Chapter 8 Flower Selection 181 Ilya Mikhaylov/Shutterstock.com natuska/Shutterstock.com Figure 8-12. Phalaenopsis orchids and pink gerbera daisies are examples of two very distinct pink fl owers that can add color and a feminine touch to an arrangement. Pink Softer than red, pink is sometimes thought of as a feminine color, although many men also enjoy wearing it. A pink ribbon has become the symbol for breast cancer awareness. The expression “being in the pink” means that someone is healthy. Pink is most often thought of as a spring color, but it is widely used in the summer months because it is not as warm as the color red. The color pink is also used as an alternative color to red in the winter months with pink poinsettias. Roses, carnations, lilies, and Phalaenopsis orchids are just a few of the myriad variety of pink fl owers, Figure 8-12. Purple Deep violets and purples hold the eye a bit longer than many colors. Throughout history, purple has been considered primarily as the color of royalty. It has also been used to symbolize magic and mystery, power, nobility, and ambition. Some studies indicate that almost 75% of young children prefer purple to all other colors. Purple is the color of fresh violets, statice, and lavender. Lisianthus and the Moon Series™ carnations provide a dose of vibrant purple to fresh fl oral designs. Velvety, showy purple hairs grow on the leaves of Gynura aurantiaca, a popular houseplant, Figure 8-13. Some people think purple is overpowering if used in dominant proportions in designs while others cannot get enough of this rich color. Scisetti Alfi o/Shutterstock.com hd connelly/Shutterstock.com Figure 8-13. Lavender is favored not only for its soft, purple color, but also for its soothing scent. The Gynura aurantiaca, or purple passion, is a popular houseplant because of its beautiful leaves. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.