Posts Tagged: rose

What do Valentine's Day Flowers Really Mean?

Did you ever wonder the origins of why people often choose to give red flowers to their significant others  for Valentine's Day?

The language of flowers became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. Virtually every flower, even its color, had special significance during this period. Flowers even formed secret correspondence between men and women with bouquets being chosen carefully to convey sentiment.

Traditionally: 

- red roses: love

- pink roses: complete happiness

- daffodils: regard

- daisies: loyalty

- gardenia: clandestine or secret love.  

Flowers express traits of character, as well.

Here are some additional plants aptly named for feelings often accompanying  Valentine's Day sentiments: "Bleeding Heart" (Dicentra Spectabilis),"Love in Winter" (Chimaphila umbellata), "Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate" (Persicaria orientale), and "Love Lies Bleeding" (Amaranthus caudatus). Some, such as "Cupid Dart" (Catananche caerulea) were used in potions and other concoctions, in this case by ancient Greeks. And alas, the "All American Roses" of the year for 1980 were “Love”, “Honor” and “Cherish”. 

While you're reaching out to your significant others this Valentine's Day (or any day!) make memories last longer by adding the floral preservative that comes with most arrangements or can be purchased separately.

May your love be everlasting........

Janet 

How to Prune a Hybrid Tea Rose

>> CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO <<

Many home gardeners plant roses in their landscapes because they can be easy to grow and produce a wide variety of beautiful scented flowers. If you live in California and you haven't already pruned your hybrid tea roses, don't wait! Now is the time to get out and prune.

Roses are typically pruned before dormancy ends in late winter to early spring. In most parts of the state this typically runs from Dec. 15 – Feb 15. The amount of pruning needed depends on the type of rose you are pruning. If you have the most common home garden rose, the hybrid tea rose (3 – 5 feet tall with large, mostly single flowers) they require more extensive pruning. 

Watch this short video with Marcia Nelson, UC Master Gardener of Yolo County, and learn some simple tips about how to properly prune a hybrid tea rose for desired shape, growth and flower production.

According to the California Master Gardener Handbook, always remember to follow the fundamental pruning practices for all garden roses:

• Remove broken or damaged canes
• Remove rubbing or crossing canes
• Remove spindly canes, those smaller than a lead pencil
• Make clean cuts towards the outside of the plant at a 45° angle just above a bud or shoot

Read more