Iris English Cottage

The Oriental poppy originates from the Caucasus, Turkey, and Iran, where it grows on rocky slopes and dry meadows. It blooms with large bowl-shaped flowers on tall stems. Like all poppies, for use in bouquets, we harvest them as soon as the buds color up and "crack". Additionally, we briefly (for about 20 seconds) sear the ends of the stems with a flame and immediately place them in cold water. Then they last in a vase for 4 days. The strikingly hairy and large leaves die back shortly after flowering, and the plant must rest until spring to gather strength. A portion of the leaves sprouts again in late summer. Therefore, it is advisable to plant other perennials in close proximity that sprout later and can draw attention to themselves during the poppy's pause. Royal Wedding flowers have white petals with a dark burgundy spot in the center of the flower.

This species of iris probably originates from the Mediterranean. A long-favored ornamental garden plant, bred into many cultivars. Allegedly grown by the Celts, it was popular in the Middle Ages and became a heraldic plant. It lasts 3–7 days in a vase. Black Knight has a purple-black flower.

Phlox is originally a perennial native to North America. It soon achieved great popularity in European gardens and has been systematically bred since the 19th century. It is a classic perennial for cutting into bouquets, where, in addition to colorful flowers, it also delights with a gentle fragrance. We harvest as soon as roughly half the flowers in the inflorescence have bloomed; then they last up to 10 days in a vase. Despite efforts to breed the most resistant cultivars, it remains true that Phlox reacts extremely sensitively to climate and soil conditions, so we carefully pay attention to the correct choice of site. The Sweet Summer series includes cultivars bred for greater resistance to fungal diseases. Sweet Summer Ocean is a very special cultivar introduced to the market in 2012. It is characterized by the color variability of flowers during the day. In cool mornings, the flowers are blue; as temperatures rise, they fade, and by noon they transition to purple-pink.

This species of iris probably originates from the Mediterranean. A long-favored ornamental garden plant, bred into many cultivars. Allegedly grown by the Celts, it was popular in the Middle Ages and became a heraldic plant. It lasts 3–7 days in a vase. The flowers of the Nibelungen cultivar are pale yellow with contrasting dark purple shading.

Perovskia are sparsely branched subshrubs, native to regions from Afghanistan to Tibet. They grow in open, sunny, rocky, and stony habitats. Their white felted shoots and grayish aromatic leaves are striking. They are suitable for sunny flower beds alongside other drought-loving perennials, where they create interesting structures even in the winter months.

This species of Iris likely originates from the Mediterranean. A long-popular ornamental garden plant, bred into many cultivars. Allegedly grown by the Celts, popular in the Middle Ages, and became a heraldic plant. Lasts 3–7 days in a vase. The Iris Immortality has sweet-smelling, pure white flowers.

Phlox is originally a perennial native to North America. It soon achieved great popularity in European gardens and has been systematically bred since the 19th century. It is a classic perennial for cutting into bouquets, where, in addition to colorful flowers, it also delights with a gentle fragrance. We harvest as soon as roughly half the flowers in the inflorescence have bloomed; then they last up to 10 days in a vase. Despite efforts to breed the most resistant cultivars, it remains true that Phlox reacts extremely sensitively to climate and soil conditions, so we carefully pay attention to the correct choice of site. The Sweet Summer series includes cultivars bred for greater resistance to fungal diseases. The Sweet Summer Dream cultivar impresses with warm pink flowers with a red eye. Its advantage is also compact growth.

An original wild perennial with a large distribution area from Europe to Siberia. Suitable for natural and wild plantings. It grows in meadows and dry grassy places. A very adaptable and undemanding plant, it grows in clumps and spreads by runners. By cutting back after the first flowering, we encourage a set of new flowers. For bouquets, we harvest when the florets are fully open. It lasts 10 days in a vase. Summer Pastels is characterized by a changeable and soft range of colors from white and vanilla to salmon, brick red, and bronze.

Tento druh kosatce pochází prapůvodně zřejmě ze Středozemí. Odedávna velmi oblíbená okrasná zahradní rostlina, vyšlechtěná do mnoha kultivarů. Údajně je pěstovali už Keltové, oblíbený byl ve středověku a stal se heraldickou rostlinou. Ve váze vydrží 3–7 dní. Rosa má květy světle růžové, voňavé.

Cupid's dart is a medium-tall short-lived perennial. It originates from the Mediterranean and is therefore suitable for regions with milder winters. Its flowers are white and shaped like chicory. The undeveloped flower buds are also attractive, as are the silvery spent flower heads. It is also suitable for drying. Fresh stems last 7 days in a vase. Alba has white flowers.

This species of Iris likely originates from the Mediterranean. A long-popular ornamental garden plant, bred into many cultivars. Allegedly grown by the Celts, popular in the Middle Ages, and became a heraldic plant. Lasts 3–7 days in a vase. The Iris Windsor Rose has deep pink-purple flowers with contrasting orange beards.

A lesser-known species of Yarrow has dark green glossy serrated leaves that remain attractive throughout the growing season, and a sweet pink color of flowers that are larger than the flowers of common Yarrow. It lasts 10 days in a vase.

This species of Iris likely originates from the Mediterranean. A long-popular ornamental garden plant, bred into many cultivars. Allegedly grown by the Celts, popular in the Middle Ages, and became a heraldic plant. Lasts 3–7 days in a vase. White flowers with a hint of violet-blue.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly spreading clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually bear four to five flowers. They bloom very early, as early as late winter and early spring. They are usable for vases only after conspicuous seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Earlier, they tend to wilt and the stems cannot hold the flower in an upright position. All parts of the plant are poisonous. The semi-double flowers of the hellebore Double Ellen Picotee color into white and light pink with purple-burgundy edging.

Delicate decorative, long-lived shade-loving perennials with pinnate leaves and magnificent feathery inflorescences. They originate primarily from East Asia, but also from eastern North America. They look best in large-scale plantings. Due to relatively late sprouting, it is good to combine them with early-flowering bulbs. They last 4–10 days in a vase. We harvest as soon as half of the inflorescence is in bloom. They are very sensitive to ethylene released from ripening fruit. Europa blooms light pink.

Broad-leaved statice, also known as sea lavender, is a plant originally from the steppe regions of southern Europe. Leathery leaves form a basal rosette. From these, veil-like panicles formed by tiny light lavender flowers grow. Perfect for bouquets; for drying, harvest when the flowers are fully colored.

Knautia macedonica is a profusely and long-blooming undemanding perennial. Its wild form originates from the Balkans, where it grows on meadows and in scrublands. In flower beds, it charms with slender high stems that carry pastel wine and pink flowers. It is suitable for naturally designed sunny to semi-shady beds and meadow bouquets.

Feather grass flowers capture attention in beds and bouquets with their lightness and delicacy. All feather grasses love full sun and dry, stony, well-drained soil. To look most natural in beds, it is good to plant them in loose groups of several pieces together with other drought-loving perennials and bulbs. Only then do their stems and inflorescences, set in motion by the slightest breath of wind, truly stand out. Stipa 'Ponny Tails' is a species native to the steppes of Mexico, Texas, and Patagonia. Airy, dense clumps of hair-like delicate leaves resemble horsehair. The leaves are green, turning up to straw-colored towards the flowers. In a suitable location, it also self-seeds.

A versatile perennial suitable for both cottage and modern flowerbeds. It also works well in wild, natural plantings. Although its main charm lies in the cute flowers that appear in late spring, it is also valuable in flowerbeds for its early-emerging leaves. Columbines add airiness and lightness to perennial beds and bouquets. They last 7 days in a vase. Kristall is a large-flowered variety with white flowers and striking spurs.

Anemones come from the same family as buttercups. With their elegant flowers on long slender stems, they can enliven and brighten up late summer and autumn flowerbeds. They stand out against the darker background of shrub groups and will also appreciate their partial shade. The Czech Perennial Association chose autumn anemones as the perennial of the season for 2022. They last 7 days in a vase. Königin Charlotte is a massive taller variety bred as early as 1898. It has strong, firm stems and semi-double large violet-pink flowers. The outer sides of the silky smooth petals are colored violet.

Sidalcea is a beautiful long-blooming perennial. The inflorescence resembles miniature hollyhocks or mallow. It fits well into classic combinations with roses as well as into wilder beds with grasses. The garden cultivar Elsie Heugh has beautiful soft pink flowers with fringed edges.

Helenium originates from North America, where it occurs on damp meadows. It grows upright and in clumps. The inflorescences form small "suns" with a diameter of 5 cm. Hence their scientific name Helenium. A great perennial for cutting with a long durability of up to 14 days. Helena Red Shades blooms in shades from red to copper.

A valuable garden and medicinal perennial, native to North America. It blooms in late summer and captivates with long drooping petals. The spiky flower centers are an irresistible attraction for butterflies. It lasts 7–10 days in a vase. After removing the petals, the stems with the central discs can be dried or used in fresh bouquets as an interesting element. Hulla Dancer has white petals with a pink tinge.

A verbena species originally from South America. In our country, it is often used as an annual, but in mild winters it can overwinter and reproduce by self-seeding. The firm, airy stems beautifully soften perennial beds and make them special with their purple color. It beautifully complements steppe plantings with grasses and rose beds.

A beautiful, though rather short-lived perennial, ideal for steppe areas together with delicate drought-loving grasses and perennials. Harvest for bouquets as soon as approximately half of the flowers in the inflorescence are open. It lasts about 5 days in a vase. An exceptional cultivar with flowers in peach and apricot tones, which fade to an elegant antique pink as they finish blooming.

Meadow Sage occurs in our country primarily in warmer regions, especially in southern Moravia and northern and central Bohemia. It grows on sunny meadows, slopes, and along roadsides. The fragrant leaves form a basal rosette, from which several sparsely leafy, branched stems grow. The inflorescences consist of striking lipped flowers, which are a huge attraction for bees and bumblebees. Swan Lake blooms white.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly spreading clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. Stems usually bear four to five flowers. They bloom very early, already in late winter and early spring. They are usable for vases only after conspicuous seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Earlier, they tend to wilt and the stems do not hold the flower in an upright position. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Double Ellen Pink Spotted has double, soft pink flowers with dark burgundy spots.

Jacob's Ladder is a native wild perennial grown in gardens as an ornamental plant since the 16th century. Its individual leaves are arranged remarkably regularly, hence its common name Jacob's Ladder. Harvest when one-third of the florets are open. It lasts 7 to 10 days in a vase. The cultivar Filigree Skies has sky-blue flowers and finely cut leaves.