Unusual facts about the most popular flowers in the UK

Flowers, blossoms, or blooms provide an eye-catcher to otherwise plain surroundings. A flower delivery can captivate anyone with its dazzling beauty and lovely scent. Flowers have throughout history been used to express emotions such as love and fidelity. It is also common to send arrangements and bouquets as a way to say “Thank you” and “I am sorry.”

While flowers have always been part of everyday life, many unknown and unusual facts about them remain.

Here are some unusual facts about the most popular flowers in the UK.

1. Roses

Roses have always been one of the most popular flowers in the UK and throughout the world. Although widely associated with white and red, roses are available in almost every colour under the sun. They come in many varieties and are available the whole year.

Did you know that roses are related to fruits?

Roses are related to almonds, cherries, raspberries, apples, plums, nectarines, peaches, and pears. Roses have rose hips that start forming after successful pollination. Rose hips, typically red-orange in colour, are round and seed-filled bulbs found underneath the petals.

Rose hips are rich in disease-fighting properties and nutrients. Small and edible seeds can be found inside rose hips. These edible seeds are a good source of various nutrients. Rose hips are also used to make teas or jellies because they are rich in Vitamin C.

2. Tulips

Tulips are hugely well-known in Britain. They come in any imaginable colour except black and blue. Tulips are available from January to April. Although tulips are mostly attributable to Holland, they have earned a significant spot in Britain’s popular culture because many paintings of David Hockney (British painter, photographer stage designer, printmaker, and draftsman) were inspired by tulips.

Did you know that tulip bulbs are good sources of food?

Tulip bulbs are edible although no one has ever claimed them to be delicious. In fact, they taste dry and pretty awful. Tulip bulbs were eaten though because of food shortages and hunger during World War II. Some families use tulip bulbs as an alternative for onions.

3. Freesias

Freesias are one of the most widely grown and popular cut flowers in the world. Over a 100 million stems of freesias are sold in the UK each year. Freesias are available in yellow, pink, red, and black. Red and pink freesias produce high scents and smell the strongest. The specific smell and strong scent of freesia depend on its colour. Pink and red freesias usually have the strongest smell.

Did you know that Freesias are a popular ingredient in cosmetics?

Freesia flower has a fragrant and sweet aroma and therefore is a common ingredient in perfumes, soaps, lotions, hand creams, shampoos, and other cosmetic products.

4. Lilies

Lilies have been cultivated for over 3.000 years and are originated from the Chinese Middle Ages. Lilies are available in the colours red, purple, and yellow. They are available throughout the year and are one of the most ordered blooms for online flower delivery in the UK.

Did you know that lilies are non-toxic to humans but can be harmful to cats?

Lilies are non-toxic to humans. Truth is, some species of lilies are a good food source because they are rich in starch and can be used as root vegetables. You should, however, keep your cats away from your pretty blooms because even the tiniest exposure to lilies can cause your cat to get sick even with deathly results.

5. Gerberas

Gerberas are one of the most popular flowers, next to roses and carnations. Gerberas come in a massive array of colours from pink, light yellow, dark yellow, deep red, brilliant scarlet, and many more. Gerberas are great for adding colour to any space. They have a long vase life, too.

Did you know that a vase of Gerberas can help you deal with sleepless nights?

If you are having difficulties sleeping well at night, a vase of Gerberas next to your bed can do the trick. Gerberas absorb carbon monoxide and toxins as well as emit oxygen at night so they can help you have a better sleep.

6. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas typically bloom in summer and spring. It is easy to grow hydrangeas because they usually grow on their own to up to 15 feet in height. Hydrangeas are perennials and flowers start to grow in the spring and last until summer and early fall.

Did you know that the Hydrangeas’ flower colours are determined by its soil?

The colours of Hydrangeas depend on the acidity of the soil it is planted in. If the soil is less alkaline, Hydrangeas turn blue and pink if the soil contains too much alkaline.

7. Sunflowers

Sunflowers grow best in areas with a full sun. They grow in almost any type of soil such as alkaline to slightly acidic soil as long as it is never waterlogged. Once sunflowers begin to grow they can withstand drought.

The brown centres (florets) and yellow petals (as many as 2,000 of these can make up a sunflower bloom) of sunflowers are actually individual flowers within the flower. A sunflower can also contain up to 2,000 seeds.

Did you know that Sunflowers can save lives?

The stems of sunflowers were used as fillers for life jackets. During the Chernobyl disaster, sunflower rafts were used to effectively clean water contamination. The roots of the sunflower were able to remove contaminants out of the water by removing about 95% of the radioactivity.

8. Carnation

Carnations symbolise love, distinction, and fascination. They also represent affection and gratitude thus they are a traditional flower delivery for Mother’s Day.

Did you know that Carnations are edible?

Carnations are not only glamorous decorative pieces, they are also edible decorations. Carnations are often used to decorate cakes, salads, and other desserts. Carnations are used at wineries, distilleries, and breweries as flavoring agents. They are brewed in teas, too. Carnations are exceptionally flavorless, though.

9. Peonies

Peonies are gorgeous flowers. Peonies are the best for weddings both as centrepieces and bridal bouquets. They are the flower symbol for 12th wedding anniversary. Peonies look gorgeous by themselves. They also look equally gorgeous when combined with other flowers such as roses, ferns, wildflowers, and more.

Did you know that ants help Peonies bloom faster?

Peonies’ flower buds produce nectar that attracts ants. The ants will crawl into the plant, open the buds, and go for the nectar inside. The ant has just helped the peony bloom. Although peonies will still bloom without the help of ants, they help the flower bloom faster. Ants also keep harmful insects away from peonies.

10. Daffodils

Daffodils are perennials that are the first to bloom after winter, thus they represent new beginnings (the coming of spring). Daffodils are available popular for their cherry yellow colour but they are also available in the shades of orange and white.

A bouquet of daffodils brings so much happiness. However, legend has it that gifting only a single daffodil can bring bad luck.

Daffodils are known in England as Lenten lilies or lent lilies because they usually bloom between the months of Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. The Welsh love daffodils so much it has become the national flower of Wales.

Did you know that Daffodils can help treat brain cancer?
Scientists have discovered that narciclasine, a natural compound in daffodil bulbs is beneficial in the treatment of brain cancer.

11. Dahlias

Dahlias come in a wide variety of forms and colours. Whether as a stand-alone or in combination with other cut flowers in a flower arrangement, dahlias are always breathtaking. Dahlias are a popular flower order because they have one of the longest vase life.

They have also become a well-loved choice for brides because they symbolise elegance, dignity, creativity, change, and inner strength.

Did you know that Dahlias were first classified as vegetables?

Dahlias got their name from Anders Dahl, an 18th century Swedish botanist. He originally classified dahlias under vegetables because they had edible tubers. The tubers, they say, taste similar to a mix between radishes and potatoes.

12. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are some of the most popular flowers, especially during fall. They are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes and are available in yellow, white, lavender orange, red, or purple. Chrysanthemums in England symbolise honor and respect.

Did you know that Chrysanthemums are also used in different cuisines?

Chrysanthemum petals are popularly used in different cuisines for their good taste and aroma. It also has some medicinal properties; Chrysanthemum tea has become popular. It is said to cure serious vascular and cardiac disorders.

13. Violets

Violets come in a variety of rainbow colours. They come in soft pastels and bright jewel hues. Many varieties of violets feature multicolour blooms with sophisticated patterns that look hand-painted. Violets have a fragrant smell, too.

Did you know that Violets are edible and contain some nutrients?

Many people add violets to their recipes to churn up savory dishes. The petals of Violets are also often sugar-coated and used as decorations on cakes, pastries, and chocolates. The petals and stems of this edible flower are rich in Vitamin C, even more than other vegetables.

While much is known about the beauty, fragrance, and symbols of these flowers, many unusual facts remain that are unknown making them even more mysterious.