Summer Solstice – the golden months have arrived...
Aside from making it socially acceptable to crack on with a pint midweek, at midday, the Summer months bring with them a new set of seasonal stems – which means many new bouquets, too. From dahlia, crocosmia and oriental poppy stems, to our favourite peonies (yes, they’re still here, more on this below) – this is our guide to the best summer has to share.
Dahlia
The history of the dahlia can be traced back to Mexico, where the stem was used as a source of food for centuries by indigenous people and beloved to be a cure for epilepsy by the Aztecs. But it wasn’t until the late 1700s that they cropped up in Europe thanks to a French explorer who came across a dahlia-filled garden while in Oaxaca. Now, the captivating stem is considered an emblem of their native land and said to symbolise grace under pressure.
Crocosmia
Perhaps one of our favourite flower names for its crocodile sound – despite having nothing to do with reptiles, of course – the name “crocosmia” actually translates to “smells a bit like saffron” in Greek… The reason for this? Their leaves smell a bit like – you’ve got it – saffron. their as rich in colour as saffron too. Renowned for their distinctive flowering – vivid influences standing proud astride branched stems – crocosmia come in vivid shades of orange and red. But when it comes to their biggest fan, it’s the hummingbird. As one of the few flowers that can match the transfixing beauty of its pretty little pollinator, together they’re a fine pair.
Oriental Poppies
Native to northeastern Turkey, the oriental poppy is renowned for its diverse colour ways – from clean white with aubergine-black blotches to salmon pinks ad deep maroons. Their names are impressive as their vibrancy, too. While shades of red go by names like ‘G.I. Joe’ and ‘Indian Chief’, there’s a salmon shade called “Cedric Morris” pink and a plum named “Pattys Plum”.
Peonies
So, despite the fact that British peonies typically bloom from Mid-May until early July, this year our beloved peonies are set to be blooming for some time yet due to the uncharacteristically warm weather. Expect to see their many petals unfurling majestically in a number of summer bouquets. We’re certainly not complaining.
