GM HYTG

19/11/2021

The smelliest flower in the world
We all love our flowers because they emit a pleasant scent, right? Well, the Sumatran Titan Arum will change everything you think about flowers. Called the co**se flower, when in bloom this bud smells similar to a dead body. While they may look interesting, it’s safe to say these nine-foot tall plants won’t be in any flower delivery anytime soon!

19/11/2021

China boasts the oldest flower in the world
Known as the Mother of All Flowers, the Archaefructus sinensis is believed to be the world’s oldest flower. Discovered by archaeologists in a fossil back in 2002, it was believed to bloom more than 125 million years ago in China.

19/11/2021

There are more flowers than we can count
As of right now, botanists have discovered more than 270,000 different species of flowers. Of that number, a full 35,000 are simply of roses and are considered some of the most valuable flowers in the entire world. Not to mention, this number grows every single day, and there are still many different species yet to be discovered.

19/11/2021

Tulips are worth their weight in gold
Back in 17th century Holland, tulips were considered to be worth more than gold and silver. Back then, one bulb cost upwards of $2,000. Now, they are quite a bit cheaper and can even be used to replace onions in recipes!

17/10/2021

Calathea
Another plant that comes with a range of interesting names (zebra plant, rattlesnake plant, peacock plant) and also originates from Africa, the calathea is stunning both when it does and doesn't have flowers. There are a few varieties of this plant but we particularly love the type that produces pointy orange blooms that are said to represent new beginnings or a new start. This makes them the ideal housewarming gift!

If you keep one of these plants indoors, you may not see it flower because the conditions aren't quite right but its leaves are striking enough with their distinctive patterns to make it a great plant for the home. Calatheas like it hot and humid so keep them away from draughts and mist them regularly.

17/10/2021

Peace lilies
White lilies are always classy – hey, that's why divas like Mariah Carey demand them in their dressing rooms before shows, right? – and peace lilies follow this trend. Although technically a plant, peace lilies make our list of exotic flowers due to their understated elegance, (which also makes them an ideal as a gift or accessory for your mantelpiece). If you think you have a black thumb, a peace lily is a great starter house plant because they're pretty hardy.

Peace lilies are another tropical plant that love humid environments, such as shower rooms where they can bask in all that moisture. If you were to find these flowers in the wild, they would be growing on the forest floors of southeastern Asia and the Americas, and so it's best to place them in indirect sunlight around your home.

17/10/2021

Tulips
There's maybe nothing that says spring more than a bright bunch of tulips and, for many of us, when we think of tulips we're reminded of those rolling fields of flowers in Holland's countryside. Tulips are mainly grown there these days but are thought to originate from Turkey – their name comes from the Turkish word for turban.

Tulips may not be the first type of flower that comes to mind when you think of exotic plants, but with their symmetrical design and an origin story dating back to the Ottoman empire, they definitely fit the bill.

17/10/2021

Hyacinths
These unusually shaped flowers grow in abundance in the warm climates of Turkey and the Middle East, with bulbous blooms that sprout in a huge variety of colours. Hyacinths were brought to Europe in the 16th century and are now commonly grown in Holland but you'll spot them in English gardens across the UK.

Hyacinths are another exotic flower that has ties to Ancient Greece and mythology. Said to grow from the ground where an incredible athlete – who was loved by the god Apollo – died, hyacinths are commonly associated with sports but also sorrow.

17/10/2021

Lily of the Valley
The lily of the valley (which you may have heard called the ‘May flower’) makes our top ten list of exotic flowers because of its alluring appeal.

What makes it so exclusive? Perhaps it’s the fact that the flower only available for a short season (May-June) or perhaps it’s because that it’s sweetly scented flowers are some of the most coveted by perfumers or maybe, just maybe, it’s because the Lily of the Valley is the flower of choice for royal brides

Whatever the reason for its popularity, it’s easy to see the attraction. Lily of the valley boasts beautiful and dainty bell-shaped flowers that have the most amazing scent. The flowers are usually white, though pink varieties are also available if you prefer a little more colour in your bouquet.

17/10/2021

Celosia
Known affectionately by our florists as ‘brains’ due to their unmistakable curly shape the exotic celosia is a standout addition to any bouquet. Striking, flamboyant and just a little bit “extra” she’s the girl at the party, that makes everyone stop and stare.

Grown wildly in the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, Indonesia and South America this exotic flower is available in a whole range of fiery colours from red to orange and pink to purple and has a pleasant herbal scent.

17/10/2021

Bird of paradise
The bird of paradise – or Strelitzia - is another native of South Africa. Its exotic, origami crane-like flowers are like no other, making it unmistakable in bouquets and flower arrangements. (This is one flower that also shines solo when grouped in a tall vase!)

The flower has many different symbolic meanings – from freedom to immortality. It’s the perfect gift to give when you really want to make a statement.

17/10/2021

Anthuriums
These flowers look like something from an alien planet but are natives of the rainforests of Colombia. Their waxy appearance and bold spadix (the ‘finger’ that sticks out from the spathe) brings a touch of the exotic to any flower bouquet.

Anthuriums have several fun names to choose from including painter's palette, painted tongue, boy flower and, our personal favourite, the flamingo flower. They’re also available in a multitude of bright and beautiful colours from white and orange through to purple and green.

Despite their exotic appeal, anthuriums are relatively easy to care for and have the longest vase life of all cut flowers. If you want to fill a vase full of these beauties just remember to place them somewhere away from draughts or direct heat (a top care tip that applies to most exotic flowers).

17/10/2021

Calla Lilies
A native plant of South Africa, calla lilies are known for their unusual fluted flowers and vibrant green leaves. This type of lily is popular in wedding bouquets – maybe you caught a few last summer? – but also look absolutely wonderful in a vase in your home.

These exotic flowers are simply beautiful, incredibly chic and relatively easy to care for. As well as its classic white flower, calla lilies also grow in pink, purple, yellow and even black shades.

Like orchids, calla lilies also have ties to Ancient Greece as they are linked to the goddess Hera and their name comes from the Greek word for beauty.

17/10/2021

Orchids
When it comes to orchids, you're spoilt for choice. There are a whopping 25,000 to 30,000 species to admire but one of the most popular varieties is the cascade orchid.

Orchids bloom throughout the year and are available in a wide variety of colours – from striking blush shades that would look great in any millennial pink room to vibrant yellows that create an eye-catching feature in a shaded corner of the bathroom.

Orchids require a little TLC to ensure their beauty and buds come back year after year. If you're feeling lazy, make up some ice cubes and pop one on the soil to melt and water the plant over a longer period. .

Orchids represent beauty and strength – so are the perfect gift when you need to cheer up a friend – and were also said to be eaten in Ancient Greece when women wanted to get pregnant and influence the s*x of their baby (but we wouldn’t recommend it!).

14/10/2021

14/10/2021

14/10/2021

14/10/2021