Lily: in the July Flower Agenda

23 May 2018

We're already past the first half of the year, and we celebrate the warmer months with the elegant lily in the Flower Agenda in July. That way we can enjoy the feeling of a blooming spring for a little while longer. Consumers can read all about this versatile flower in the Flower Agenda on Funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk. This includes information about colours, shapes and sizes. Show your customers the lily’s remarkable qualities over the coming weeks.

Origin of the lily

Lilies are not only varied in terms of colour, shape and size, but also in where they come from. You can find them growing wild in Korea, Japan and parts of Siberia, but also close to the equator in India. In Europe the lily is native to the Caucasus, the Balkans, Greece, Poland, the Alps and Pyrenees. It also grows wild in most American states, with the exception of the south-west part of the United States. The lily is quite the traveller!

The lily’s colours and shapes

Their tall stems adorned with multiple flowers create a striking display in various colours, shapes and sizes, wither as a mono bouquet, or mixed with other flowers. From serene white and calm pink to dramatic red, yellow, purple and orange and with stripes, fringes or spots. There are single and double flowered lilies, and even varieties without pollen, ideal for cat owners, hayfever sufferers and for people with all-white interiors! The flowers can have a diameter ranging from 7cm up to an astonishing 25 centimetres. Some also have very stretched calyxes.

Care tips for customers

Give your customers the following tips in order to ensure they fully enjoy their lilies.

Select a clean vase and fill it with tap water at room temperature.
Add cut flower food to the water for a longer vase life.
Cut or trim the stems diagonally by 3 to 5 cm with a sharp and clean knife or secateurs.
Make sure there are no leaves hanging in the water.
Do not place lilies in a draught, in full sun or near central heating.
Regular top the vase up with tap water.
Take account of lilies’ sometimes strong scent.
Don’t place lilies near a fruit bowl. Fruit emits ethylene gas which will cause the flowers to age more rapidly.
Any pollen stains can be removed by carefully lifting them with a piece of sellotape. Don’t rub them - that will cause nasty stains.

Lily symbolism

Lilies really are packed with symbolism. The most important symbolic meanings are:

Femininity. In Greek and Roman times brides were given a crown of lilies in the hope of a pure and fruitful life.
Love. In Victorian days receiving a sweet-scented lily told you: this is my beloved.
Purity. White lilies are often used at weddings as a symbol of virginity and purity.
Transience. The serene and pure appearance of the lily expresses emotions at times of loss and mourning.

Bouquet recipe

A gorgeous bouquet with the lily as the star.

You will need:

•   Lily
•   Anthurium
•   Delphinium
•   Dahlia
•   Ammi majus (bullwort)
•   Amaranthus (love-lies-bleeding)
•   Snapdragon
•   Setaria (foxtail)
•   Calathea

More inspiration
Consumers can also find special DIY craft projects using the lily at Funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk.

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Flower Agenda

If you would like to find out more about the Flower Agenda click here.