4 Ways to Ombre: Looking Back At The Defining Trend

The beauty of ombre is its use of color variety, rather than a single tone or pair of complementary hues. Varying colors can create eye-catching and moving effects for a wide range of styling purposes, from hair to home. The ombre style originated in the early 19th century as a fabric dyeing and printing technique for producing textiles graduating in color. This design process of gently progressing color from light to dark hit the fashion industry around 1840 and continues to expand and inspire hair styles, baking, interior design and wedding themes today.

Two-Toned Tresses

A gal’s hair is just as much of an accessory as pendant necklaces, bangles and handbags. Tresses as a versatile accessory can revitalize a look and rejuvenate your inner fashionista, whether you chop your locks or add a new hue. Ombre coloring continues to be a hot hairstyle ever since celebs like Gisele Bündchen, Drew Barrymore, Jessica Biel and Rachel Bilson rocked the trend with their dark oak-colored layers flowing into a lightened, soft honey shade.

Lately, Hollywood stars are chopping their beachy long layers into bobs, yet the two-toned look still looks stunning on short hair. Make a statement with striking colors like chestnut and auburn, golden blonde and platinum, and brunette and bronze. Show off you ombre style with straight angles for edginess or free-flowing curls for whimsy.

Colorful Confections

Yes, desserts taste delicious and satisfy that sweet tooth — but sweet treats can also be a work of art that amazes the eye just as much as the taste buds. For the true baking connoisseur who’s celebrating a special occasion, an ombre cake will impress your guests of friends and family (and Instagram followers). Imagine a rosette cake with four mouthwatering layers of fuchsia, rose, soft blush and pearl-colored vanilla cake. Smear each layer with buttercream frosting for decadence in every single bite.

You can also add ombre flair to sweet treats like:

• Stacked pancakes in varied shades of violet topped with marshmallow fluff frosting
• Homemade popsicles flavored with layers of pineapple, tangerine and tropical punch
• Mixed berry parfaits layered with whipped coconut cream blackberries and blueberries topped with plain coconut cream

Charming Home Decor

Ombre also transforms a home plagued by beige and boring. Use ombre interior-design accents to bring pops of color and brighten up a dull space in the following ways, whether you’re striving for daring and dramatic or light and airy:

• Make a statement in your kitchen with pendant lighting in ocean blues, corals or peachy hues
• Accent your bathroom with a ruffled white, gray, smoky and black shower curtain or a mint green to teal blue shower curtain
• Get into the DIY spirit and paint each drawer of a dresser to create an ombre style piece of furniture, making a bold bedroom focal point
• Add bright hues to a neutral-colored couch with ombre throw pillows in shades of robin’s egg blue or golden yellows
• Paint a white vase with varying shades of seafoam greens, sunrise orange or magenta to use as a colorful decorative pieces

Wedding Embellishments

Gradual tones create mesmerizing and romantic aesthetics for weddings, from the bridesmaids dresses and tablecloths to the floral arrangements and wedding cake. Rather than different styles of bridesmaids dresses in the same color, go for the same style of bridesmaids dresses in an ombre of colors. For a soft color scheme, dress your bridesmaids in light purples and darker violets. For a bright and bold look, choose fuchsias and champagne pinks.

Ombre-inspired colorful floral arrangements also embellish wedding designs. These are from FTD’s Runway Ready collection. The gradual progression of colors creates a happy, celebratory mood and vibrant energy. A bouquet in a crescendo of cotton candy pink and scarlet florals will pop against a white wedding gown as the bride walks down the aisle. Bloom arrangements in the colors of sunshine or rustic orange can adorn each table. Join FTD mailing list and get 10% OFF Next Purchase! Subscribe now!

With an ombre theme, you don’t have to commit to a single shade or pair of hues; rather, a wide range of tones will beautifully color your entire wedding. 

8 Floral Backgrounds To Enrich Your Life

We all try to give our treasured devices character by personalizing them. Our phones are covered in cases with fun prints and bright colors. Our laptops are outfitted with keypad covers, protective cases, and stickers. And our wallpapers show off loved ones and inspirational phrases. The right background photo has a way of tying everything together and giving our devices character, but sometimes stylish, high-quality wallpapers are hard to find. To make this search a little easier, we put together free hi-res backgrounds with our favorite flowers and inspirational words on them.

When you look at the white rose, remember all of the love in your life – those who you love and who love you. If you choose the peony, think about the beauty that surrounds you – life’s beauty, nature’s beauty, people’s beauty. If the poppy speaks to you, think about its history of symbolizing peace and remember to find bliss in whatever you do. A little reminder to love greater, dream bigger, or believe in yourself is never a bad thing. You look at your device countless times a day, so why not have a positive message waiting for you when you do.

Download this image for: phone | tablet | desktop

Download this image for: phone | tablet | desktop

Download this image for: phone | tablet | desktop

Download this image for: phone | tablet | desktop

Download this image for: phone | tablet | desktop

Download this image for: phone | tablet | desktop

Download this image for: phone | tablet | desktop

Download this image for: phone | tablet | desktop

If you want to go beyond those floral desktop backgrounds and decorate your office space with real blooms, there are lots of options. You can add a potted plant or succulents as permanent fixtures, or get a fashionable vase and change your flowers with the seasons. Place your flowers among your favorite notebook, pens, and coffee mug to freshen up your workspace, make it smell great, and add a burst of color. Studies have shown that bright colors energize you, so your bright blooms may even be the pick-me-up you didn’t know you needed. Join FTD mailing list and get 10% OFF Next Purchase! Subscribe now! Click here

Image source:

Botanical illustrations: CC Images courtesy of Swallowtail Garden Seeds on Flickr

FTD Blog: Stunning Desert Plants and Succulents

Desert plants have found a place in modern home and garden design. There are many plants in the desert that can survive in a xeriscape garden or even in a glass terrarium. The term xeriscape is derived from the Greek word xeros, which means “dry,” and is a form of landscaping that conserves water through the use of native plants. Thus, desert plants have become popular for landscaping because they are easy to take care of due to their drought-tolerant capabilities.

Popular desert plants include the Palo Verde tree, the Queen Victoria agave, the golden poppy, and the Mexican thread grass. To help you identify the many desert plants there are, we created a compendium below of 127 of the most stunning desert plants and succulents.

Desert plants can be classified into three main categories: Cacti and Succulents, Wildflowers, and Trees, Shrubs, and Grasses. For each category, we’ve compiled a helpful desert plants list that outlines the most popular plants within that category. Follow this link to save 25% OFF Select Flowers, Gifts, and Plants at FTD!

Succulents

Did you know that all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti? Desert succulents, including cacti, are the modern gardener’s best friends. Due to their ease of care, and wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, the options for designing your home and garden with these trendy plants are endless. From terrariums to your garden, it seems that you can grow succulents almost anywhere.

As long as you provide these drought-tolerant plants with good drainage, sandy soil, and sunshine, they will thrive for years. From the popular ghost plant, to the architectural marvel of the crassula plant, there are so many varieties to choose from. To help you narrow down the many succulents choices that are out there, we’ve picked the top 10 most popular for your home and garden.

Summer Flowers to Brighten Up Your Home and Garden (Part 1)

Summer flowers are an excellent way to dress up your home and garden. Although spring is known for being the peak bloom time for many flowers like tulips and daffodils, summer has its own colorful flowers to show off as well! From bright flowers like sunflowers, hibiscus, and marigolds, to unique flowers such as purple coneflowers, yarrow, and gladiolus, there are many floral options to choose from when designing your summer garden. Not only are many of summer’s flowers bright and colorful, some are incredibly fragrant as well, making them perfect for decorating your home. Use gladiolus, plumeria, and lavender for your next floral bouquet to freshen up your home with nature’s potpourri.

Follow this link to save 25% OFF Select Flowers, Gifts, and Plants at FTD!

To give you a better idea of how to pair summer’s endless variety of colors together, we came up with these six floral color palettes to help you design your next home and garden project. We’ve also provided a list of the summer flowers included in each palette along with helpful decorating and gardening tips, so that you can learn more about each flower and choose the right flower for your home.

 32 Summer Flowers and Their Color Palettes

1. Canna – These tropical flowers are known for their bright red-orange blooms, as well as their their large purple-tinged leaves which are popularly used in floral decor. They can grow up to 10 feet tall, but smaller varieties are available that grow up to 2 feet tall. These perennial flowers bloom from midsummer to fall and thrive under full sun with moist soil. Plant canna in your garden for an exotic pop of color.
   

2. Zinnia – These daisy-like flowers are popular in floral arrangements due to their bright colors. They thrive in hot weather, making them the perfect choice for summer, and some varieties can bloom well into fall. Cut a handful of zinnias for a striking floral centerpiece, or pair their striking colors with your favorite complementary flower.
   

3. Bellflower – Bellflowers are known for their bright blue and violet colors. They are also commonly referred to as campanula. Bellflowers are named for their bell-shaped flowers and are hardy plants. They are drought-resistant and grow in zones 4-8. Their peak bloom time occurs during midsummer and can bloom again in the fall. They are available as both upright growers for cut flowers, or low-growers for gardens. Mix up your summer floral arrangement with their unique shape, or plant them in your garden for a pop of color that won’t wilt under the hot sun.
   

4. Yarrow – Known for its bright yellow flowers, this medicinal herb is drought-resistant and easy to care for. Its peak bloom time occurs during mid-summer and the plants can grow up to 3 feet tall. Their flowers give off a fragrance similar to chamomile, especially when dried. Add them to a vase of complementary flowers to give your home a natural air freshener.
   

5. Morning Glory – Morning glories are named for their blooming behavior throughout the day. The flowers bloom during the day, and then die that same night. Despite their short life cycle, the morning glory is highly adaptable to many environments including poor soil. Because of this, they can easily become a weed in areas with warmer climates. This vine produces beautiful brightly colored flowers ranging from blues and purples to whites and pinks. Plant this vine on your trellis or patio to dress up your outdoor living area for the summer.

6. Brown-Eyed Susan– These flowers have a dark brown center surrounded by yellow petals. Although not technically belonging to the daisy family, these flowers are commonly referred to as Gloriosa daisies. This annual requires full sun with well-drained soil, and their bloom time begins in late summer and ends in mid-fall.
   

7. Sunflower – Called Helianthus annuus, this classic flower is named after the Greek word “helios” meaning sun. For this reason, they are the classic summer flower. The large flower heads can reach the size of a plate, with some stalks reaching heights of 10-15 feet. Plant them in a fully sunlit area, as the flowers like to face the sun. They’re one of the easiest flowers to plant, making them a kid-friendly gardening activity. After you enjoy their incredible blooms, you can harvest the sunflower seeds and roast them as a snack. Place a single sunflower in a thin vase to make a cheerful (and easy) statement in either your living room or bedroom.
   

8. Delphinium – Delphiniums are popular for their striking true blue colors. Their tall colorful stalks are great for adding height to any summer garden. Although they are summer flowers, they don’t adapt well to dry and hot summers — they’ll do best in moist and cool environments. They also do not fare well in sudden wind or rain, which make them a challenge for many gardeners. However, their unique flowers make it worth all the work. When using cut flowers for an arrangement, put a little sugar into the water to make the delphinium last longer.
   

9. Cockscomb – Named for their bright red color that’s similar to a cock’s comb on a rooster, this unique flower is a great way to add texture to your garden. The furry flower heads can be dried as well for floral arrangements. They thrive in hotter climates, are relatively drought tolerant, and can easily be grown from seed in warmer climates. Colder climates can deter the cockscomb from flowering.
   

10. Lavender – Lavender is a fragrant herb that attracts bees and butterflies. Their light purple flowers paired with their light gray-green foliage make them a nice muted contrast against the bright colors of a summer flower garden. Harvest the flower stalks and dry them to create a natural potpourri for your home. Lavender requires full sun to thrive, and will not tolerate even partial shade.

11. Sea Holly – Resembling thistle, these silvery blue green flowers are great for adding contrast to a brightly colored flower bed in your garden or add variety to a floral arrangement. They are often dried to preserve their unique and long lasting prickly flowers. They require full sun, and grow in perennial zones 3 through 8 and need regular watering.
    

12. Globe Thistle – If you want to draw attention to your summer garden then Globe Thistles are the way to go. Part of the Echinacea family, these tall flowers are composed of tiny blue flowers that form a large spherical head. They enjoy full sun, can tolerate drier climates and grow in hardiness zones 3 to 9. Globe Thistles bloom from mid summer all the way up to early fall, and can grow up to 2 to 4 feet in height.
    

13. Globe Amaranth – Also known as Globe Flowers, these annuals bloom from midsummer to mid-fall with the blooms lasting year round in some cases. They thrive under sunny and dry climates, and their ability to attract butterflies make them an ideal choice for a drought-resistant garden. Whether they’re freshly cut or dried, the fuzzy bright purple globes will complement any summer floral arrangement.
    

14. Shrub Rose – Shrub roses refer to any rose that doesn’t fit into the main rose categories. They are known for being hardy and repeat bloomers. They are one of the easiest types of roses to care for, so if you’re a gardening beginner, plant shrub roses for blooms that will last all summer long. They are available in a wide variety of colors and their bloom styles can vary from cabbage-like to single.

15. Aster – The name is derived from the Latin word for “star,” which describes the shape of the flower head. Asters may look a lot like wildflowers, but are actually ideal for home gardens where they are highly effective at attracting bees and butterflies. They thrive during moist and cool summers, which makes it fitting that their optimal bloom time is during late summer when temperatures tend to cool down.

Mother’s Day Tip: Deliver Early and Watch Them Bloom

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, we have a tip to ensure the perfect day for everyone: deliver your flowers early and Mom will watch them bloom! By delivering your flowers on Wednesday or Thursday, Mom’s flowers will be in perfect bloom by Mother’s Day.  Take a look at these flowers transforming every day! Buy Flowers for Under $35 at FTD. Click here

Day One:

The first day the box arrives is so exciting.  Mom’s flowers will be in partial bud and bloom. The roses will be in slightly closed until they are hydrated by water.  The lilies will arrive in bud and slowly bloom throughout the week.

Day Two:

On day two, Mom’s flowers will be blooming beauties.  Flowers like lilies and daffodils will begin to open up one at a time while roses and tulips will look as though they are loosening up and expanding.

Day Three:

By day three, Mom will have a bounty of blooms with just a few buds to go! This is also a good day to check your water and plant food to ensure that the blooms are satisfied!

Day Four and Five:

By day four or five, your bouquet will be full and beautiful.  On Mother’s Day, Mom will enjoy her perfect day with her beautiful bouquet.

Check out some of our bestselling bouquets to get your mom this year.

Dad-Approved DIY Gifts for Mother’s Day

The kids want to make something for Mom for Mother’s Day. They want it to be a surprise, which means simplicity and ease are two essential requirements. Follow this link to save 25% OFF Select Flowers, Gifts, and Plants at FTD!

Dad may not want to deal with the mess of finger paint or glitter, but there are plenty of Pinterest-inspired ideas that are fun for kids, and Dad won’t even have to figure out the glue gun! Check out these DIY projects:

Make Paper Flowers

Paper projects mean minimal mess. Follow Rust & Sunshine’s tutorial for a variety of templates; peonies, daisies, roses and poppies are all here. Tissue paper is delicate which means kids must be careful not to tear. If a hardier craft is necessary for tiny fingers, try this brown paper variation instead. South by North uses wooden dowels and tape instead of pipe cleaners in this version. Make a bouquet and tie with jute.

The kids can make their flowers and Dad can match with something delicate from the Silk collection like thesepretty pink peonies or this hydrangea-alium bouquet.

Paint Mason Jars

Grab a few glass jars. You can find Mason jars at craft and hobby stores, big-box retailers like Target or from your local thrift store. You can also recycle a jar from pickles or spaghetti sauce.

Help the kids decide how they want to decorate. Some ideas include:

Chalkboard-Style — Dad can help spray the chalkboard paint and kiddos can draw or write Mom a message with a chalk pen after the jar is dry.

Translucent — Use Mod Podge and food coloring to coat the inside of the jars. Turn them upside down to dry.

Distressed Vintage — Paint the outside of the jars with acrylic paint and then use a nail file to rough up the edges to create an antique look.

Dad can pair this DIY gift with a jar of his own from the Jardin collection.

Cast a Thumbprint Necklace

Kids can make thumbprint necklace beads featuring their fingerprints.

Alpha Mom shares a colorful how-to with polymer clay and a few kitchen gadgets (cutting board, rolling pin, butter knife). Roll pea-sized balls of clay and flatten with thumbs. Use a toothpick to poke a hole through and then bake on a cookie sheet.

If you’re a family with multiple kids, include all the kids’ beads on a collective strand and gift as a single necklace.

If you want a more classic look, take a small ball of white polymer clay and make a pendant. The Crafty Crowshows an easy-to-follow tutorial.

Dad can join in the jewelry giving with the White Sapphire Pendant or the Tri-color Key Pendant. Mom will love both!

Decorate Terracotta Pots

Pick up a terracotta pot from your local garden center. Kids can use acrylic paint and brushes, sponges or stencils to decorate the pot. Or find fun scrapbook paper or tissue paper and decoupage using Mod Podge.

Personalize it with a fun gift tag, like these from Paper & Stitch.

As a tandem gift, Dad can give Mom something from the Garden Shop. We love the lemon tree, for example.  The Spring Welcome Plant Duo also makes for a cute addition to a backyard porch.

Wedding Flowers: The Traditionalist

I have been to my fair share of weddings through the years. As, no doubt, have you. Family, friends, co-workers, and of course my husband’s students all grown up and making me feel older than I should. But the weddings that always make a lasting memory for me are ones in which the bride has truly embraced her aesthetic style and uses the day to express it in every way.

Synonymous with wedding style in this day and age, is the name Vera Wang. Every woman wants to have a piece of a fashion designer and icon like Vera Wang added to their wedding day. Access to the Vera Wang Wedding Flower Collection on FTD.com makes expressing your bridal style beautifully easy and available to brides throughout the country.

When you check out the Vera Wang Wedding Flowers, you’ll notice that Vera Wang has categorized bridal style into three separate categories: Traditionalist, Romanticist, and Modernist. This helps guide you in the direction of which flowers will best fit your wedding when planning that all too perfect wedding celebration.

Which bridal style are you? Every woman has a signature style that helps to express who they are. When planning a wedding, the bride’s style becomes more and more obvious with each choice she makes.

For this week’s focus, let’s take a look at the Traditionalist bride. This bride looks beyond what is currently on trend in the fashion world, and looks for a classic style that will be picture perfect even 50 years later.   She chooses to be married in a beautiful cathedral or church, and prefers a classic ball gown when choosing her wedding dress. The entire family is invited to celebrate and family traditions are paid respect throughout the day.

The colors of the wedding are soft in nature. The flowers reflect this with a color palette of pure whites, pale pinks, and silvers. When browsing the Traditionalist selections by Vera Wang, you’ll notice that attention to every detail has been paid to create these handcrafted, artisan designed bouquets only available at select FTD Florists. These florists have proven their skill at creating only the best for their clientele for years. The Traditionalist leans toward bridal white blooms and clean lines. The Vera Wang Collection includes stunning white open-cut calla lilies, hand-tied rose bouquets, and sophisticated orchid centerpieces to give your bridal style that perfect flowering beauty.

If you are a Traditionalist bride, you don’t want to pass up the opportunity to have Vera Wang wedding flowers as part of your overall look. Find out if there is an authorized Vera Wang florist in your area here. The Vera Wang bouquet featured in this article was handcrafted by Philip’s Flowers in La Grange, Illinois.

Does this sound like you? Share this article! And come back to the blog later this month as we explore the style traits of the Romanticist bride and explore more gorgeous bouquets from the Vera Wang Wedding Collection.

42 Spring Flowers Inspired by Pantone Colors of the Year part 2

“While the majority of Spring/Summer palette trends toward calmness, a few diversions from the theme emerge that offer a contrast. With Buttercup, designers reveal a shining beacon transporting its wearer to a happier, sunnier place.”

• Yellow Trillium – Trilliums are also known as the trinity flower because they have three leaves, three sepals, and three petals. They are native to North America and Asia, and bloom in early to mid spring. There are over 40 species of trillium, and the flowers come in nearly every color. They are woodland plants, so they do best in shaded areas with moist, well-draining soil. Some species of trillium are threatened or endangered, making it illegal to pick certain types of wild trillium.
• Daffodil – Daffodils are hardy perennials with around 60 species in a variety of colors, forms, and sizes. Their bright, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in spring and grow to be about a foot or foot and a half tall. Daffodils do best in full sunlight or partial shade and neutral or slightly acidic soil. They require minimal plant care, and are resistant to many types of animals including deer, rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
• Freesia – Freesias are zygomorphic, which means the flowers only grow on one side of the stem. They often bloom in spring and summer, and come in a variety of colors including yellow, white, pink, red, blue, and purple. The plants grow from corms, which are similar to bulbs. The corms store the plant’s food in the basal plate, which is also where the roots grow from. Freesias grow well in full sun or partial shade. You’ll know you’re overwatering them if the leaves start turning yellow.
• Pansy – Pansies are viola hybrids. They are hardy flowers that can often survive over winter and bloom into spring. To help the pansies survive the cold, it is best to plant them in early fall, and use medium sized flowers rather than large flowers. Pansies are often treasured for their multi-colored flowers. Though they are perennials, they are usually planted as annuals or biennials. Pansies do best in full sun or partial shade.
• Golden Columbine – Golden columbine is native to the southwestern United States. It’s a herbaceous perennial that blooms from late spring to late summer and grows between one to three feet tall. Its bright yellow flowers are distinctive because of their five spurs that project backwards between the sepals. Golden columbine flowers are named after the Latin word for dove, columbinus, because their flowers resemble a cluster of five doves. It does best in partial to full shade, but can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
• Forsythia – Forsythia are deciduous shrubs native to eastern Asia and southeastern Europe. They are known for their full, fountain-shaped branches, and can grow to be up to ten feet tall and ten feet wide at maturity. Bright yellow flowers cover the tree at peak bloom, which is in late winter or early spring. They do best with full sun and well draining soil, and should be pruned right after they have finished blooming.

Limpet Shell

“A shade of aqua that leans toward the green family, Limpet Shell is clear, clean and defined. Suggestive of clarity and freshness, its crisp and modern influences evoke a deliberate, mindful tranquility.”

• Scilla – The scilla plant is known for its bright blue flowers, though it also blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white. It is a perennial that grows from small bulbs and blooms during the spring. There are about 90 species of scilla, siberian squill being the most popular. They can grow well in full sun to partial shade, and should be planted in well draining soil. These plants are deer resistant and relatively hardy, but they’re poisonous if ingested.
• Calla Lily – Calla lilies are known for their heart-shaped leaves and prominent spadices. They are not actual lilies, but rather members of the Araceae family. These herbaceous perennials grow from rhizomes, which are underground plant stems that produce the shoot and root system. They are usually planted in spring after the frost has passed, and bloom in late spring and summer. Calla lilies are commonly white, making them a popular flower to dye vibrant colors. They do best in full sunlight, but can also survive in partial shade.
• Hydrangea – Hydrangeas are shrubs that produce lush groups of flowers. Though most bloom during the summer, oakleaf hydrangeas start blooming in late spring. Hydrangeas are known for their vibrant colors, commonly blue, pink, or green. White hydrangeas can be easily dyed or tinted, allowing them to take on colors that are hard to find naturally. Many hydrangeas do well in partial shade, though the amount of sunlight needed varies by species. They should be watered often so that the soil is always moist, but not overly wet.

Lilac Gray

“As in most any season, the need for neutrals arises. Essentially a basic, the subtlety of the lilac undertone in Lilac Gray adds a distinctive edge to this classy gray shade.”

• Dusty Miller – Dusty millers are hardy perennials whose small, golden flowers bloom in mid-summer. However, its silvery foliage, which is often used by florists, grows throughout the year. The silvery fur on its leaves allows it to hold a lot of water. In mild climates, the plant grows until the first frost, then reappears in the spring. In cooler climates, dusty millers are often grown as annuals. It does well when planted in full sun or partial shade.
• Echeveria – Echeveria are a group of rosette-shaped succulents native to Mexico. They can grow throughout the year in warm climates, and do best in hardiness zones 8-11. People are often attracted to echeverias because of of their unique coloration, which ranges from red to green to blue. Some species bloom, like Echeveria pallida, bloom in the spring, though the plants are valued for their leaves rather than their flowers. Echeveria are drought-resistant, and produce baby plants which nest against their mother and are easy to propagate.

Fiesta

“The high energy Fiesta is a harbinger of excitement, encouraging free-spirited exploration to unknown but welcoming locales. A strong and fiery, yellow-based Red, the vivid Fiesta provides a stark contrast to the calming, softer nature of this season’s palette.”

• Amaryllis – Amaryllis are popular flowers to give around the holidays because when planted indoors, they can bloom in mid-winter. There are only two species of amaryllis. These perennials are often transplanted to the garden in spring, or planted as bulbs in September to January for a spring bloom. Red and pink amaryllis flowers are most popular. They do best in full sun or partial shade with well-draining soil, and are deer resistant.
• Mandevilla – Mandevilla, also known as rocktrumpet, is a flowering vine that is often grown along trellises or garden walls. It’s native to tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America, so it does best in warm climates, specifically hardiness zones 9 and 10. It can’t tolerate temperatures below 45 degrees. The plants bloom from spring to fall with red, white, or pink flowers. They do best in sandy, well-draining soil.
• Butterfly Pentas – Butterfly pentas are rich in nectar, so they are often planted to attract butterflies or hummingbirds. They are also known as Egyptian starflowers because of their star-shaped flowers. They do best in warm environments, like hardiness zones 9 and above. They bloom continuously from spring to first frost, which is part of what makes these plants so popular. They grow best in full sun, but will also grow in partial shade.
• Beardtongue – There are about 270 species of beardtongue, which are native to both North America and East Asia. These perennials require heat to bloom, and often start to flower in late spring and early summer — under ideal conditions they will continuously bloom until late summer. They are often planted to attract hummingbirds to the garden. Beardtongue do best when planted in full sun with well-draining soil.
• Poppy – There are over 70 species of poppies which include annuals, biennials, and perennials. In his book entitled Poppies, Christopher Grey-Wilson hypothesized that poppies got their names either from the sound of chewing the seeds, or from the Celtic world papa, meaning a liquid food for infants, because poppy juice used to be fed to infants to help them sleep. Poppies should be planted in early spring, and will bloom in late spring and summer. They do best in full sun to partial shade, and will often self-sow.

Iced Coffee

“A transitional color that will take us through the seasons, Iced Coffee manifests as another strong neutral for the season. With its natural earthy quality, the softness and subtlety of Iced Coffee creates a stable foundation when combined with the rest of this season’s palette.”

• Pussy Willow – Pussy willows are relatively easy trees to grow, though they have deep, spreading roots and should not be planted next to pipes or water lines. These roots allow them to hold soil in place, making them a great choice for erosion control. Pussy willows grow best in full sun with constant water. The trees start to bud in late winter or early spring with white, furry catkins, which later develop into light yellow flowers.
• Baby’s Breath – Baby’s breath is a popular ornamental flower that’s native to Eurasia. It is a herbaceous perennial that can grow up to four feet tall. It’s listed as a noxious weed in some states including California and Washington because of its invasive nature. However, it’s extremely popular as a bouquet filler, and is often tinted or dried to fit a color scheme. It does best in full sun, blooms in late spring and summer, and is deer resistant.
• Curly Willow – The curly willow, or corkscrew willow, got its name from its unique branches which twist into curls as they grow. Curly willows have shallow roots that stay close to the surface, so they are not fitting to plant near sidewalks and will not stay firmly rooted in poor weather. These trees reach up to 30 feet at maturity. They are enjoyed throughout the year. In spring they bloom, in fall the foliage turns bright yellow, and in winter they shed their leaves showcasing their unique branches.

Green Flash

“Green Flash calls on its wearer to explore, push the envelope and escape the mundane, radiating an openness that combines with the rest of the palette in unexpected but serendipitous ways. The popularity of this brilliant hue is representative of nature’s persistent influence even in urban environments, a trend continuing to inspire designers.”

• Snowball Viburnum – Snowball viburnum is a shrub that is named for its clustered, white flowers, which bear resemblance to snowballs. The flower clusters start out as a bright green, but get lighter as they mature, and fade to a slight pink as they age. Snowball viburnum blooms in late spring into summer, and can grow over ten feet tall. It does best in full sun with well-drained, slightly acidic soil, but will also tolerate partial shade and alkaline soil.
• Hellebore – There are about 22 species of hellebore plants. One of the most popular is an oriental hybrid, commonly called the Lenten rose, because it blooms around the beginning of lent. These perennials bloom in late winter or early spring and are relatively low-maintenance. The color of their flowers range from green to pink to red to purple, and are often fragrant and long-lasting. Though they are deer-resistant, they are also poisonous and should not be ingested. They grow best in full or partial shade.
• Fritillaria – Fritillaria are part of the lily family. They have unique, nodding, bell-cupped flowers and can grow up to four feet tall, towering over many other spring flowers. They bloom in nearly every color, and some are even multi-colored with unique patterns. Fritillaria bulbs should be planted in moist soil and in full sun or partial shade. They are relatively hardy and resist deer, squirrels, and rodents.
• Lycaste Orchid – There are four main subgroups under the Lycaste genus: Deciduosae, Longisepalae, Macrophyllae, and Fimbriatae. Of those, Deciduosae and Macrophyllae are the most common. They are typically found in temperate regions of Mexico and South and Central America. They’re also popular houseplants and often used in floral arrangements. Lycaste orchids are known for their triangular flowers, which bloom in spring.

Source: FTD.com.

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