Blooming Spring Branches
Common Names: blooming spring branches
Botanical names: Varies
Availability: Early through late spring
Vase life: 3 to 14 days; varies widely, dependent on species and cultivar. As a general rule, the greater the fragrance, the shorter the vase life.
Storage temperatures: 36 - 38 degrees Fahrenheit
Ethylene Sensitive: Yes
Description: Plum blossoms can range in color from white to light pink, deep pink, or even purple, depending on the variety. The flowers are usually small and appear before the leaves emerge, creating a stunning visual display. Cherry blossoms can range in color from pure white to shades of pink and even deeper hues of red. The flowers are usually small and delicate, often arranged in clusters along the branches. Quince flowers emerge before the foliage, usually in shades of red, pink, white, or orange, depending on the variety. The blossoms are typically small to medium-sized and can be single or double-petaled. Forsythia, bright yellow flowers, which typically appear in early spring before the foliage emerges. These flowers are small, with four spreading petals, and they grow in clusters along the length of the branches. Dogwood flowers are actually small and inconspicuous, but they are surrounded by four large, petal-like bracts that can be white, pink, or even red, depending on the cultivar. Flowering Redbud features a profusion of small, pea-like flowers . The flowers can range in color from pink to lavender to deep purple. The flowers emerge directly from the branches and trunk. Pussy Willow features branches that are long, slender and flexible, with gray-brown bark. Silver-grey to pale-yellow Catkins, which are soft, silky, and covered in fine hairs are densely packed along the branches. Apple blossoms can range in color from pure white to shades of pink, depending on the variety. The flowers are usually large and showy, covering the branches in clusters. Apricot flowers can vary in color from white to shades of pink or red. They are usually small to medium-sized, with five petals, and emit a distinctive sweet fragrance. Almond blossoms can range in color from pure white to pale pink, and they appear before the foliage emerges, covering the branches in a blanket of delicate flowers. The flowers are usually small to medium-sized, with five petals, and emit a subtle, sweet fragrance. Star Magnolias feature a profusion of large, star-shaped blossoms in early spring. These blossoms appear before the leaves emerge and cover the branches in a display of delicate white or pale pink flowers. The flowers have multiple narrow petals arranged in a star-like pattern, giving the tree its name. Pear blossoms appear before the leaves emerge, covering the branches in clusters of small, white flowers. The flowers are fragrant.
Color: Varies
Botanical facts: While we enjoy the beauty of blooming spring branches, the purpose of the blossoms is to attract pollinators.
Design notes: Frequently displayed alone in a vase, these beautiful blossoms and branches are a wonderful accent in mixed spring arrangements. Blooming Spring Branches are best suited for arranging in a vase of water. They are short lived in floral foam.
Purchasing hints: Purchase stems with tight blossoms, just beginning to open. The more fragrant the blossom, the shorter the vase life.
Conditioning: Remove all foliage that will be below the water line. Break or cut with a sharp knife two to three inches of the stem end. Hydrate in a solution of warm water and commercial floral preservative / floral food for two hours before storage or usage. Re-cut the stems and place in a fresh water solution every two days for the longest life.
Additional notes: Blooming Spring Branches begin to appear in flower markets in February and March. Many floral designers harvest their own branches and force the bloom.
Video Demonstration:
A Cozy Spring Garden featuring Pussy Willow
A Spring Flower Centerpiece featuring Flowering Plum
Spring Garden Arrangement featuring Magnolia Branches
A Springtime Garden Arrangement featuring Flowering Dogwood
A Fabulous Foam Free Design featuring Magnolia Branches
A Valentine Love Arrangement featuring Blooming Quince Branches