BIRD OF PARADISE

This exotic, tropical flower is well known for its characteristic bird-like appearance. The bloom size is usually 4" to 6" and provides a dramatic display of orange, purple and blue. This focal flower works easily with all types of tropical and some "summer flowers" and has a vase life of 8 to 10 days.

Available: Year-round from Central America.

Pack: Single stems.

Care & Handling:

•  Unpack and inspect flowers upon arrival.
•  Carefully remove any protective tape or sleeve from the flower bract.
• Birds are shipped with the flower closed to prevent damage in transit. To "open" the blooms manually, invert stems and soak blooms in warm water for 30 minutes. Gently pull the bloom out of the bract with your fingers.
• Store outside of cooler but provide good air circulation in the display.
• Remove the bloom once it shrivels and work the next bloom out of the bract. Each bract contains 2 to 3 blooms.

Design Suggestions:

• Use as a focal flower in vase arrangements.
• Mix with other tropical flowers and foliage.
• Excellent for various novelty designs.

Some examples:

• For a Thanksgiving design, feature the blossom as a turkey head.

• For a "Get Well" bud vase, use chenille stems to make miniature glasses and place on "nose" of bloom, glue a bouncy eye on the flower and you have created a face to make someone smile!

Merchandising Tips:

•  Display out of the cooler and at floor height to maximize impact.

• Promote in the fall, Birds blend well with those seasonal colors. Also, promotable during "Hawaiian Week".