Winter's cold grip loosens its hold on Forest Grove, Oregon, where Continental Floral Greens' fields begin to bloom as the seasons start to transform. Their specialty for the springtime? Growing premium cherry blossom, Forsythia, Prunus, and quince branches that add wild, natural height to any design. The team has also built solid relationships with nearby growers who supply them with Magnolia, peach, and almond branches – keeping their stock fresh and local even when everyone's scrambling for spring branches. In this article, learn more about how each branch is carefully selected to meet the highest standards of freshness and beauty.
Branching Out - The Versatility of Flowering Branches in Design
Flowering branches are beloved in the floral industry for their ability to make a bold statement in any arrangement. As a reminder, by sourcing from nearby growers, CFG ensures that their seasonal offerings remain abundant and diverse, even when demand is high. Be it from their own fields or their trusted partners, each branch has something very special to offer, especially when it comes to design and creativity.
The team shares a few ways in which designers incorporate them:
Cherry Blossoms
Their soft pink and white blooms evoke feelings of renewal and serenity, making them ideal for minimalist arrangements. Each branch brings something different to the design table. Cherry blossoms, shifting colors from soft pink to plain white work perfect for clean, minimal looks.
Forsythia
With its bright yellow flowers, Forsythia is perfect for adding a burst of cheerfulness to spring installations. Use these as the centerpiece or pair them with large flowers for balance, and you'll have the perfect springtime design.
Prunus
Prunus branches – both plum and apricot – float through arrangements with delicate pink and white flowers that seem to hover in space. If you're a fan of pastel colors for the spring season, these might be your go-to option.
Quince
Quince (Cydonia oblonga) stands out among all our branches as the only one of its kind. Its bushy stems come alive with dainty pink or white flowers that work beautifully in tall arrangements. One thing to note - these come with a wild side, occasionally sporting Hawthorne-like thorns along its branches. When working with quince, a careful touch reveals its full potential.
Magnolia
Magnolia is a singular beauty, with its large, glossy leaves and golden felt undersides. While they mix beautifully into arrangements, Magnolia branches can hold their own - try them solo in a wreath or garland where their dramatic leaves take center stage.
Peach and Almond
Both branches offer soft pink tones that pair beautifully with seasonal blooms like peonies and ranunculus. Their fragrant bowl-shaped pale pink or white flowers bloom in early spring before their leaves emerge.
Seasonal Guide to Flowering Branch Availability
The availability of flowering branches varies depending on weather conditions and natural flowering cycles. Here's a general guide:
- Forsythia: Late winter to early spring (usually available January-May).
- Quince: Available in late winter through early spring (typically January-March).
- Cherry: Available in early to mid-spring (March-April).
- Prunus (Plum/Apricot): Late winter to early spring (January-April).
- Magnolia: Mid to late spring (typically March-April).
- Peach and Almond: Early to mid-spring (March-April).
The Role of Weather in Bloom Timing
One of the biggest factors influencing the availability of flowering branches is the weather. A cold winter can delay the bloom cycle, causing branches to flower later than usual. On the other hand, an early warm spell can accelerate bloom times, making branches available weeks earlier than expected. In regions like Oregon, where varying winter conditions are experienced, the team behind CFG must carefully monitor temperatures to plan their harvests accordingly and ensure the best quality greens and branches.
Research shows that plants in colder climates often require a period of 'chilling hours' (cold weather exposure) to break dormancy and bloom. However, if temperatures dip too low for too long, or if there is an unexpected frost, buds may take longer to develop or become damaged. Conversely, warmer-than-usual weather can lead to rapid blooming, which shortens the harvest window but provides early access to stunning branches.
Flowering Branches by Continental Floral Greens - Care and Handling Made Simple
To ensure your flowering branches reach their full potential, Continental Floral Greens shares their best care tips:
- Remove the bunches from dry packs as soon as possible and do not store them in the box for longer than 3 days.
- Cut each stem at an angle approximately 1 inch from the bottom.
- Place stems in 3 inches of water to properly rehydrate your branches.
- If using the product later, store it in a cooler at 2-3°C (36°-38°F) to hold the bloom stage.
- Change water often to prevent bacterial growth.
What can you expect when taking care of your flowering branches appropriately? As a result, they should blossom approximately five days after being properly hydrated. Frequent recutting of stems and changing the water will allow the product to last longer. Nonetheless, to speed up the blooming process, make sure to keep the branches in a warmer part of your workspace. To slow the process, store them in a cooler place.
If you didn't yet know, flowering branches are known for their excellent travel durability. They can remain in a cooler for weeks, holding off the blooming stage, making them ideal for longer transportation without compromising quality.
Ideal for Spring Decor
Branches tell their own story in floral design. Set a tall Magnolia branch in a big ceramic vase by your front door, and watch how it draws the eye up, filling empty space with its bold leaves. Your dining table might want something different - try Prunus or almond branches cut shorter and dropped into a wide, low bowl so dinner guests can still see each other across the table. Sometimes the simplest approach works best: a lone peach or Forsythia branch in a glass vase shows off the flowers' natural spacing and lets you watch the buds open day by day.
These branches don't need much fussing - they do the heavy lifting themselves. Their shapes already know what to do, whether they're reaching up toward your ceiling or sprawling across a sideboard. That's what makes them different from bunches of cut flowers - they bring a bit of the wild indoors, each branch twisted and turned by wind and weather into something that can't be copied.
CFG - Supporting Local and Sustainable Practices
Their loyalty and allegiance to local partnerships and sustainable sourcing ensures that CFG not only offers the best seasonal products but also supports their surrounding community of growers. By working up close with local farms they can source supplemental branches when needed while maintaining permanent dedication to fresh, responsibly harvested products.
And now, as the winter season slowly begins to fade and the spring season is close to unfold, you may start exploring what flowering branches can do for you in floral designs. The Oregon-based company would love to see how you’re using flowering branches in your spring designs. Set your creativity in action and visit Continental Floral Greens to know more.
Photos courtesy of CFG.
