Fashion Flowers For Autumn - Contained Spaces

< Gladiolus

The name comes from the Latin "gladius" meaning sword, referring to the long leaves. Occasionally the flower is called sword lily but mostly the plural gladioli is used.

They come in a wide range of colours, including this delectable peach.

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Hydrangea >

Hydrangea are growing in popularity as a cut flower and come in wonderful autumnal shades. Originally from Japan, it has been cultivated in Europe since 1788, mostly as a garden shrub. Nowadays they are popular as potplants as well, particularly in the wonderful blue colours for which it is justly famous.

As the Greek root of the name suggests (hydra), they are particularly thirsty plants and the flowers will also need plenty of water.

It is usually the hydrangea macrophylla hybrid which is avaiable as a cut flower.

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< Kniphofia

Commonly known as red hot poker, Kniphofia nowadays come in other colours than red and orange. Other common names are torch lily and poker plant. They are named after German physician J H Kniphof and are native to southern and eastern Africa. They are grown commonly in European gardens.

Individual flowers on the stem die from the bottom up, so removing the wilted ones will encourage upper flowers to open fully, especially on the large-flowered varieties.

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Chrysanthemum >

One of theUK's most popular flowers, chrysanthemums' natural season is autumn but they are available all year round and in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and colours with new exciting ones appearing year by year. They have incredibly good vase life and so are beloved by all flower sellers. Perhaps it is because they are ubiquitous that some people are snooty about them. It is not uncommon for people to say they hate chrysanthemums and then see simple white daisies, gorgeous blooms or shaggy spiders and say "Oh THOSE chrysanthemums." However, they are definitely enjoying a revival as they fit in so well with retro styles. We at the F&PA love them.

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< Trachelium

Commonly called Blue Throatwort because the plant was used medicinally to treat neck and throat disorders, trachelium comes in lovely shades of lilac, blue, purple and even white and pink. It has umbrella-shaped clusters of tiny flowers on top of strong but thin stems.

Do not leave them out of water for very long and be sure to cut the stems before arranging.

Used cropped short in square containers, it lends itself to neat and orderly arrangements.

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Dahlia >

Named after Swedish botanist Anders Dahl, this lovely flower originates from Mexico and has been extensively grown in Europe since the nineteenth century. There are a huge number of varieties in a range of rich colours and bicolours.

The orange pompom shown speaks of autumn and is fits in so well with the Contained Spaces fashion.Even its own form is so beautifuly ordered.

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