Fashion Flowers For Summer: Talking Flowers

< Rose

Roses have had significant meaning in many cultures for thousands of years. They originate in China, but are one of the UK's top 3 favourite flowers. The Victorians loved roses so much that they attributed meanings to each of the colours and varieties that were available then. For them, like the Chinese, a mixture of red and white roses symbolised unity, whilst a pure red rose meant you were pure and lovely. They are perfect for communicating this trend, so pick out your favourite colours and give it your own meaning.

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Lilly of the Valley >

This is an eternally popular flower for the short season it is available, from February to June. In the Victorian language of flowers, it signified a return of happiness, which may be why it is associated with being a highly romantic flower, and a favourite of celebrities for their weddings. It has a short, soft, delicate stem and a sweet, subtle fragrance, so looks fabulous in romantic arrangements with roses, or looks sweet in a bud vase on its own. Perfect for an old romantic, or someone who likes traditional beauty.

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< Craspedia

These cute, crazy flowers look exactly like miniature suns. Perfect to inject a shot of summer time into your arrangements! They are available all summer long, so as the evenings get shorter, keep summer going with these bright blooms. They're fantastic for cheering someone up, so a must for your floral gifts and summer flower jewellery. Vivacious, sunny, cute people will love this flower as a gift, mixed in with dusky-pink roses or threaded like beads to make a necklace.

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Triteleia>

Also  known as brodeiea, this is a delicate, pretty flower with a purple/blue colouring, which looks best arranged in a bunch consisting of several stems rather than on its own. It has many flower heads perched atop a long straight stem, so is very easy to work with. As the flowers die off, its tiny buds open to reveal new, slightly paler flowers, so it should last just over a week. It is only available in the summer months, and suits someone with a love of sunny country walks..

< Gloriosa

The powerful yet delicate form of gloriosa looks like a bird in flight, or a pretty butterfly. It was actually named after an ornithologist, so its form is appropriate to he who first brought it to our continent. It can be bought on long vine-like stems, which looks romantic and ethereal, or it can be bought on a short stem to make it easier to mix with triteleia and convallaria. It is available from April to October, and suits those with a fiery, bold, flamboyant personality.

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Cornflower >

Cornflower meant 'delicacy' in the Victorian language of flowers. It's easy to see why with its pretty, many-petalled flowers. It is one of the only true blue flowers you can buy, and looks fabulous with the neutral tones of this trend when coupled with vivid shots of colour. It echoes a meadow or woodland, so it's easy to create a romantic or country summer setting in your home. A must for summer dinner party flowers.