about flowers

LILIES

Asiatic Lilies: Lilium hybridum - The elegant, six-petaled blooms of Asiatic lilies are cup-shaped with recurved tips, and are usually upright on the stem. Blooms vary in size from 2" to 4" and include a wide range of both solids and bi-colors with flecks of brush mark coloration in the throat. Stem lengths are in the range of 40 cm to 130 cm. Among the most popular varieties are "Connecticut King" and "Enchantment".

Oriental Lilies: Lilium speciosium - Oriental lilies are the largest of the lily family. Ranging between 6"-10" in diameter. Also cup-shaped with recurved petals, the fragrant blooms hang to the side of stem (pendant) rather than upright. The orientals come in a smaller color from pristine white ("Casablanca") to a rosy-hued, bi-color pink ("Star Gazer"). The stems are generally taller than the asiatics with stem lengths 60 cm or more.

The average vase life of a stem of lilies is 10-14 days. (Individual blooms generally last 4-5 days and should be removed when they are no longer attractive.)

Available: Year-round from Central and South America.

Pack: Assorted and Solid Color Boxes.

Care & Handling:

1. Unpack and inspect flowers upon arrival. Cut 1" from stem ends with sharp knife or flower cutters and place in preservative solution made with cool water.
2. To enhance bud development, place stems in preservative solution made with warm water (100°- 110°F). Important: Use the recommended concentration of preservative to insure bud opening.

For use in designs, remove stamens as buds open to prevent accidental staining. If you get lily pollen on your clothing use a dry toothbrush, chenille stem or dry towel to brush off. Do not brush off with your hands (rubs pollen deeper into fabric). Lilies are ethylene sensitive. Keep away from all external sources of ethylene, such as fruit, carbon monoxide and decaying plant material.

Design Suggestions:

1. These special flowers will draw attention in any design. Use as a feature flower or as a focal point of the arrangement.
2. Achieve a "beautiful garden" look by mixing with stock and/or tulips.
3. Make a dramatic statement with a simple design of a few stems in a glass vase.

Merchandising Tips:

1. Place fragrant lilies in a place where people have to wait (near register). Customers will enjoy the aroma. Mass display with other stem items; encourage customers to make their own bouquets.