When purchasing a bouquet of flowers as a gift or for your own home, you should be aware that some cut flowers are toxic when ingested. These flowers can pose a risk to young children who like to put things in their mouth, so it's best to keep flowers out of reach or opt for non-toxic flowers, which will cause no harm if a small amount is accidentally ingested. Here are four types of non-toxic cut flowers for you to consider when ordering your next floral arrangement:
Roses
With their long, elegant stems and delicate petals, roses look beautiful in any home. Their slightly sweet fragrance will be enjoyed every time you pass by a vase filled with roses, and you can relax knowing the petals are safe for little ones who like to explore. Roses come in a wide variety of colours, such as muted yellows, dusty pinks and bright whites, so you can choose a bouquet to match your colour scheme or mix a few colours together to create a vibrant arrangement reminiscent of spring.
Sunflowers
With their unmistakable bright yellow blooms and thick woody stalks, a bouquet of sunflowers makes an attractive centrepiece on a dining room table, and they are also ideal for brightening up bedrooms. No part of the sunflower is toxic, and some people actually consume the petals for medicinal purposes. With their large head giving easy access to their seeds, sunflowers are a great flower to use when starting to discuss life cycles with your kids.
Marigolds
With their deep orange and yellow petals, marigolds have a distinctly autumnal appearance and look beautiful paired with greenery, such as leather fern and myrtle. The petals resemble that of carnations and are safe to eat. They are also considered to be good insect repellents, so they are a popular choice for kitchen windowsills.
Asters
Asters are cheerful flowers that resemble large daisies. They come in a variety of eye-catching colours including lavender, pink, white and red, and they are said to symbolise good luck. Aster leaves are edible and these flowers were traditionally harvested by Native Americans for medicinal purposes. Asters make a beautiful bouquet on their own or when mixed with roses and carnations, which are also considered safe.
These are just a few examples of cut-flower varieties that are non-toxic and can be used to create attractive floral arrangements that are safe for young children. If you're unsure whether your chosen flowers are considered non-toxic, consult with your florist.
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