Flowers for Centerpieces in June & July

Roses

• Roses are in their glory in June in geographic areas which have four distinct seasons. Roses bloom in red and white, as well as nearly every other color. They do not bloom in true blue. Rose flowers may be as wide as 4 inches or as tiny as 1 inch. Climbing roses reach up to 30 feet. Miniature roses grow only to 24 inches. If you're growing roses primarily for use in centerpieces use those with sturdy long stems such as tea roses. Another alternative is growing floribunda roses which have many smaller roses clustered on the same stem. Combine red roses with white baby's breath and blue salvia for a tall patriotic centerpiece. All bloom in June and July.

Allium

• A member of the onion family, alliums come in various sizes. Many small flowers are arranged in a ball shape from the size of an orange to that of a volleyball for the giant alliums. Colors are blue and white. They look like miniature fireworks displays in an Independence Day arrangement. Combine with bright red cockscomb and white Queen Anne's lace. These flowers bloom in mid-summer as well.

Geraniums

• Not usually thought of for centerpieces because of their short stems, geraniums are long lasting when cut. The flowers bloom in clusters, much like alliums. Use them for short arrangements such as in round vases, where the roundness of the cluster is echoed by the shape of the vase. Another idea is to pack a rectangular cake pan with soaked floral foam. Use white geranium blossoms in rows as stripes of the American flag. Use red roses as contrasting stripes. Fill in the background for the stars' portion of the flag with blue annual statice. Use small star-shaped lilies for the stars.

Gladiolus

• Gladiolus are summer-blooming flowers growing from 2 to 4 feet tall. The spikes are adorned with flowers that look like fluffy orchids. They open from the bottom of the stem towards the top. The gladiolus blooms in lots of different colors including red and white. Arrange stems of red and white gladiolus in a tall sturdy vase. Add clusters of blue hydrangea as a ruffle around the base of the stems.