As florists, we often get the creative freedom to mix and match different types of flowers, colors, and textures to design the perfect arrangements. A big part of those decisions is often guided by the visions of wedding color palettes or our clients’ favorite blooms.
But the starting point from which our florists at Belle Fiori usually begin, almost always boils down to color. Grandma’s favorite was always yellow roses. The bridesmaids dresses are purple. There’s something about that perfect shade of pink peony.
Color is important. But how do flowers get their color?
Without giving you too much of a science lesson, (though I’m more than happy to nerd out about flowers) let me explain a bit.
Like people, who have different hair colors, eye colors, and complexions, the outward appearance of flowers is largely determined by their genetic composition. I’m sure many of you have heard of chlorophyll. It’s what makes leafy plants and stems green. Chorophyll is a pigment. Pigments, such as anthocyanins (found in many boldly colored plants) and caroteniods (found in a lot of vegetables), are determined by the heredity of the plant. …Its all in the genes! So basically, what your baby bloom is born with, is what you’ll get.
It’s possible that you’ve heard of people altering the colors of their own plants. Think…hydrangeas. Many people choose if they want their plant to appear more blue, purple, or pink. This tampering of hues has more to do with changing the PH of your plants’ growing conditions than with altering its genetic components….but it’s certainly fun to do it yourself!
No matter what your personal color preference, it’s interesting to think about how the appearance of your gorgeous florals is determined even before they bloom. And if you don’t know what color is your favorite? Stop by Belle Fiori’s Milwaukee shop and we’ll help you find what you love!
