Five Fun Flowers for the Fourth!

With Independence Day right around the corner it’s the perfect time for some festive summer flowers. Many people this time of year like to order flowers in the patriotic colors of red white and blue. This summer you can try something different. I have compiled a list of some unusual flowers perfect for the 4^th of July. Instead of the classic red white and blue colors, these flowers all resemble fireworks for a fun spin on your holiday flowers.

The first flower is the Spider Mum. The most distinctive feature of spider mums is the flower petals. The petals are long, narrow strands that cover the entire face of the flower. The drooping legs resemble spider legs, giving the flower its common name. There are several varieties of spider mums, producing different colors and sizes of blooms each spring. Spider mums are believed to have originated in China. Put them to an untraditional use in your 4^th of July floral designs!

Another firework inspired flower is the silver echinops, also known as globe thistle. Echinops is the botanical name for globe thistle. They are stunning flowers with deep dark blue petals set in a spiky frame. The leaves are deeply notched, dark green on top and slightly silver underneath and slightly hairy. The plants are native to Asia and Europe and the name means hedgehog in Greek, which is appropriately referencing the prickly blooms.

The torch lily reminds me of fire in the sky. This flowers gets is nickname the Hot Poker due to the shape and color of its inflorescence. The leaves are reminiscent of a lily, and the flowerhead can reach up to 1.52 m (5.0 ft) in height. There are many varieties of torch lily, and they bloom at different times during the growing season. The flowers are red, orange, and yellow. Perfect colors for Independence Day!

Alliums may be in the onion family, but these top-notch garden plants are anything but utilitarian vegetable-garden residents. Alliums bloom in a wide range of firework colors (including shades of yellow, white, pink, and purple), seasons, and sizes (from inch-wide heads to volleyball-sized bloom clusters). Alliums offer whimsical structures and great textural contrasts unique to the late-spring bulb garden. The larger allium flower heads are fun focal points for dried arrangements.

Eryngium plants, also known as sea holly flowers, make striking additions to the garden. Mostly native to Europe and the Mediterranean, these plants generally grow anywhere from 18 to 36 inches tall with a one-foot spread. Their green or silvery-blue stems give way to green or blue cones surrounded by spiky silver, white, green, blue or violet bracts, which bloom from summer throughout fall. Sea holly plants are tolerant of drought, winds, salt sprays and sandy soils. They can be used as specimen plantings, in beds and borders, or butterfly gardens. In addition, these plants make excellent dried flowers and are perfect additions to your 4^th of the July celebrations.

Hopefully these five flowers give you some fun ideas for your celebration decorations!