The Calla Lily is a truly unique and elegant flower. Their shape is like no other and are available in a huge range of colours & stem lengths. Calla lilies are grown from bulbous roots called tubers and are known under a variety of different names such as Pig Lilies, Calla Lilies, Arum Lilies, Trumpet Lilies and Zantedeschia. Calla lilies are not really lilies – they are part of the zantedeschia genus and originate from South Africa. Calla Lilies are grown commercially under glass and are available on the wholesale flower markets between February and the end of August.

Carnations, real name Dianthus, were first grown by the Greeks. The word ‘dios’ refers to the god Zeus & the word ‘anthos’ meaning ‘flower’. Carnations are available in two varieties, 1). Standard carnations – large single headed bloom per stem and, (2), Spray Carnations – multi headed flowers per stem. Carnations and spray carnations are known for their long vase life and are used extensively in all walks of floristry.

Chrysanthemums, (otherwise known in the trade as Xanths), are one of the oldest known flowers, dating back to the 15 century BC when they were grown as flowering herbs by the Chinese. The ancient city of Xiaolan Town was renamed Ju-Xian – meaning ‘Chrysanthemum City’. The Chrysanthemum was later introduced to Japan in the 8th century AD and the ruling Emperor adopted the flower as his official seal.

Calandula is a genus of the daisy family Asteraceae and is native from the Mediterranean through to Iran.

The Campanula is a genus of the Campanulaceae family and the common name for campanula is the ‘Bell Flower’. The word ‘campanula’ is Latin for ‘little bell’.

Carthamus, (also commonly known as Safflower), is a thistle like plant with bright orange or yellow spikey flowers. On many varieties the leaves often have spines. Carthamus flowers are at the top of long sprayed bracts.

Celosia, (otherwise known as Cockscomb), are a genus of the amaranthus family Amaranthaceae and are native to Africa. The name ‘celosia’ is derived from the Greek word ‘kelos’, meaning ‘fire’. This is because of the plume shaped flowers that resemble a flame in some varieties

Cornflowers, (real name: Centaurea), is a genus of the Asteraceae family usually only found growing wild in the Northern Hemisphere.

Cestrum is a genus of the Solanaceae family and is native to the south Americas. Cestrum is commonly known as ‘cestrums’ or ‘jessamines’ because of their jasmine like fragrance.

The Chelone, (commonly known as Turtle Head), is a plant native to North America. Chelones are closely related to the Collinsia which is a member of the Plantaginaceae family. Until recent research chelones were placed in the antirrhinum, (Snap Dragon), family – Scrophulariaceae.

Cosmos, (otherwise known as Chocolate Flowers), are a genus of the same name ‘cosmos’ and a member of the Asteraceae family. Cosmos is native to Mexico and South America.

Craspedia, (otherwise commonly known as Billy Buttons and Woollyheads), are native to Australia and New Zealand.

Crocosmia, (otherwise commonly known as Montbretia), is a genus of the iris family Iridaceae and is very similar looking to freesia. (Some florists call crocosmia ‘freesia on steroids!). It is native to the grasslands of South Africa and grows from a ‘corm’.

Curcuma, (otherwise known as Siam Tulips), is a genus of the Zingiberaceae family and is native to Thailand and Cambodia. Curcuma is a tropical plant, and despite its common name, is not related to the tulip.

Cynara, (also commonly known as the Artichoke Thistle, Cardoon, Cardoni and Cardi), is a member of the Asteraceae family. Cynara is the purple flower of the artichoke plant that closely resembles a thistle. The cynara flowers just above the edible part of the plant.

Cyrtomium, (otherwise commonly known as Sword Fern & Ladder Fern), is a genus of the Dryopteridaceae family and is native to Asia and Afica.

Colombian Garden Roses are grown in the fertile soils of the savannah of Bogota, high in the Andes Mountains where the weather is perfect for growing roses - lovely warm days and cool nights.

Corylus Avellana Contorta, (contorted hazel), is native to Europe and Western Asia & is a member of the Corylaceae family.

Anthurium Clarinervium is a plant native to Mexico and grows naturally between 800 and 1200 meters. The Clarinervium leaves are extremely thick and beautifully decorated. The leaves are deep olive green with spectacular silver, cream or white veins, giving the overall effect of a turtle shell. Clarinervium leaves are also beautifully heart shaped.

Cycas Revoluta Palms, (often called Sago Palms or King Sago), are native to Southern Japan. Although always referred to as a 'palm', it is not a palm at all - it is a Cyad'.

Chamaerops is a genus of the Arecaceae family and is the only fan palm native to continental Europe.

Cotinus, (otherwise known as Smoke Bush and Smoke Tree), is a genus of the Anacardiaceae family and is native to the Northern Hemisphere.