The Floral Guide

• Some of the most desired flowers can be the hardest to cultivate. They require strict conditions to flourish. So when deciding what flowers to plant in your garden you must look at the region they grow best in, the amount of sunlight they need, and any other special characteristics. The following is a list of uncommon flowers that take a green thumb to grow. If you would like more information on any of the featured flowers please click on the photo and you will be directed to a more in depth discussion of that particular flower. Orchid: The orchid is an unusually large plant family, encompassing nearly 22,000 accepted species with 800 new ones added each year. Orchids are cosmopolitan, meaning they grow in almost every habitat apart from deserts and glaciers. The great majority are to be found in the tropics, mostly Asia, South America and Central America, but they are also found above the Arctic Circle, in southern Patagonia and even on Macquarie Island, close to Antarctica. Orchids are known to adapt to most environments and do not need as much care as is common belief. They can be grown in a green house, outside or in a pot indoors. The Bird of Paradise Flower: The Bird of Paradise Flower is also known as the Crane Flower or Strelitzia. However all three names apply to other species in the genus Strelitzia. This flower is native to South America and grows wild there. To grow well the Bird of Paradise flower needs to be planted in full sun in well-drained soil. Keeping the plants about 2 feet away from each other and using an organic fertilizer will help keep this flower healthy. Water the Bird of Paradise flower until the soil is moist. When full grown they stand about 6 1/2 feet tall. The Tiger Lily: Though the first  first written descriptions of the Tiger Lily came from famous Swedish botanist, Carl Von Linne, in 1753, they were mentioned in Chinese literature many years previously. The Tiger lily is a subspecies of the Lilium genus. Tiger Lilies have medicinal uses. They relieve congestion,  and the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. However you should not eat Tiger Lilies without the direction of a skilled medical professional. The bulbs were and still are dug up and steamed to be eaten by Native American and Oriental cultures. Tiger Lilies need to be kept in damp soil. It is best to plant the bulbs in the fall for mid-summer blooms. Extra fertilizer does not need to be added, unless the soil is particularly poor. The Lily of the Valley: Lilies of the Valley have a soft bell shape and a wonderfully sweet scent that makes them a garden favorite. It should be noted that the Lily of the Valley is very poisonous and should be kept away from young children and pets. Lilies of the Valley should be planted in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Adding a little fertilizer (preferably organic) will help this flower to grow healthy. Lilies of the Valley should be watered weekly until the soil is moist, especially if there is no rainfall in summer. In dry areas the Lily of the Valley may die after blooming. Lilies of the Valley will grow outside, but also flourish inside in pots as long as they are kept in a sunny room. Tulips: Tulips are native to Central Asia and Turkey, but are now grown all over the world. Tulips are not seed plants, the come from bulbs. Tulips are a symbol of spring and many festivals are held throughout North American cities, though the original festival is held in Holland at the Keukenhof Gardens. Tulips do best in climates with long cool springs and early summers, but they are often grown as spring blooming annual plantings in warmer areas of the world. Adding organic fertilizer will help the tulips to grow strong. Though tulips bloom best outdoors where they are able to stretch their roots, they can be grown in pots indoors during the winter months to protect them from a freeze. Tulips come any many colors, from red and yellow to purple and orange. Gardenia: The Gardenia bloom is part of the coffee family, Rubiaceae,  and is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, southern Asia, Australasia and Oceania. Gardenia plants are prized for the strong sweet scent of their flowers. However Gardenia is more of a house plant as it is very difficult to cultivate because it originated in warm humid tropical areas.