Ah, the luck of the Irish to ya! – St. Patrick’s Day is upon us once again and what better way to celebrate the green, then with the gift of flowers. St. Patty’s day may not be a holiday you normally associate with gift giving, but it was Saint Patrick himself that started the tradition. He gave three-leaved shamrocks to his Irish flock as a tool to explain the Holy Trinity. Today, you can carry on the spirit of St. Patty by sharing a little bit of Mother Nature’s green with the people in your life. On March 17th, everyone is just a little Irish, so show your spirit with the right flowers.
Green Roses?
Roses come in more colors than you might imagine. The green variety perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day arrangement are Rosa chinensis viridiflora, an old heirloom China rose. How does a rose end up being green? As the result of a mutation discovered around 1856, this bloom is made up of sepals instead of pedals, giving it a green color ideal for a St. Patrick’s Day. Not dyed or altered in any way, the Rosa chinensis viridiflora is a natural wonder.
Chrysanthemums
That is right; they come in green, as well, although not as a result of evolution. Lime green chrysanthemums are a savvy option for the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. They can be grown green through a hybridization process, but often they come dyed or tinted using green water soaks. No matter how they got that way, green chrysanthemums add a touch of the Irish to any floral gift.
The Bells-of-Ireland
Even the name fits. Moluccella laevis, or the Bells-of-Ireland, actually native to Turkey, represents luck. It offers tiny white or pink fragrant flowers surrounded by green calyces. The shape and length of the plant make it a distinctive addition to any St. Patrick’s Day arrangement.
It is not Always about the Green
The key to the right bouquet choice for St. Patrick’s Day is balance. You can combine some of your favorite blooms with some exotic green choices to build a bouquet that says Happy St. Patrick’s Day to someone you love.
Why Give Gifts on St. Patrick’s Day? The real question is, why not give them. You don’t have to be Irish to understand the meaning of fun, and that is what St. Patrick’s Day brings.
