Flower Delivery UK 

A - Z of Cut Flowers - I, J, K

Iris

Name: Iris means "rainbow" in Greek. Garden irises come in a broad spectrum of
colours, but cut flower irises are mostly blue, white and yellow like the summer sky.
Colour: Navy, blue, white, yellow and combinations; also browns and lilacs.
Family: Irises belong to the family of Iridaceae, which also includes freesia.
Interestingly most of our lovely spring flowers are related to each other, and grow
from bulbs or other forms of underground rhizomes (root stocks)! They store their hidden
beauty under the earth through the cold months and reveal it suddenly and brilliantly
once the new season's warmth appears.
Care Tips: Select flowers in bud with colour showing. Keep cool to extend their life.
Availability: Most of the iris varieties are available all year round. For e.g. 'Prof. Blaauw'.
Trivia:
Facts: The popularity of irises over the centuries has been demonstrated in the still life
 paintings of the Dutch masters, and more recently has inspired Vincent van Gogh.
Mythology: In Greek mythology, Iris is the messenger of the gods who, cloaked in a robe
of dewdrops reflecting the stars, communicates messages via the rainbow,
the bridge between heaven and earth. The iris is the symbol of communication and
the name itself means "rainbow".
Folklore: In some languages, irises are called flags or sword flags, relating them to
 symbols of heraldry and royalty, hence the original "Fleur de lys" of heraldry.
In Japan the shape is seen to express heroism and the blue colour refers to blue blood,
 so irises play a key role in their spring festival for boys.

Kniphofia

Name: Pronounced ni-FOH-feea, or k-nip-HOF-ia (after Dr. Kniphof - see Origins) .
Commonly called red-hot pokers, in reference to their upright silhouette and reddish
colouring, which gets more intense towards the tip. Red hot poker is certainly easier to say.
Description: The downward-pointing flowers open from the bottom of the stem upwards,
 revealing golden stamens.
Origin: Kniphofia are native to South Africa. Named after German physician J H Kniphof.
Colour: Mainly reds and oranges but also available in more subtle shades of
pale green, cream and sand
Availability: May to October.
Care Tips: The long stems can sometimes bend in transit which produces interesting
curves and shapes for arranging. They will last a week or two in water.
 The lower flowers can be snipped off as they die. Red hot pokers do not like cigarette smoke.

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