General about Flowers

12 to 36 inches high Rounded heads of star-shaped florets in white, violet, or pink. 7 to 14 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into warm water, freshen often. Bulb for sun. Plant in the fall for spring or summer bloom. Many species and hybrids available.

12 to 36 inches high Long, furry upright ropes in groups from single stem in green and crimson. 7 days vase life Remove foliage, dip stems into boiling water, transfer into deep cold water. Annual for sun. Easy to grow from seed planted outdoors in late spring.

6 to 12 inches high Rounded saucer-shaped flower in blue, white, red, pink, or purple. 3 to 7 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place in boiling water, avoid floral foam. Bulb or perennial, for sun or part shade, depending on species. A coronaria is best for cutting. Plant in full sun, in the fall in warm winter areas, in spring in the North. Soak tubers for 24 hours before planting.

12 to 24 inches high Heart-shaped flower with tall central "tongue" in red, white, or pink. 14 to 21 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water, no refrigeration necessary. Tropical which can be grown as a container plant in Northern gardens.

Tree branch. Fragrant floret clusters on branch in white, pinks, rose, or reds. 7 to 10 days vase life Cut and split or crush stems, place into deep warm water. Hardy trees for full sun. Easily found at garden centers. Can be forced in late winter.

24 to 36 inches high Clusters of daisylike flowers on tall stems in white, violet, purple, or pink. 7 to 10 days vase life Cut and crush stem ends, dip into boiling water, transfer to warm water. Annual or hardy perennial for sun. Bloom time varies, depending on species. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.

12 to 24 inches high Feathery plumes on thin stems in crimson, pink, or white 3 to 7 days vase life Split ends of stems, place into deep warm water. Hardy perennial best suited to moist but well-drained sites in part shade.

12 TO 24 inches high Tiny balls of feathered florets in white, pink, or pale lavender 7 to 14 days vase life Cut stem ends, put into hot water with few drops of "Joy" dishwashing liquid to open florets. Hardy perennial for full sun. Prefers neutral soil. Deep taproot, so difficult to transplant once established. Never needs dividing. Annual species also available.

6 to 12 inches high Many delicate petals of blue, white, pink, or mauve. 7 to 10 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Annual for sun. Grow from seed sown outdoors in early spring. Performs best in cool weather. Cut off spent flowers to encourage rebloom.

12 to 24 inches high Many balloon-shaped flower buds in blue, pink, or white 5 to 7 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Hardy perennial for sun. Resents transplanting. Never needs dividing.

12 to 24 inches high Bell-shaped floret clusters on an arched stem in lime green 7 to 10 days vase life Cut stem ends, dip into boiling water, transfer to warm water. Annual for sun. Good for drying. Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost, in individual peat pots. Seeds need light to germinate.

24 to 36 inches high Exotic, showy birdlike flower on strong stem in blue, orange, and white 3 to 5 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water, change water frequently. Tropical which can be grown as container plant in the North.

12 to 30 inches high Daisylike bloom on thin stem in rich yellow with brown center 7 days vase life Cut stems, dip into boiling water, transfer to deep warm water. Annual and perennial species for full sun. Perennials need dividing every three years. Annuals are easy from seed sown in spring.

12 TO 24 inches high Feathery clusters of florets in white, blue, and purple 5 to 7 days vase life Cut and split stems, place in deep warm water. Annual. Grow from seed sown in early spring. Prefers cool weather.

24 to 30 inches high Rounded heads of tiny florets in white, yellow, pink, or red 3 to 7 days vase life Cut and crush stem ends, dip into boiling water, transfer to warm water. Tropical shrub.

12 to 18 inches high Clusters of blue florets on thin stems in medium blue or purple 7 to 10 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Hardy and non-hardy bulbs for full sun to part shade. B. laxa is the hardiest. Needs good drainage. Blooms in early summer.

12 to 24 inches high Fragrant pea-shaped florets on thin woody stems in white, yellow, or pink 7 to 14 days vase life Cut and split stem ends, dip into boiling water, transfer to warm water. Hardy and non-hardy shrubs for sun. Need sandy soil, perfect drainage.

12 TO 24 inches high Folded trumpet-shaped elegant flower on thick stem in cream, yellow, or green, mini varieties in yellow, mauves, or green 5 to 7 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Tender bulb for sun. Thrives in wet areas of the garden. Grow in containers in cold-winter areas.

6 to 12 inches high Rose-shaped bloom with glossy leaves in red, white, or pink 3 to 7 days vase life Shake salt into each bloom, crush or split stem ends, place into deep warm water. Non-hardy small tree for full sun or part shade. Lustrous evergreen leaves. Winter bloomer.

12 TO 30 inches high Bell-shaped flowers in clusters of white, lavender, blue, or pink 7 to 10 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Many species of hardy perennials for sun. Prefer well-drained, neutral, fertile soil.

24 to 36 inches high Large lily-type blooms on hollow stem in white, pink, peach, or red. 14 to 21 days vase life Cut stem ends, fill with water, plug, put in deep warm water. Non-hardy bulb. The familiar container plant for Christmas is Hippeastrum. Amaryllis belladonna grows in outdoor climates of warm winters and hot, dry summers. Grow in containers in cold climates. Blooms in late summer. (Dianthus caryophyllus) 12 to 30 inches high Rounded, many-petalled flowers on strong stems in many colors, spicy fragrance 10 to 14 days vase life Cut stem ends between nodes, place into deep warm water. Many species for sun, both annual and hardy perennial. Best in neutral soil in sun. Common florist flower is difficult garden subject, but many dianthus are easy garden plants.

3 to 24 inches high Exotic tropical flower 7 to 21 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, avoid wetting blooms, place into lukewarm water, keep cool and humid. Tropical orchid. Can be grown as a container plant.

12 to 18 inches high Feathery plumes or cauliflower-draped heads in red, yellow, orange, or crimson 7 to 10 days vase life Cut stem ends, dip into boiling water, transfer to warm water. Annual for sun. Easy to grow from seed or bedding plants in late spring.

12 TO 18 inches high Lantern-shaped pods in orange 7 to 10 days vase life Place in deep water. (Also used in dried arrangements.) Perennial grown as an annual. Blooms first year from seed sown in spring. Color comes from ripe seed husks in the fall.

24 to 26 inches high Rounded heads of many petals in many colors, many varieties 7 to 14 days vase life Cut and crush or split stem ends, place into deep warm water, freshen water frequently. Hardy perennial and annual species and hybrids for sun. Day-length sensitive, so avoid planting near streetlights. Pinch off side shoots to force largest-size blossoms.

3- to 6-inch stems on tall vine Flat petals in white, lavender, or purple followed by feathery seed head 1 to 3 days vase life Singe stem ends over a flame or crush and dip into boiling water. Most species and hybrids are hardy perennial vines for sun, some tolerate half shade. Pruning needs vary, so consult reliable reference. Mulch to keep roots cool.

12 to 30 inches high Flowers with bonnet-shaped heads on thin stems, many colors 3 to 5 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, avoid wetting blooms, place into deep warm water. Hardy but short-lived perennial for sun or part shade. Will sow babies if spent flowers are not removed.

12 to 24 inches high Multipetalled flower with yellow center in white, pinks, or red 5 to 10 days vase life Cut and crush stems ends, place into deep warm water. Annual for sun. Easy to grow from seed sown in late spring. Needs staking or protection from wind.

3 to 24 inches high Soft blooms along erect or drooping stems in white, yellow, green, pink, or red 7 to 21 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal and recut every few days, avoid wetting blooms, place in lukewarm water, keep cool and humid. Tropical orchid. Can be grown in a container.

6 to 12 inches high Fragrant trumpet-shaped floret clusters with a ring of petals on a hollow, sappy stem in white, yellow, orange, or bicolored 7 to 10 days vase life Cut and split stems, place into cool water, keep cool. Hardy bulb for sun. Plant in full for spring bloom.

6 to 24 inches high Tuberous, multipetalled flower in many colors except blue 5 to 8 days vase life Cut stem ends, dip into boiling water, transfer to cool water. Non-hardy bulb for full sun. In northern gardens, dig tubers and winter indoors. Tall varieties need staking.

24 to 36 inches high Many florets on tall straight stem in blues, white, pink, or lavender 7 to 14 days vase life Cut stem ends, fill with water, plug, then transfer to deep warm water. Short-lived hardy perennial for sun, best suited to cool-summer areas. Likely to disappear in hot summers. Tall varieties require staking.

3 to 24 inches high Stems of soft blooms, often with bright-colored fringed edges 7 to 21 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal and recut every few days, avoid wetting blooms, place in lukewarm water, keep cool and humid. Tropical orchid. Can be grown in a container.

24 to 36 inches high Clusters of florets on arched stems in cream, orange, red, or green 7 days vase life Snge milky stem ends over a flame, transfer to warm water. Sap causes a rash in some people. Many species of hady and non-hardy perennials for sun or part shade and well-drained soil.

8 to 18 inches high Sprays of one-inch daisies in white or yellow. Single, double, or multiple rows of petals. 7 to 14 days vase life Cut and split stem ends, place in deep warm water, replace water frequently. Short-lived perennial. Flowers first year from seed, so often grown as an annual. Sow seed in early spring.

Tree branches Fragrant floret clusters on branch in white, pinks, rose, or reds 7 to 14 days vase life Can force in late winter. Cut and split or crush stems, place into deep warm water. Hardy small trees for sun. Often short lived.

12 to 24 inches high Star-shaped florets in white, pink, green, rose, purple, and crimson 5 to 7 days vase life Cut and split stems, place into deep warm water. Annual. Grow from seed sown in spring. Prefers lime and plenty of water in dry summers.

6 to 7 inches high Tiny floret clusters on an arching stem in pale blue, white, or pink 5 to 7 days vase life Cut and split stems, place into 2 inches of cool water, keep cool. Biennial for sun and part shade. Sow seeds in mid-to late summer for bloom the following spring. If spent flowers allowed to remain, will self-sow.

36 to 48 inches high Opposite clusters of florets on bare branches in bright yellows 7 to 10 days vase life Can force in later winter. Cut and crush or split stem ends, place into deep warm water. Hardy shrub. Prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year's blooms.

24 to 36 inches high Tall stem with tubular florets in white, pinks, yellow, or purple 7 to 10 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. For sun or part shade. Most are biennial, although some are hardy perennials. Sow biennials in summer to bloom the following spring. Deadheading may encourage further bloom.

24 to 60 inches high Many small florets on tall spike in white, yellow, or orange 7 to 10 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Marginally hardy bulb for sunny, well-drained soil. Needs staking or protection from wind. Mulch heavily in cold areas.

10 to 12 inches high Trumpet-shaped florets on arched stems in many colors, fragrant 7 to 10 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Non-hardy bulb for sun. Can be grown in containers in the North for late winter bloom.

12 to 16 inches high Feathery, fringed flowers combine two or more colors on each petal, in white, ivory, yellow, orange, red, salmon, purple, or green 5 to 7 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal above white part, wipe off sap, place in deep, cool water, wrap in paper to straighten curved stems. Hardy bulb. Plant in full sun in the fall for spring bloom.

2 to 6 inches high Flat blooms with fragrant layered petals in cream, glossy leaves 2 to 5 days vase life Keep in water tube, covered in refrigerator, bruise very easily. Non-hardy, small evergreen shrub for sun.

12 to 36 inches high Feathery florets on a sturdy stem in white, pink, or purple 7 to 10 days vase life Cut stems and split or crush, place into deep warm water. Hardy perennial for full sun. Can be grown from seed, but bloom is fastest from nursery plants.

12 to 30 inches high Large, daisy flower in white, yellow, pink, peach, red, or orange 7 to 14 days vase life Cut stem ends, dip into boiling water, transfer to shallow water. Non-hardy perennial. In cold-winter areas, grow as annual. Sow seeds indoors 8 weeks before last frost. Use fresh seed, which needs light to germinate.

24 to 40 inches high Trumpet-shaped flowers on spikes in many colors 7 to 10 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Non-hardy bulb. Plant corms in late spring for summer bloom. Dig and store in the fall in cold-winter areas.

24 to 36 inches high Spikey, ball-shaped head in silver blue or white 7 to 14 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Hardy perennial for full sun. Cut back hard after flowering to renew foliage. Mature plants need staking. Can be dried.

12 to 24 inches high Cups of paper-thin petals in white, pink, salmon, red, or violet 7 to 10 days vase life Cut and crush stem ends, dip into boiling water, transfer to warm water. Annual for sun. In mild areas, sow seeds in fall; in cold areas, sow in early spring. Prefers cool weather.

12 to 36 inches high Feathery florets in clusters on an arching stem in bright yellows. 7 to 10 days vase life Cut and crush stems, place into deep warm water. Hardy perennial for sun or part shade, unfairly blamed for causing hay fever. (Ragweed is the real culprit.) x Solidaster is a beautiful hybrid of aster and goldenrod.

6 to 7 inches high Tiny bell-shaped floret clusters on a thin stem in blue or white 3 to 7 days vase life Cut and split stems, place into 2 inches of cool water. Hardy bulb for sun. Plant in the fall for spring bloom. Multiplies freely. Sends up foliage in the fall which lasts the winter.

(Erica persoluta) 6 to 24 inches high Tiny urn-shaped flowers on woody stems, with narrow, needlelike leaves, in shades of pink 5 days vase life Recut and split stems. Marginally cold-hardy small shrub. Grow in acid, sandy, well-drained soil in sun. Difficult garden plant in most of U.S.

12 to 30 inches high Lily-type florets on arched stem in white, lavender, good leaves 5 to 10 days vase life Cut stems and split, place into deep warm water. Hardy perennial for full or part shade. Excellent foliage plant, in shades of green, blue-green, gold, and variegated combinations.

6 to 12 inches high Trumpet-shaped fragrant florets, rounded cluster, in many colors 7 to 10 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, wipe ends dry, place into deep warm water. Hardy bulb for sun, good for forcing indoors, or plant outdoors in the fall for spring bloom.

18 to 36 inches high Large clusters of many flat florets on woody stems in white turning to pink, blues, greens, purples, or maroons 7 to 10 days vase life Cut stems and split, dip into boiling water, transfer to warm water, if droop then submerge heads in cool water for 3 hours. Marginally hardy small shrub for part shade. Flower buds may not survive cold winters.

12 to 18 inches high Like peony flower with showy center in white, yellow, peach, or red 7 days vase life Cut and split or crush stems, place into deep warm water. Annual or biennial for sun. Sow seeds in late summer for bloom the following spring.

12 to 30 inches high Elegant thin petals, three facing up and three down in blues, purples, white, yellow, or pink 3 to 7 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Bulbs or rhizomes for sun, hardy and non-hardy. Many species available. Some suitable for wet soils, others for dry. Usually planted in late summer.

12 to 18 inches high Feathery yellow green sprays of tiny florets 7 to 14 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Hardy perennial for sun or part shade. Scalloped, velvety sage-green leaves capture dew drops. Self-sows. Rarely needs dividing.

24 to 36 inches high Delicate florets on tall straight stem in lavender, white, or pinks 7 to 14 days vase life Cut and crush stem ends, transfer to deep warm water. Hardy annual for sun. Difficult to transplant. Sow seeds in individual peat pots; or outdoors, in the fall in mild areas, in early spring in cold areas. Tall varieties need staking.

12 to 36 inches high Fragrant clusters of florets on woody stems in lavenders or white 5 to 7 days vase life Cut and split stems, remove leaves, then place in deep, warm water. Hardy shrub. Most species and hybrids best suited to cold-winter areas. Prune immediately after flowering. Needs sun and neutral soil.

12 to 30 inches high Large fragrant blooms with curled petals, in many colors 7 to 21 days vase life Cut stems and split, place into deep warm water. Bulb for sun or part shade, well-drained soil. Many species and hybrids available, with range of hardness. Tall varieties may need staking.

24 to 30 inches high Rounded heads of medium blue or white trumpet-shaped flowers 7 to 10 days Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Bulb for sun. Grow in containers in cold-climate gardens, overwinter indoors. Easily grown in the ground in warm-winter areas.

6 to 8 inches high Fragrant bell-shaped florets on curved stem in white, or pale pink 3 to 7 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Hardy groundcover for shade. Suitable for northern gardens. Must be refrigerated to force bloom in warm climates.

12 to 24 inches high Cupped delicate flowers on thin stems in bicolor, mauve, or white 7 to 10 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Annual for full sun or partial shade. Needs moist, well-drained soil. Sow seeds very early indoors.

12 to 24 inches high Clusters of flowers on 6- to 12-inch spikes, in bright pink, fuchsia, or purple 5 to 7 days vase life Cut and split stems, place in deep warm water. Hardy perennial for sun or part shade in moist, well-drained soil. Banned in many states because it has escaped to wetlands.

12 to 24 inches high Star-shaped floret clusters on an arched stem in white 5 to 7 days vase life Cut and crush stems, dip into boiling water, transfer to deep warm water. Hardy perennial. Invasive spreader for sun or part shade.

6 to 18 inches high Collared florets in white, pink, or blue 5 to 7 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Annual for sun. Easy to grow from seed sown in late winter or early spring. Will self-sow. Blooms in early summer; dislikes hot weather. Balloon-shaped seed pods are useful dried.

12 to 36 inches high Pea-shaped floret clusters on a spike in many colors or bicolors 5 to 7 days vase life Cut stem ends, fill with water, plug, then transfer to deep warm water. Hardy perennial for sun or part shade. Performs most reliably in cool-summer climates.

12 inches high Delicate daisies in white, pale yellow, or light pink 7 to 14 days vase life Cut and split stems, place in deep warm water, change water frequently. Non-hardy perennial for sun. Can be grown as an annual bedding plant in the North. Deadhead frequently to maintain bloom.

Tree limbs Clusters of ball-shaped yellow flowers Cut and crush stems, dip into boiling water, put heads into plastic bag. Non-hardy evergreen tree for warm climates.

10 to 24 inches high Clusters of delicate, fragrant florets in white with yellow centers 5 to 7 days vase life Cut and split or crush stems, place into deep warm water. Hardy shrub for sun or part shade. Thin out one-third of stems annually after bloom for best performance.

24 to 36 inches high Tall spike flower with deep-purple hooded florets 7 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Hardy perennial for part shade. Late summer or fall bloomer.

12 to 24 inches high Florets of trumpet shape on arched stem in yellow or red-orange 7 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Non-hardy bulb for sun, although some new varieties will survive winter temperatures down to -10° F.

12 to 18 inches high Lilylike floret clusters at the top of stiff stems in pinks or white 7 to 14 days vase life Cut and split stems, place into deep warm water. Non-hardy bulb for sun. Can be grown in containers in the North. Flowers in the fall.

6 to 8 inches high Single blooms with velvety petals in many colors or bicolors 3 to 5 days vase life Cut stems and place in shallow lukewarm water. Hardy annual or biennial for sun or part shade. Seed can be sown in mid-summer to bloom in fall and the following spring; or buy bedding plants in early spring.

12 to 18 inches high Large, multipetalled, fragrant flower in white, pink, yellow, or rose 7 days vase life Cut and split or crush stems, place into deep warm water. Hardy, long-lived perennial for full sun. Plant rootstock only an inch below soil surface. Avoid fresh manure, which may carry botrytis, a fungus that afflicts buds. Never needs dividing.

24 to 36 inches high Lily-type florets on long leaders with tall stem, many colors 7 to 14 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Non-hardy bulb, although new varieties survive winter temperatures to -10° F. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun.

3 to 24 inches high Usually single stems with up to 30 florets in white or pink with highlights of contrasting color 7 to 21 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal and recut every few days. Tropical orchid. Can be grown in a container.

12 to 30 inches high Clusters of fragrant florets in white, blue, red, and pinks Cut above a stem joint before half of flowers are open. Condition in cold water for 8 hours. Hardy perennial for sun. Thin out shoots in early spring for larger, stronger flowers. Snip off spent flower heads to encourage second wave of smaller flowers.

12 to 18 inches high Clusters of fingerlike red or yellow flowers 7 to 14 days vase life Cut stems straight across. Non-hardy shrub.

12 to 24 inches high Exotic form flowers in buff, pinks, orange, reds, or bicolors 10 to 21 days vase life Cut and split or crush stems, dip into boiling water, transfer to warm water, long-lasting flowers. Non-hardy shrub.

12 to 24 inches high Multipetalled daisylike flower with orange or brown center in dark pink or white 7 to 10 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Hardy perennial for sun, well-drained soil. Deadhead to encourage repeat bloom.

12 to 36 inches high Rounded heads of tiny florets in white 3 to 7 days vase life Blunt cut stems, place into deep warm water, avoid floral foam. Ammi majus is an annual for sun, easy to grow from seed sown in spring. Better garden substitute for the beloved, but biennial, roadside weed.

6 to 12 inches high Multipetalled cup-shaped flower in many colors 10 to 14 days vase life Cut and split stems, dip into boiling water, transfer to deep warm water. Non-hardy bulb. Suitable for forcing in containers in cold-winter areas.

6 to 36 inches high Trumpet-shaped florets in clusters on woody stems in white, pink, reds, or salmon 5 to 10 days vase life Cut and split or crush stems, place into deep warm water. Hardy shrub with broad, evergreen leaves.

6 to 30 inches high Single or multipetalled elegant fragrant flowers with thorny stems, all colors but blue, many bicolors 3 to 10 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal under water, place into deep warm water, change water frequently, submerge for 3 hours if drooped. Plant in full sun in rich, well-drained soil, amended with compost and manure.

12 to 24 inches high Ruffle-petalled flower with lacey center in white, blue, or mauve 7 days vase life Cut and split stems, remove leaves, place in deep warm water. Annual for sun. Grow from seed sown in late spring. Perennial species also available.

6 to 24 inches high Dense florets in clusters forming flat crown in mauve, red, or pink 7 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Hardy succulent-leaved perennial for sun. Many species available.

24 to 36 inches high Tall spikes with mouth-shaped florets in white, pink, yellow, or red 7 to 10 days vase life Cut stems under hot water or use boiling water method, place into deep warm water. Annual. Performs best in cool weather. Sow in late winter for early spring bloom.

6 to 24 inches high Lacey florets in clusters on woody stem in white, pinks, or reds 5 to 7 days vase life Cut and crush stems, place into deep warm water. Hardy shrubs. Many species and varieties, all with twiggy growth.

12 to 24 inches high Star-shaped florets in clusters on strong stems in white 7 to 10 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal above white stem, place into deep warm water. Bulb. Several species available, both hardy and non-hardy. Needs well-drained soil in sun or part shade.

12 to 30 inches high Papery floret clusters in white, blue, yellow, mauve, or purple 7 to 21 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into deep warm water. Annual for sun. Start seed indoors in individual peat pots 8 weeks before last spring frost. Prefers sandy soil and warm weather.

12 to 24 inches high Fragrant floret clusters on a stem in white, maroon, or purples 7 to 10 days vase life Cut and split stems, remove foliage, place into deep cool water. Annual for sun. Prefers cool weather. In mild areas, sow outdoors in fall. In cold areas, sow early indoors. Cold tolerant but not heat tolerant.

12 inches high Daisylike flowers with many rows of papery petals around yellow center, in white, yellow, red, or orange 3 to 5 days vase life Typically used dried. Hang upside down. To use fresh, split stems and place in warm water. Tender perennial grown as annual. Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before last frost, or outdoors after last frost. Will bloom after frost.

24 to 60 inches high Large daisylike flowers in rich yellow, ivory, or sunset colors with brown seeded center 7 to 10 days vase life Cut stem ends, dip into boiling water, transfer to warm water. Annual for sun. Sow outdoors in late spring. Branching varieties are bset for cutting.

6- to 12-inch stems on a vine Fragile, pea-shaped florets on thin stems in pink, white, or lavender 5 to 8 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal, place into 2 inches of lukewarm water. Annual for sun. Sow seeds outdoors as early as soil can be worked. Provide trellis or netting so plants can climb. Prefers cool weather and stops blooming in summer heat. Poisonous.

3 to 6 inches high Tiny single blooms with five petals in white, blue-violet, or purples 3 to 5 days vase life Submerge flower heads and stem in cool water for a few hours, transfer to shallow cold water, spray mist blossoms periodically. Tender perennial for part shade. Can be grown in containers indoors in cold-winter areas.

6 to 20 inches high Clusters of fragrant florets in white, pink, purple, or bicolors 7 to 10 days vase life Cut and crush stem ends, transfer to deep warm water. Biennial for sun. Sow in mid-summer to bloom the following spring.

24 to 36 inches high Daisy-type flowers on tall stems in gold, yellow, or bicolored 7 to 14 days vase life Cut and crush stem ends, transfer to deep warm water. Hardy perennial. Several species available. Divide every three years.

12 to 30 inches high Fragrant trumpet-shaped florets on long stems in cream 7 to 10 days vase life Cut and split stems, place into deep cool water. Non-hardy bulb. Easy to grow in containers for summer bloom in cold-winter gardens.

10 to 30 inches high Elegant, chalice-shaped single or multipetalled blooms in many colors 5 to 7 days vase life Cut stems on diagonal above white stem, wipe off sap, place into deep cool water, wrap in paper to straighten curved stems. Hardy bulb. Plant in full sun in the fall for spring bloom. Can also be forced in containers for earlier bloom.

12 to 24 inches high Nodding clusters of one-inch flowers in clear blue, fragrant 7 days vase life Cut stems, transfer to deep warm water. Hardy perennial for shade. Foliage disappears in summer. Best interplanted with ferns or hostas which will fill space after spring bloom.

12 to 18 inches high Half-inch flowers in cluster at tips of thin woody stems. Pale mauve, pink, purple, dull red, or white. 4 to 5 days vase life Cut and split stem ends before immersing in water. Evergreen tropical shrub.

6 to 12 inches high Fragrant star-shaped waxy florets in clusters in creamy white 3 to 5 days vase life Keep covered and in refrigeration. Tropical plant, suited for greenhouse conditions.

6 to 18 inches high Flat heads of many florets in yellow, red, white, or peach 7 days vase life Crush stems, place into deep warm water. Hardy perennial for sun. Several species and hybrids. Deadhead to prolong blooming period.

6 to 12 inches high Daisylike or round many-petalled flower in many colors or bicolors 7 to 14 days vase life Remove most foliage, cut stems, dip into deep warm water. Annual for sun. Grow from seed sown in late spring. Prefers hot weather.