Mistletoe
Mistletoe is a hemi parasitic evergreen. What this means is that it grows on other trees and relies on them for moisture and minerals. It usually grows on deciduous trees and not evergreens. This includes apple trees, willows and rarely oaks.
The fact that it stays green on dormant trees in wintertime is thought to have caught the attention of the Celts and Druids. The Druids cut the mistletoe from their sacred oaks with a golden knife and it was used to cure sterility and counteract poisons!
Kissing under the mistletoe
In the 18th century in England at Christmas time a young lady standing under the mistletoe brightly decorated could not refuse a kiss! This kiss meant deep romance or lasting friendship and goodwill. If you refused or remained unkissed she could expect not to marry that following year. Whether you believe these stories or not mistletoe makes Christmas decorations and celebrations fun and kisses can be exchanged under the mistletoe in the holiday season of Christmas. You can find mistletoe in most flower shops depending on its availability.
Christmas Flowers
Poinsettias are synonymous with Christmas and usually are available as a plant only. Another popular plant is the Christmas cactus this is native to the mountains of Brazil, Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) begin flowering in December and continue through January. They have fleshy, succulent, leaf-like stem segments that grow from their mid veins. Flowers can be red, magenta, lavender, orange or white, and they appear at the end of each branch. Grow in bright, indirect light during winter and shade in summer. Flower buds are set when the plant is exposed to night temperatures between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit for several weeks in early to mid-autumn.
Cut flowers both red and white are very popular at Christmas time and florists tend to make candle arrangements or hand tie bouquets for people to decorate their homes during this festive season. The types of flowers which are popular include various berries like ilax berries and hypericum berries, amaryllis, holly, thistle, blue pine and many more.
Mistletoe is a hemi parasitic evergreen. What this means is that it grows on other trees and relies on them for moisture and minerals. It usually grows on deciduous trees and not evergreens. This includes apple trees, willows and rarely oaks.
The fact that it stays green on dormant trees in wintertime is thought to have caught the attention of the Celts and Druids. The Druids cut the mistletoe from their sacred oaks with a golden knife and it was used to cure sterility and counteract poisons!
Kissing under the mistletoe
In the 18th century in England at Christmas time a young lady standing under the mistletoe brightly decorated could not refuse a kiss! This kiss meant deep romance or lasting friendship and goodwill. If you refused or remained unkissed she could expect not to marry that following year. Whether you believe these stories or not mistletoe makes Christmas decorations and celebrations fun and kisses can be exchanged under the mistletoe in the holiday season of Christmas. You can find mistletoe in most flower shops depending on its availability.
Christmas Flowers
Poinsettias are synonymous with Christmas and usually are available as a plant only. Another popular plant is the Christmas cactus this is native to the mountains of Brazil, Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) begin flowering in December and continue through January. They have fleshy, succulent, leaf-like stem segments that grow from their mid veins. Flowers can be red, magenta, lavender, orange or white, and they appear at the end of each branch. Grow in bright, indirect light during winter and shade in summer. Flower buds are set when the plant is exposed to night temperatures between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit for several weeks in early to mid-autumn.
Cut flowers both red and white are very popular at Christmas time and florists tend to make candle arrangements or hand tie bouquets for people to decorate their homes during this festive season. The types of flowers which are popular include various berries like ilax berries and hypericum berries, amaryllis, holly, thistle, blue pine and many more.
About the Author:
For top quality flowers in London and London florists and flower delivery, please visit http://www.josephinesflowers.co.uk/.. Free reprint available from: Christmas Floral Designs.