Floral Events & News Archives

Now Blooming: Gold Airbrush Roses

For years, the saying has been, “Roses are red, violets are blue.” But perhaps it’s time to change that up a bit? For this month only at 1800flowers.com, violets get to stay blue but roses are going gold — that’s right, gold roses! In honor of the upcoming holiday season, we’re thrilled to announce Gold Airbrush Roses as the latest addition to our Now Blooming Collection!

From Wistfully White to Gorgeous Gold

While red, pink, white, peach, and yellow roses can all be found naturally popping up in sprawling fields, Mother Nature hasn’t yet been able to perfect the gold rose. But don’t worry, that’s where we stepped in to help! By very carefully brushing a golden powder to each petal of our naturally white Mondial Roses, we’ve transformed these already lovely blooms into something truly one-of-a-kind.

The Many Meanings of Gold Roses

Today, we think you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who wouldn’t love and adore these rare roses, but that may not have always been the case. Years ago, receiving a yellow or gold rose meant that your lover was jealous or no longer interested in you. Thankfully though, the meaning of yellow and gold roses is much sunnier now! Today, yellow roses are associated with friendship, the promise of a bright future, and, of course, love. And when you sprinkle on a little gold dusting powder, each one of these is multiplied by a thousand (or so, we think!).

Mixing Gold and Colored Roses

Though it’s hard to believe that any flower wouldn’t look gorgeous next to Gold Airbrush Roses, pairing them is a little more difficult than pairing traditional yellow or multicolored roses. While we love to see them standing tall all on their own, you can bring out their unique coloring by pairing them with red and white roses. Not to mention, these red, white, and gold blooms atop dozens of green leafs makes for a beautiful centerpiece on Christmas morning!

Preserving Your Gold Airbrush Roses

Their coloring may be one-of-a-kind, but the care they need is anything but exceptional. Traditional rose care will keep your Mondial Roses fresh and beautiful for up to two weeks. After receiving them, simply:

Remove a few of the leaves from the middle and bottom of the stem. Not only will this keep your flowers healthier, but it will enhance the look of their bloom.
Using a pair of gardening shears or a sharp knife, cut the stem (roughly 1-inch from the bottom) diagonally.
Place your bouquet in a vase filled with fresh water.
Re-cut the stems and fill the vase with fresh water every few days to ensure your Gold Airbrush Roses enjoy a long, healthy life!

Because of the care and discretion that comes along with choosing each and every one of our roses, our selection of Gold Airbrush Roses are limited.

Now Blooming: Glow in the Dark Roses

Forget growing our own flowers. This season, we’re glowing our flowers — literally! Everyone knows that the real fun always starts when the lights go down. And with the days getting shorter and shorter, it seems only fitting that we embrace the night and all things spooky leading up to Halloween. Enter: Glow in the Dark Roses! By day, these roses make a crisp addition to even the most formal of living rooms. But at night? At night, they transform your space into a glowing green enchanted forest.

All About Mondial Roses

We instantly knew that the bright, white nature of Mondial Roses would make them the perfect choice for our glowing treatment. These roses typically stand at an impressive two feet tall and adorn a remarkable three-inch bloom. Known for their trendy nature, these delicate petals lay beautifully atop a leafy, green stem.

Get Them Glowing

There are no batteries, chargers, or wires required for our roses! These luminous beauties come to life thanks to the power of the sun. To ensure your roses glow all night long, all you have to do is leave them in a bright room during the day. When the sun goes down, your roses will instantly start to glow. And remember, the longer you leave them to “charge” in the sun, the longer they’ll glow!

Making the Most of Your Glowing Roses

These flowers add a fun twist to traditional roses all year long, but with Halloween just a few weeks away, they have the power to completely transform any party or costume.

As Part of Your Costume

Thinking of going as a corpse bride? How about a zombie or a 70s hippie? These flowers make a fun addition to any costume and are sure to make you stand out from the crowd.

Creating a Haunted House Atmosphere

Throwing a party in honor of All Hallow’s Eve? Create a spooky glow in your DIY haunted house by incorporating a vase of glowing flowers into different rooms.

Other Uses

While these limited edition Mondial Roses make an excellent addition to any Halloween festivity, this fun twist on traditional flowers is also perfect for winter dances, recitals, birthdays, and anniversaries.

Glow in the Dark Rose Care

Despite their truly illuminating presence, caring for glowing roses is strikingly similar to traditional rose care. Typically, Mondial Roses will last for nearly two weeks when cared for properly. The best way to ensure they live a long, happy life is to:

Immediately place them in a clean, bacteria-free glass vase filled with warm water.
Cut the stem of each flower at a 45-degree angle (make sure to use a sterile scissor or knife).
Never leave them in direct sunlight. Though it’s important to keep these roses in a sunny room, you want to be careful not to burn or dry them out. This can cause their petals to wilt and fall off.

Now Blooming: Cherry Brandy Roses

In honor of the changing fall foliage, we’re proud to announce Cherry Brandy roses as the latest addition to our ‘Now Booming’ collection! This fast-growing, hybrid tea rose features a sun-kissed yellow-orange center and bright pink petals atop a glistening green, leafy stem. Needless to say, it’s the foolproof way to tell someone you love “cheers” or “congratulations!”

Bloom Size

Standing at an impressive two feet tall and with a staggering five-inch bloom, Cherry Brandy roses are quite an intoxicating sight. However you look at them, these bicolored beauties are truly an exceptional gift for someone special. They also have an enticing fragrance that fills any room they’re in.

The Many Meanings of Multicolored Blooms

Everyone knows that roses represent love and passion, but these bicolored blooms represent all that and more, thanks to their unique mix of colors. Traditionally, orange roses symbolize enthusiasm and the start of a new beginning, while yellow roses symbolize appreciation and friendship. Pink and red roses, on the other hand, symbolize gratitude and appreciation. When blended together, they send the picture perfect message of love and admiration.

Pairing Cherry Brandy Roses

There’s no denying that Cherry Brandy roses can stand alone in their own spotlight, but they also make an exquisite addition to existing bouquets. Bring out their yellow-orange center with sunflowers and pure yellow roses. Or, pair them with red gerbera daisies and pink oriental lilies for a rich, red color scheme.

Cherry Brandy Rose Care

Lucky for us (and more importantly, you) Cherry Brandy roses have a pretty long vase life when cared for properly. We’ve taken all precautions to ensure your blooms live a long happy life, so now the ball is in your court! Keep Cherry Brandy roses looking their best by:

Immediately placing them in a recently cleaned glass vase with room temperature water.
Cutting the rose stems at an angle before soaking them.
Adding just a cup or so of fresh water each day.
Keeping them in rooms with a mild temperature. While roses can live long, happy lives in warmer climates, they shouldn’t be left in rooms that exceed 80 degrees.

Roses have stood the test of time as one of the most beloved and symbolic flowers and with the addition of these multicolored blooms to our flourishing rose collection, it doesn’t look like that’ll change anytime soon!

Now Blooming: High & Magic Roses

Do you believe in magic? We do – and that’s why we’re introducing the High & Magic Rose as our Now Blooming flower this month! With bright yellow petals and bold burnt red-orange trim, this bi-colored bloom puts an enchanting twist on the classic rose. Its rare and radiant color combination features a hue that can only be compared to fierce flames or a hot summer sunset. Known for its sophistication and brilliance, this multi-colored rose is sure to leave you spellbound!

High & Magic Rose Fun Facts

High and Magic Roses, 18 Stems148624 159140 — High and Magic Roses, 18 Stems 148624 159140

South American Grown

As much as we’d like to think this flower is found in the depths of an enchanted forest, it is actually grown in South America! Even so, there is no question that this flower belongs in a storybook.

High & Magic Rose Meaning

Although the High & Magic Rose is in a class of its own, many consider it to be in the yellow rose family. Therefore, like its more conventional counterpart, it is said to represent friendship. Yet, it’s hard to ignore its captivating colors and large, ‘look-at-me’ bloom. So, this flower is known to symbolize enthusiasm, too! Whether you’re honoring a best friend or expressing your excitement for a milestone or special occasion, let this rose bring the magic!

High and Mighty!

The bright yellow, orange and red petals are not the only thing that attracts attention. This flower boasts a large bloom and a stem that reaches tall heights, ranging from 50 to 80 centimeters! Because of these impressive attributes, many farmers are choosing to grow High and Magic roses over the older Circus variety, which only grow 40 to 50 centimeters tall.

Showstopping Shoots

There’s no doubt that these bi-colored buds are exquisite; we can’t keep our eyes off of them – and we know you won’t be able to either! Since they are so eye-catching, let them take center stage as a centerpiece for your next special event. Can’t wait until then? Decorate your room with an arrangement that features these flowers as the focal point.

High and Magic Roses, 18 Stems148624 — High and Magic Roses, 18 Stems 148624

High & Magic Rose Care Tips

Lucky for us, High & Magic Roses have a long vase life! Keep them blooming in a cool environment for the best results. However, if you need the flowers to open faster, place them temporarily in a warmer environment. But, be careful! Temperatures should not be higher than 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow these hints and those included below to prolong their life:

Remove wilted outer petals or foliage that fall below the waterline
Re-cut flower stems at an angle under running water – this open up the flower’s pores & help them absorb water faster!
Keep flowers away from direct sunlight, heat and drafts

Even though classic roses will always hold a special place in the hearts of flower-lovers, the next time you’re in search of a rose floral arrangement or bouquet, spice it up with High & Magic Roses! Order these fiery flowers for that special someone, or yourself, before – poof! – they’re gone!

Now Blooming: Double Bloom Lily

This month, as a part of our “Now Blooming” collection, we are proud to feature and sell the Double Bloom Roselily! With their fuller and fluffier petals, this limited edition double-flowered creation puts a modern twist on the traditional Oriental lily. As one of the most popular flowers across the globe, there is no doubt that the lily is fabulous! After all, the lily has been a revered symbol of purity, virtue and humility for centuries, and is a recognized staple for wedding, funeral and Easter occasions today. But, thanks to horticultural breeders, we are able to enjoy this flower even more! See why this new-and-improved take on a classic flower is so unique – and our new favorite – with these double bloom lily facts.

Double Bloom Lily Fun Facts

Born & Raised in California

The California coast is not only the perfect place to catch some waves and a tan; it’s also home to the double bloom lily! Because of its mild seasons and moderate sunlight, the coast serves as the quintessential environment for growing bulb flowers, including the double bloom lily.

Handled with Care

Because these flowers are crafted by floral experts, and not necessarily a natural breed, many of these planting facilities go the extra mile by using socially-responsible and environmentally-friendly practices to give us the double flowered blooms we know and love. This means that extra special care is given to each and every bloom! The double bloom lily is harvested precisely when the bud begins to show color, and to promote maximum protection during transport, each flower is meticulously sleeved.

Long Live the Double Bloom Lily

The double bloom lily has an oh-so impressive vase life! The buds will open gradually, allowing them to last for several days. To maximize the life of these beauties, remove blooms that are past their prime.

Long & Lean

Lilies are known to reach amazing heights, with a typical stem-length ranging from one to four feet. So, it should come as no surprise that these flowers, on average, grow to at least 28 inches. These tall stems create the perfect compliment to the double bloom lily’s large and impressive petals. After all, bigger is better!

Double Bloom Lily Care Tips

Although the additional petals add an extra layer of elegance to this bloom, the petals are thinner than a classic 6-petal lily, which means that individual flowers might not last as long in hot weather. Protect these flowers from the warm rays by keeping them in a cool location out of direct sunlight and away from drafts. To maximize your double bloom roselily’s life, follow these simple steps:

Cut the stems at the end
Place in a clean vase or container
Fill vase with cool water
Add floral preservatives to water
Remove any foliage below the water
Gently remove the protective net from around the blooms
Replenish & refresh water as needed

So What’s the Difference…

Even though the double bloom lily is fairly similar to its traditional counterpart – aside from the extra set of petals, of course! – the double bloom lily is unique in that it is pollen-free, making it the ideal flower for bouquets. And if that isn’t enough, the double bloom lily is also fragrance free and available all year round. It doesn’t get much better than that!

For old-time lily lovers and trendy flower connoisseurs alike, the double bloom lily is the perfect pick for floral arrangements and bouquets! So, don’t miss out on an opportunity to snag this full and festive flower while supplies lasts!

As Featured on Facebook Live

Watch our “Now Blooming: Lilies” Facebook Live segment here to learn more about the Double Bloom Lily!

Desert Flowers Erupt in California ‘Super Bloom’

California deserts provide a home for a number of animals and insects, and have some of the most nutrient-rich soil found on Earth. But one thing they’re not exactly known for is their blooming flowers — or at least, they weren’t until now.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park, California

The once barren, grey landscape of California’s deserts has transformed into a colorful “super bloom” of flowers. So if you were ever thinking of taking a spontaneous trip to the desert, now is the time!

What is a “Super Bloom?”

Typically, dry, hot climates are the last place you would expect to find flourishing flowers, but thanks to California’s recent unseasonably wet weather, deserts across the state are experiencing a super bloom — a term used to describe an explosion of flowers that surpasses typical spring blooms.

Why Now?

Heavy rainfall this past winter reached so deep into the desert soil that it actually “woke up” dormant seeds. With the soil now loose, these seeds were able to make their way up to the surface and bud in a spectacular array of colors.

“Some of these seeds have been underground for maybe decades, if not a century or more, we just don’t know. Some of these places have not seen water in 10, 15, 20 years, and now they’re a blanket of flowers,” said Steve Bier, a California Park ranger.

The Super Bloom in Southern California

Desert flowers are so rare and awe inspiring that people from all over the country have flocked to California, hoping to catch a glimpse of the landscape. Tourists and floral enthusiasts have actually started to cause traffic jams in the typically untraveled desert trails.

Park officials say Plum Canyon and the Cactus Loop Trail are some of the best spots for tourists hoping to see already flourishing yellow brittlebush flowers. For those of you planning your travels for later in the month, the brittlebrush may be gone, but you’ll likely see late bloomers like ocotillo plants just starting to bud.

The last major super bloom to hit California was in 2005 when a similar damp winter and cool summer lead to an uproar of formerly buried seeds.

The Benefits of a Super Bloom

While the most obvious benefit is the beautiful landscape we all get to enjoy, desert flowers also bring plenty of ecological perks. From the insects that eat plants to the animals that eat the insects, every living species will be healthier thanks to the super bloom.

“It’s like every 10 years, all the animals and plants hit the lottery and they have so much,” said David Lamfrom, the director of the National Parks Conservation Association.

David, who spends much of his time advocating for Southern California’s deserts, said that super blooms also make people take notice of land they usually think of as barren and useless.

If you plan on visiting this potentially once-in-a-lifetime event, make sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and of course your camera!

Pantone Color Of The Year 2017

It’s the moment we’ve been patiently waiting for–Pantone chose their color of the year for 2017! Can you guess what it is? We’ll give you a hint: It’s a color that represents the environment and specifically signifies a fresh beginning, nature and a healthier lifestyle. If you guessed “Greenery,” you’re right–and we couldn’t be more excited about it!

According to The Pantone Color Institute, this refreshing and revitalizing color was selected to evoke the feeling of the first days of spring, when the great outdoors becomes restored and renewed. This color represents a sense of freshness, which will be reflected in trends that are minimalistic and simplistic in 2017.

The yellow-green hue that makes up “Greenery,” is here to remind us to take a deep breath and strive for inner peace, while stressing the importance of taking a break from our daily routines to replenish ourselves. We can’t think of a better way to achieve that level of re-invigoration than by incorporating some of these calming products into our lives:

Serene Green Bouquet

This tranquil arrangement comprised of the perfect mix of pale green and creamy white shades of lilies, roses, carnations, alstroemeria, and more serves as a reminder of how nature and “Greenery” can add beauty to any space.

Moments of Relaxation Spa Tower

We can’t think of a better way to relax and unwind than with an at-home spa day! The combination of a cozy robe, zen green tea and all of the body products you could ever need will help you reach the ultimate level of relaxation. Hints of “Greenery” and natural elements will make you feel like you’re on a spa retreat, while the fresh scents of cucumber and melon are there to reinvigorate you.

Relax & Nurture Tea Basket

The name says it all! With this selection of relaxing and awakening teas, delicious biscuits and cookies, you will have everything you need to feed your body and your soul.

Tea Forte Kati Cup & Single Steeps Tea Gift S et

What do you get when you combine the ultimate in artisan-crafted teas with a stainless steel infuser and an uplifting green ceramic tumbler? A truly enjoyable and delicious experience, that’s what! This gift set will turn drinking your daily cup of tea into a very special occasion.

Happy Wishes Bouquet

We can’t think of anything cheerier than a bouquet of daisies, except for when they’re in an even cheerier vase! Designed exclusively by inspirational artist, Sandra Magsamen, this bouquet radiates joy and positivity and will brighten anyone’s day in an instant.

Margarita Bouquet

We mentioned earlier that the idea behind “Greenery” is to take a break from our daily routines and find some time to restore ourselves–so we’re transporting you to a tropical destination with this Margarita Bouquet. The combination of green carnations, spider mums, poms and hypericum, with a pop of yellow roses makes us want to raise our glasses and toast to our newly re-energized selves.

Party Pooch

We dare you not to smile when looking at this little pup! White carnations are handcrafted to resemble your furry best friend who is dressed up with “Greenery” athos poms, and more! The arrangement is set in a festive ceramic box that is reusable — so you can always keep the party going!

Showers of Flowers

Sprinkle some happiness and cheer into someone’s life with this combination of fresh roses, carnations, daisy poms, button poms, and more. The green watering can closely resembles “Greenery,” and adds a vibrant element to this beautiful arrangement.

Mugable Sending Big Smiles

Deliver a smile with this combination of vivid yellow roses, hot pink mini carnations, and more. The green ceramic keepsake mug will serve as your daily reminder to feel happy and that you are loved every time you use it.

Pantone Color of the Year 2016

Every year Pantone comes out with their “color of the year,” but this year they changed things up! For the first time ever, 2016 has two colors of the year: “Rose Quartz” in the pink color family and “Serenity” in the blue color family. These soft shades of pink and blue were selected based on trends in fashion and culture.

According to the Pantone website, these colors symbolize the gender blur in fashion and culture. In addition to the contemporary meaning of these colors, the balance of a warm rose and a cool tranquil blue symbolizes order and peace.

In honor of the “colors of the year,” we chose some of our favorite floral arrangements that remind us of Rose Quartz and Serenity. Check out some of our floral arrangements that best highlight these lovely colors of 2016!

Flower arrangement with pink lilies, alstroemeria, daisies and purple accents

Floral Treasures Bouquet

This Local Artisan floral arrangement (designed by talented local florists) is a perfect mix of both Rose Quartz and Serenity, featuring soft pinks and purples in lilies, daisies, alstroemeria, and more.

Pink flower bouquet with pink lilies, pink roses, pink carnations and more.

Expressions of Pink

This arrangement is all about the “Rose Quartz,” from lilies to roses to carnations, and more importantly even features rose quartz colored roses.

Lavender Dreams

These pink and purple flowers stand out in their purple vase and feature many different shades that may remind one of Rose Quartz & Serenity.

Make Her Day Bouquet

The mixture of the Pantone colors are a perfect example of the lovely shades in this “Lavender Dreams” bouquet, featuring lighter pink roses with varying shades of purple (similar to Serenity) in a neutral grey ceramic pitcher.

Blue Beauty Hydrangea

Finding flowers in blue are few and far between which is why blue hydrangeas are such a popular flower. Particularly lovely for weddings, these hydrangeas are similar to the “Serenity” Pantone color in a calming baby blue.

Pink roses and hydrangea in a clear vase

Premium Hand-tied Rose and Hydrangea Bouquet

This gorgeous hydrangea and rose arrangement embodies the light shades of pink in “Rose Quartz.”

Blue Bird of Happiness

This hydrangea plant perfectly encompasses the combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity. The vintage style planter also includes a bit of Serenity.

The History of Flower Power

“Flower Power” was a popular term used in the 1960s and 1970s, a time of change throughout the United States. From protests against the war to protests demanding equal rights for every citizen, the 1960s were a tumultuous yet interesting time in American history for social change. Some protestors during this era were dubbed as “hippies” short for the term “hipsters.”

Coined in 1965 by acclaimed poet and voice of his generation Allen Ginsberg, “flower power” was used to inspire a movement in which anti-war demonstrators focused on positive values such as peace and love to instead of brute force and rebellion in order to “fight” for freedom. The concept first came to being while Ginsberg helped organize a protest against the Vietnam War in Berkeley, California. In his essay “Demonstration or Spectacle as Example, As Communication,” he describes a tactic using peace as a “weapon.” He suggests “masses of flowers – a visual spectacle – especially concentrated on the front lines.” He continued, “…marchers should bring harmonicas, flutes, recorders, guitars, banjos, and violins.” He went on to invite all previously persecuted groups to join the revolution, turning the phrase into a movement of peace, hope, unity, and above all – imagination.

The “Flower” in Flower Power

The hippies of the 1960s and 1970s took Ginsberg’s message of peaceful protesting and incorporated it into their fashions and culture. Both men and women wore flowers from on their clothing to in their hair. Flowers in their hair ranged from floral head wreaths to slipping a single a dandelion into their groovy headbands (a trend that has resurfaced in fashion today). Bright, floral prints became extremely popular as did floral inspired patches. Some hippies even painted the flower symbol on their faces to show their support and dedication to the cause. With its natural and simplistic beauty, it’s not surprising that the flower became the ultimate symbol of peace and love for this counterculture and era!