Carnation Flower

About Carnation Flower and Plant

The single flowers of the Carnations species, Dianthus caryophyllus have 5 petals and vary from white to pink to purple in color. Border Carnation cultivars may have double flowers with as many as 40 petals.
When grown in gardens, Carnations grow to between 6 and 8.5 cm in diameter. Petals on Carnations are generally clawed or serrated.
Carnations are bisexual flowers and bloom simply or in a branched or forked cluster. The stamens on Carnations can occur in one or two whorls, in equal number or twice the number of the petals.
The Carnation leaves are narrow and stalkless and their colour varies from green to grey-blue or purple. Carnations grow big, full blooms on strong, straight stems.

Types of Carnations

Carnation cultivars are mainly of three types:

• Large flowered Carnations - one large flower per stem.
• Spray Carnations (Mini Carnations) - with lots of smaller flowers .
• Dwarf flowered Carnations - several small flowers on one stem.

Growing Carnations

• Carnations grow readily from cuttings made of the suckers that form around the base of the stem, the side shoots of the flowering stem, or the main shoots before they show flower-buds.
• The cuttings from the base make the best plants in most cases.
• These cuttings may be taken from a plant at any time through the fall or winter, rooted in sand and potted up.
• They may be put in pots until the planting out time in the spring, which is usually in April, or any time when the ground is ready to handle.
• The soil should be deep friable and sandy loam.

Carnation Plant Care

• Carnations need some hours of full sun each day and should be kept moist.
• Avoid over-watering as it may tend to turn the foliage yellow.
• Spent flowers should be removed promptly to promote continued blooming.
• Quality of the bloom rests on the soil and irrigation aspects for growing carnations.
• Those who grow carnations should know the importance of pinching, stopping and disbudding.
• At the time of plucking the carnations, leave three to four nodes at the base and remove the stem.
• The plant foliage should not be exposed to the direct heat of a stove or the sun.

Growing lilies

Lilies of different kinds are commonly found all across the globe. Lilies come in different shapes, sizes and colors.
Lilies are really excellent plants for beds and borders. Lilies are suitable for use in a shrub border, as accent plants, a formal or naturalized pool planting. Even some of the small species would fit perfectly in an alpine rock garden.

Kingdom

Plantae

Division

Magnoliophyta

Class

Liliopsida

Order

Liliales

Family

Liliaceae

Genus

Lilium

The Lily flower symbolizes purity and refined beauty. Based on the colour or type, the Lily flower can convey different meanings.

Colour/Type of Lily	Symbolic Meaning
White lily	modesty and virginity
orange lily	passion
yellow lily	gaiety
Lily of the valley	sweetness and purity of heart
Easter lily	symbol of Virgin Mary

Due to its regal beauty and the variety in color and type that can symbolise a variety of meanings, Lilies are also popular flowers for gifting purposes. Among the flower bouquets of lilies, stargazer and cassablanca lily bouquets are the most sought after floral bouquets. Besides bouquets, lily bulbs as well as potted lily plants are also popular gifts.

Some Interesting Facts about Lilies

• Lilies are one of the most beautiful, and graceful of all summer-blooming flowers.
• Lilies belong to the Lilium genus consisting of less than 100 known species, occurring in all parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
• Lilium, the genus, is the Latin form of the Greek word 'Lerion' for the Madonna Lily.
• Red lily was first described by the famous Swedish botanist Carl von Linne (Linnaeus) in 1753.
• Lilies are believed to have been under cultivation longer than any other ornamental flower, having existed in gardens 3,000 years ago.Floral designs, particularly of Lilies, made their appearance and became very popular in the 18th dynasty of Egypt.
• Madonna lily (Lilium candidum) is the archetypal flower symbolising purity. The association of Madonna Lily with the Virgin Mary dates back to an early Christian legend, in which her tomb was filled with Lilies after her assumption into heaven.

What are True Lilies?

There are many kinds of flowers, which have been called "Lilies", but many of these so-called Lilies such as the day-lily, water-lily, and arum-lily, actually belong to other groups of flowering plants.

Plants in the Liliales grow from Bulbs, or Corms, both of which will store food over the winter or during the dry season. Unlike other Liliales, these vines produce their flowers in spherical clusters called Umbels, as in Bomarea.
True Lilies are composed of fleshy scales without a protective outer coating. True Lilies are never dormant.

Varieties in Lily

There are numerous Lily varieties. But, among the Lily varieties , only groups like the Asiatics and Orientals are the most popular flowers and widely grown.

• Asiatic Lilies - small flowers, less fragrant, wide colors
• Trumpet/Aurelian Lilies
• Oriental Lilies - Have strong fragrances, few colors,larger, flowers
• The Wild Lilies
• Martagon hybrid Lilies - Edible and Esculent herbs
• Candidum hybrid Lilies
• American hybrids Lilies
• Longiflorum hybrid Lilies - strong, sweet fragrance, large funnel shaped flowers, usually white. 

• Growing Lilies

  Lilies are propagated mainly by means of Bulbs. They are also grown from seeds, scales, bulbils and bulblets. One can buy lily bulbs online or from a local bulb vendor.
  Although the lilies grown from seeds are more disease resistant, the only disadvantage with growing lilies from seeds is that the lily plants take a longer time to bloom, may be, in some cases, even five to six years. Hence, bulbs are very much preferred to grow lilies.
  
• Lilies are usually planted during fall or spring in the garden.
• Lilies can also be grown in containers or in outdoors.
• A cool, porous and well drained soil is essential for good growth of lilies.
• Adding large amounts of organic matter will improve clay or sandy soils. The bulbs will stay in place for several years, so good bed preparation is an investment for the future.
• The ideal location will for Lilies provides direct sun all morning during the summer, with partial shade during hot afternoon hours.
• When selecting bulbs, be sure they do not look dry or shrivel, and plant them immediately.
• Proper spacing usually is 12 to 18 inches apart, but it varies according to the variety selected.
• As soon as the soil has become consistently warm during late spring, apply a 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the plants. The mulch will conserve soil moisture and keep the soil (and bulbs) from becoming too hot during the summer.

Lilies Plant Care

• Lilies do not require daily watering, but when watering, be sure to water deeply enough to reach the bulb.
• Feed the plants with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
• Remove seedpods when they appear.
• Also, remove stems and foliage when leaves become yellow.
• Mulch should be removed in late fall.
• Keep lilies blooming by removing blossoms as they fade. This prevents the plant from expending its energy in producing seed.

Lilies: A Guide for Growers and Collectorsis a complete book on Lilies geared towards experienced gardeners, horticulturists, and botanists. McRae provides techniques for hybridizing and explains the biology of the lily plant in detail. It is a must have book for lily lovers. You can gift this book on lilies to family members or friends who love Lilies or gardening in general.

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CULTIVATION OF FLOWERS

A few flowers and plants, when properly taken care of, are ornamental to
the windows of a parlor, or sitting room; and will repay the care that
is bestowed on them. Begin with a few that are easy to cultivate, and
you will probably succeed. Persons that are fond of flowers, and have
collected a number, are generally willing to give their young friends a
few plants; and where we succeed in raising a fine plant from a slip, or
cutting, we value it more than one that has been purchased at a
green-house. Geraniums, cactus', wax plants, cape and catalonian
jessamines, and some others, are easily cultivated in a parlor. Roses,
camelias, and azaleas bloom best in a moderate temperature, as the heat
of a parlor (unless very large) dries the buds, and prevents their
coming to perfection. I have known these to bloom beautifully in a room
that was very slightly heated--either over one in which there was fire,
or in an apartment next a stove room. If the weather is very cold, they
should be removed to a warmer room, until it moderates. The windows that
are open to the south are best. When the blossoms have matured, you can
bring them to the parlor; but if there is much heat, they will not
remain perfect so long as in a moderate room.

Roses are sometimes troubled with insects, which should be brushed off
with a feather, and the plants washed with a decoction of tobacco, (not
too strong,) they will not bloom when thus infested. There is another
insect that fastens itself to the bark of lemon trees, and other plants;
frequent washing with soap suds and brushing the sterns, removes it, and
some times wash the leaves with a sponge, when the weather is too cold
to put them out of doors. Setting them out in a warm rain, or watering
them well all over the foliage, is very reviving to plants. Be careful
to have pieces of old broken earthen-ware at the bottom of each pot, to
drain them, or the plants will not thrive. The earth should be sometimes
removed, and an occasional re-potting, is an advantage; being careful
not to disturb the roots. A mixture of charcoal and sand, and rich earth
of more than one kind is thought best. Earth fresh from the woods is
good for pot-plants, as well as borders, but should always be mixed with
a stronger soil. Roses that are planted round a house, should have a
deep and rich soil made for them, and they will then bloom beautifully
all the season.

Pot plants should in summer be placed in a situation where they wilt not
be exposed to intense heat. Some persons place their pots in the earth
on the north side of the house; others keep them in a porch where they
can get some sun. They require much more water in summer. The wax plant
blooms beautifully in summer, and should be kept in a sheltered
situation, not exposed to the wind; it should have a strong frame of
wood and wire to run on, well secured in a tub or box. Hyacinths and
crocuses should be planted in pots, boxes, or small tubs, in rich earth,
in October or November; a small painted tub is very suitable, and will
hold a dozen hyacinths, and as many crocus roots. The most beautiful I
ever saw in a window, were planted in this way, by keeping some in the
sun, and others in the shade you can have a succession of blooms, they
are also pretty in root glasses, but this plan will exhaust the roots.
After blooming in the house, they should be planted in the garden. The
same roots will not answer the next year for parlor culture, they
increase very fast in the garden by proper care.

Types Of Roses

Climbing Roses

Climbers and ramblers are distinctive in that they grow very long, pliable canes. That's the only thing that sets this variety apart. Some bloom once in a season while others bloom continuously. The type of flower created by climbing roses varies as greatly as the whole family of roses, with some being very small while others are large. Some have just a few petals while others have several. The only thing they have in common is their ability to cover fences and walls, adding vertical beauty to any garden. They can be trimmed back in areas with very cold winters. These roses are not recommended for areas below zone 6. If you're in one of the colder zones, plant your climbing roses in a container that you can bring indoors, or plan to wrap insulate them in the winter. Wait until the ground has thawed and new leaf buds begin to open before fertilizing.

Antique Roses

Although hybridization and cross-breeding are natural occurrences, it is generally agreed that all roses grown before 1867--when the first hybrids were accepted, named and acknowledged by science--are officially "old garden roses." Also called heirloom roses, this family of roses includes wild roses, the ancestors of all rose cultivars. Old garden roses don't require heavy pruning, but after they've reached 3 years old, they can tolerate it. Enthusiasts recommend gentle pruning throughout the growing season, including the removal of dead flower heads, diseased branches, small branches or branches that are growing in the wrong direction, crossing the main stem.

Floribundas

If you suspect this word is a combination of "abundant" and "floral" then you might be on to something. These hybrid rose bushes bloom in clusters nonstop throughout the flowering season. These roses do well in wet climates, but some varieties don't handle winters well. To encourage more blooms, trim off the dead flower heads periodically. Fertilize frequently throughout the growing season and avoid a hard pruning. If you live in an area with very cold winters, pay attention to the zoning advice for your floribunda variety, some aren't as cold-hardy as others.

Hybrid Teas

The hybrid tea, also called the modern rose, is agreed to be the first deliberate cross-breed of roses. Found naturally occurring through Europe, they didn't gain much attention until Henry Bennett, an English farmer, deliberately bred them through artificial cross-pollination and presented them to the public. Hybrid teas take on characteristics of the tea rose, generally an abundance of petals, buds that bloom in bunches and a profuse blooming period, with characteristics of other roses, depending upon how they're bred. The high center of the flower head and the presence of sprays of flowers is typical of a hybrid tea. Most varieties are very fragrant, low-growing and winter hardy. The old garden teas have stalks that sometimes can't hold the weight of the flowers, resulting in droopy blooms. One of the "selling points" of these early hybrids was that the stems were strong.

Polyanthas

Often mistakenly called tea roses, the polyanthas are small rose bushes with bunches of tiny flowers. Most of these are in shades of pink and red, but white, yellow and orange polyanthas have been introduced. The polyantha family is a hybrid, with new varieties still being introduced. Since there are over 500 varieties of polyantha, the care instructions vary greatly. Generally, they do not require pruning and are winter hardy. Check your specific variety, however, and be aware of your growing zone.

Miniature Roses

Miniatures, roses with smaller flowers, generally grow shorter than other varieties, usually 12 to 36 inches tall, making them ideal for the edge of the garden or under a window. Some are climbing and can be grown as ground cover or trained to a low fence or wall. They do not require pruning, but clipping spent flower heads will encourage a longer blooming season. They grow well in pots. They are cold-hardy, making them an excellent choice for colder climates. To make matters more confusing, some varieties of miniatures, like the Hurdy Gurdy, a climber, can grow very tall. Kitty Belendez, of the Santa Clarita Valley Rose Society, has one that's reached a height of over 8 feet tall. She states that miniatures are the easiest rose to grow because they require very little care. They generally need lots of sunshine, one hard pruning before the winter and periodic deadheading. If you wish to fertilize, make sure that the soil is wet . Repot miniature roses as needed if they're not planted in the ground.

Rose Plant Diseases

Overview

A beautiful garden full of fragrant, colorful, healthy roses is the goal of many gardeners. Rose plants are affected by many diseases, but fungal diseases tend to be the most prevalent. Knowledge of prevention and treatment methods can help mitigate the damage they do. Plan in advance to prevent and contain diseases and enjoy the bounty of blooms.

Types of Diseases

The three types of diseases most likely to occur are black spot, mildew and rust. Black spot is a fungus that attacks the plant. It is easy to see, as it leaves black spots on the leaves. The spots become larger as the fungus develops. Leaves turn yellow and will fall off the plant as the disease worsens. Mildew is another fungal disease that is common on rose bushes. It will appear as a white, powdery dust on the leaves of the plant. The leaves will begin to crinkle and mold will appear and then spread in fine filaments to the other parts of the plant. Rust is also a fungus. It appears as small rust-colored spots on the undersides of leaves. Streaky rust-colored lines may also appear on young stalks. After awhile, spots turn black and leaves fall off.

Disease Conditions

Blackspot is typically a problem during warm, wet weather. It takes seven hours for the fungus to germinate, and if temperatures and conditions last that long, it may take hold. Mildew appears during hot, dry weather with cool, wet nights. Gardens where conditions are damp and shady are susceptible to mildew. Spores need three hours of moisture to germinate. Rust is predominately present west of the Rocky Mountains. It requires cool, wet weather and grows particularly well in foggy, misty conditions. Four hours of these conditions enable rust to germinate and begin to grow on the plant.

Prevention/Solution

To prevent black spot, spray rose plants with a fungicidal soap and sulfur while they are still dormant. Spores cannot germinate underneath the film of sulfur. You will need to re-spray the plants frequently, as the sulfur and soap will wash off in the rain. Another way to prevent black spot, is to avoid watering the leaves of the plant; aim the hose at the roots instead. Place rose bushes at least three feet apart to allow plenty of ventilation. To prevent mildew, keep your roses well watered at the roots. Avoid watering the leaves of the plant. Give rose bushes plenty of room for ventilation when planting. The sulfur and fungicidal soap spray is also effective when applied while roses are dormant. Well-aerated soil is crucial for prevention of rust. Immediately remove any rust-damaged leaves from the ground. Do not work in a wet garden, or you may spread rust spores around even more.

Treatment

Treatment for all three diseases is the same. First, remove the diseased leaves from the plant and prune any damaged branches. Remove the pruned matter from your garden so that the spores do not have a chance to migrate back to the bushes. Spray bushes every few weeks with fungicidal soap. You can also purchase disease-resistant plants.

Chemical-Free Spray

RoseMagazine.com offers a good recipe for your own disease-fighting spray: 1 medium onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1/2 jalapeno pepper 1 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 or 2 drops dish-washing liquid Steep garlic, onion and pepper in warm water for one hour. Strain through cheesecloth and retain liquid. Add baking soda. Dilute into spray bottle with 1 part liquid and 4 parts warm water. Mist plants with mixture.

Plants That Flower

Roses

Roses are a flowering plant, which happens to also be a perennial. A perennial plant is one that lives at least three years, with new growth annually. Most people love roses and think of them as a romantic flower. There are three specific types of roses, with many categories and varieties under each. Wild roses are mainly considered wildflowers and can be spotted on rocky slopes, forests and clearings along the roadway. The Rosa carolina, a wild rose species, has large pink blooms. Old garden rose is a name given to any rose species that is a non-hybrid, cultivated before 1867. The Alba rose, for example, is most reminiscent of castle gardens in the Middle Ages. It is fragrant and found in white and light pink. The last type of rose is the modern garden rose. These are hybrids created after 1867. The hybrid tea rose is an example of a modern garden rose. It is a classic rose cut for vases and arrangements, as it has a long stem with a single flower per stem.

Crepe Myrtle

Most trees produce some sort of flower; this is how they reproduce. However, when you refer to flowering trees, you probably think of the showy blooms of ornamentals.One of the favorites is the crepe myrtle. It prefers a warmer climate of USDA hardiness zone 7 and higher (see Resources). Not only is it a fast growing tree, but surprises its owner with rich, thick blooms of white, red, pink or purple. The hybrid crepe myrtle varieties bloom longer than the heirloom trees. The Muskogee crepe myrtle blooms for 120 days. It grows to a height of up to 25 feet. Plant these in groupings for a spectacular array of lavender blooms. A smaller crepe myrtle variety is the Pink Velour crepe, growing to 10 feet. It has bright pink blossoms. It's one of the easy-to-grow crepe myrtles, and is drought-resistant. For a shock of bright red flowers, choose the Arapaho crepe myrtle. It will grow to a height of 25 feet, blooming spring through fall.

Azaleas

Azaleas are one of the most popular flowering bushes. They are referred to as the "royalty of the garden." There are thousands of varieties, allowing most southeastern locations the opportunity to grow this great beauty. They also grow well along the Pacific coast. Most of the azalea varieties are unable to withstand temperatures below -10 degrees F. There are plants within the azalea family that are evergreen (keeps leaves year-round) and deciduous (loses leaves in winter). Most popular are the evergreens. The funnel-shaped flowers are so full and color-spectacular during blooming, usually spring. Azalea varieties come in white, pink, lavender, red, yellow, apricot, salmon and orange. These flowering bushes can grow from 4 to 6 feet. The hardiest are Gable hybrid varieties. A rarity, the Robin Hill azaleas can withstand temperatures to -30 degrees F and up to 100 degrees

Designing Cutting Gardens

Overview

Designing a cutting garden is a great activity for those long, cold winter nights. As you peruse seed catalogs, it is easy to imagine the colors and textures of beautiful annual flowers, but until you put that plan down on paper and plant the garden, it remains only a dream. Planning a cutting garden isn't difficult, but it does take some research. You'll need to have an idea of what seedlings are typically available in your area, you'll need to order seeds for those plants you wish to include in your cutting garden and you'll need time for the seeds to grow into seedlings.

Step 1

Do your research. Some web sites allow you to look at the flowers and the variety of colors available and will tell you how high the plant grows. (See resources.) Height is important if your cutting garden backs up to a fence or a building because you want the tallest plants in the back where they won't hide the lower flowers in the front. Make lists of what you want.

Step 2

Draw out sections on your graph paper. Cutting gardens look best if they are not grown in perfect rows. Place the taller flowers in the rear, or in the middle if the garden will be viewed from all sides. Use colored pencils to help you "see" what the garden would look like. Your plan can include perennials and bulbs as well. Spring flowering bulbs like daffodils and tulips must be planted in the fall, so factor this into your plan. Keep in mind that perennials can spread each year and take up more and more of your cutting garden.

Step 3

Play around with your design. Will you have blooms all at the same time or are they spread out to give you blooms from spring to fall?

Step 4

Look at your plan and decide which plants you are likely to be able to buy at the local grower and which ones you will need to start yourself from seeds. The information about when you should plant the seeds will be included in the plant description, as well as other important information about the plant. Order your seeds as soon as you can to avoid the dreaded "backorder."

Step 5

Consider using summer bulbs such as dahlias and gladioli. They can make a huge visual impact not only in your cutting garden but in a vase as well.

Step 6

Plan your border, if the area isn't already bordered. Visit to the local home improvement store to check out the right materials for your garden.