With the Fourth of July right around the corner, you’re probably wondering which flowers are best to make a gorgeous Independence Day display. At Blossom Flower, we’d like to help you choose the perfect patriotic flowers for gifts and your holiday decorations. Here are some cool facts about our Nation’s red, white and blue blooms.
Red Roses
The United States of America chose the red rose as it’s national flower in 1986. This North American native grows wild throughout the continental U.S. The rose is also the official state flower for several different states. New York designated the rose as it’s official flower, while the deep red Oklahoma rose is Oklahoma’s state flower. In Georgia, the dainty Cherokee rose is the official flower, while the pretty pink wild rose is the floral emblem of both North Dakota and Iowa.
Scarlet Carnations
Scarlet carnations are Ohio’s state flower. These fragrant blooms were first bred by Dr. Levi Lamborn in Alliance, Ohio. During the 1876 Congressional election, Dr. Lamborn ran for Congress. He would present his opponent, William McKinley, with a boutonniere of scarlet carnations before each debate. McKinley won those debates and came to view the scarlet carnation as his good-luck charm. He went on to become President of the United States with a scarlet carnation always fastened to his lapel. In fact, just seconds before his assassination on September 14, 1901, President McKinley had given the carnation he was wearing to one of his supporters.
White Daisies
History doesn’t always make note of an election’s losing candidates, but the daisy is different. The National Geographic Magazine heralded the daisy as the North Carolina floral emblem in 1917. It was considered the state flower until 1941, when a state congressional bill replaced the daisy with the flowering dogwood flower. Several other flowers were in the running for the North Carolina state flower, including flame azaleas, goldenrod and Venus flytraps. Despite the fact that the daisy lost to the dogwood, it is still considered to be one of the most patriotic flowers in the country.
Blue Delphiniums
True blue flowers are hard to find, which is why the delphinium stands apart from any other flower. While this European native isn’t an official flower for any state, it is the official flower of July. Sometimes called “larkspur,” the delphinium is a must-have addition for any Independence Day bouquet.
An arrangement of these flowers is the perfect way to celebrate the Fourth of July. Let Blossom Flower help you show your true colors by creating a beautiful red, white and blue bouquet!
