Flower Delivery UK 

A - Z of Cut Flowers - D

Dahlia

Name: Pronounced DAY-lee-a
Description: The native forms are quite simple and daisy-like, but breeding has resulted
in some wonderful flower forms, including complete globes full of petals (pompoms),
spiky and spidery forms (cactuses), and ones with curled tubes of petals like sea anemones.
Origin: Dahlias are native to Mexico and South America, and have the vibrant intense
 colours associated with that part of the world.
Availability: Main season June - October.
Varieties: Dahlias and chrysanthemums with many-petalled flowers are closely related
and often hard to tell apart. Dahlias have hollow stems, with raised joints where the leaves attach.
Their leaves are smooth, usually with points, whereas chrysanthemum leaves are soft,
with rounded edges.
Care Tips: Dahlias are thirsty flowers, so check water levels regularly and
remove leaves to reduce transpiration.
Trivia:
Facts: The National Collection of dahlias is held at Varfell Farm, Long Rock,
Penzance, Cornwall. For a few days each September the collection is open to the public,
when over 10,000 dahlias can be seen in full flower, against the stunning backdrop of St. Michael's Mount.
History: Dahlias were first recorded by Westerners in 1615, when they were called by their
Mexican name, acoctli. They disappeared from record until 1787 when a botanical
 expedition 'rediscovered' them, and sent seeds back to their headquarters in Europe.
Their existence was kept secret for another ten years however.

Delphinium

Name: From the Latin "delphis" meaning dolphin, from the shape of the buds.
Pronounced del-FINNY-um.
Origin: China, which is appropriate considering their Willow Pattern colour range.
Colour: Shades of blue, purple and white mostly, but salmon and yellow forms available too.
Availability: Some available all year, main season April to October.
Family: Related to larkspur, which is smaller and comes in more pastel shades such as pinks.
Care Tips: The plant is poisonous so wash hands after handling.
Trivia:
Facts: Delphiniums and larkspur make good dried flowers.

Dendrobium Orchid

Name: Also known as the Singapore Orchid
Description: Sprays of 10-12 dainty flowers on slender stems, often like daffodils in shape.
Colour: Available in creamy white, bright magenta purple, pink, green, red and some striped.
Availability: All year round.
Family: Dendrobiums are just one species of orchid. There are over 250,000 different
orchid species and hybrids known. The most decorative have been bred for cut flower use.
Care Tips: Like most orchids they are very long-lasting both on the plant and once cut,
looking fresh for up to three weeks or more. Faded flowers on the bottom of the
 stem can be removed to encourage upper buds to open
Trivia:
Facts: Dendrobium orchids used to be considered exotic and extravagant but in recent years
they have become much more widely available. They still ooze glamour and elegance,
with just a couple of stems adding a sophisticated touch to a room

Dill

Name: The botanical name is Anethem graveolens. Graveolens means having a strong scent.
Description: Umbrella flower heads carried on thick ridged hollwo stems.
Colours: Delicate lime or golden yellow.
Availability: Cultivated in many countries including Britain it is available from spring to autumn.
Family: Like ammi, it is a cousin of the humble carrot.
Trivia:
Facts: Long grown for its medicinal and flavouring properties. The plant has an aniseed scent,
which emerges when the foliage is handled or crushed.
The soft feathery green foliage is often used in cooking for its aniseed favour especially with fish.
History: It was even known in ancient Egypt.

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