Question
Hi, I am getting married in March and need some help.

I want very dark purple flowers but the florist I went to couldnt tell me what flowers would be in season and were dark purple except for purple lilies. Can you suggest anything? I have heard that black baccharat (?) roses are very dark, nearly black but whenever I look at pictures they look red.

Also, I have bought some rather tall vases for the table centre's but they are slightly larger at the top (slightly hour glass shaped). I thought I would put bear grass and some single flower stems in but am worried they will just end up leaning against one side. Again, any suggestions?

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Rebekka
The best dark purple flowers in season in March are tulips - Queen of the Night is a dark purple single flower, Black hero is a dark purple double - a bit like a small peony in shape.  There are also snakeshead fritillaries which are dark purple and white checks.

I'm not sure what to suggest for your vases - how about wrapping bear grass round the stems at the point where you want them to be above the vase - just wrap them round and round and secure with double sided sticky tape.  raffia would also work.  It would give you an unobtrusive way of wedging them upright.

Often these things are a case of having a go well in advance - even if it is with different flowers - just to sort out the mechanics,
Best wishes
Jane
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