fact, the symptoms of an infection by the mosaic virus. Although today diseased varieties are no longer sold, they have been replaced with genetically stable hybrids that look similar.
Selecting and caring for tulips is commonly misunderstood. Firstly select blooms that are tight and not showing too much colour as they will last longer (up to 7 days). Tulips are approximately 80% water so if arranged into floral foam be sure to keep the water up to the vase, they resent being dry. Even the freshest tulips will collapse without enough water. As with all flowers, use a hygienically clean vase that allows tulips space to grow, the head size and stem length will expand as they mature. Remove any foliage that sits under the water level and every 2 days cut 2-3 cm off the length and replace the water with new.
When choosing tulips for your bridal bouquet be sure to allow your florist time to 'grow' your blooms, which can take up to 6 days from the time they arrive in store. During this 'lead in' time the florist will lovingly care for and nurture the blooms and depending on season and weather she/he will know exactly how long it will take for the tulips to be at full bloom to afford you the best display on your wedding day.
Tulips are symbolic of fame and perfect love. The symbolic meanings also change with the color of the tulips. Red tulips mean "believe me" and are a declaration of true love. Variegated tulips mean "you have beautiful eyes." Yellow tulips mean "there's sunshine in your smile" and cheerful thoughts. Cream colored tulips mean "I will love you forever." White tulips symbolize heaven, newness and purity. Purple tulips symbolize royalty. Pink tulips mean affection and caring. Orange tulips mean energy, enthusiasm, desire, and passion.
These Ten Tempting Tulips in a Gift Bag are tipped to be the top pick this season. Tulips are encased in satin and beautifully packed into a Botanique gift bag. With their own water source, tulips can be left in the bag or removed to a vase. Bag with tulips stands 45cm tall x 30cm wide. Note: colours cannot be specified and may be substituted for pink, orange, red, yellow, white or purple.
Available to order online now from Botanique in Helensvale.. We deliver to all Gold Coast suburbs and South Brisbane. Not available for delivery interstate, outside our local delivery areas.
Click this link Flower Delivery, to view our local delivery areas and cut off times.
