Flowers
Common name:
Amaryllis
Belladonna Lily
Naked Lady
Cape belladonna
Jersey lily
Botanical name: Amaryllis belladonna
Recommended uses: Belladonna Lilies have dominant flower heads and tubular stems with five to six large funnel-shaped flower. They combine well with other flowers but also look best simply arranged by themselves in a clean glass vase.
Flower form: point flower
Origin / Environment: South-western Cape, South Africa
Availability / Natural season: Summer to early autumn depending on climatic variation
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Sold by 5 stems
Select straight, sturdy stems with the buds fully coloured but not yet open
Choose stems with a lot of evenly spaced buds
Avoid stems showing handling damage or brown markings
Care and conditioning:
Recut and place the stems in a preservative that contains sugar in order to facilitate bud opening
Display the flowers at room temperature or store them for 2-3 days at 9-10.C (48-50.F)
Avoid low temperatures (below 9.C) as it may cause discolouration
Other information:
The flowers are sweetly scented
They are usually pink, rarely white or purple and mean pride and beauty
Vase life is average to good (7-10 days)
Some people are allergic to the sap so wearing gloves when handling them is recommended
Amaryllis
Belladonna Lily
Naked Lady
Cape belladonna
Jersey lily
Botanical name: Amaryllis belladonna
Recommended uses: Belladonna Lilies have dominant flower heads and tubular stems with five to six large funnel-shaped flower. They combine well with other flowers but also look best simply arranged by themselves in a clean glass vase.
Flower form: point flower
Origin / Environment: South-western Cape, South Africa
Availability / Natural season: Summer to early autumn depending on climatic variation
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Sold by 5 stems
Select straight, sturdy stems with the buds fully coloured but not yet open
Choose stems with a lot of evenly spaced buds
Avoid stems showing handling damage or brown markings
Care and conditioning:
Recut and place the stems in a preservative that contains sugar in order to facilitate bud opening
Display the flowers at room temperature or store them for 2-3 days at 9-10.C (48-50.F)
Avoid low temperatures (below 9.C) as it may cause discolouration
Other information:
The flowers are sweetly scented
They are usually pink, rarely white or purple and mean pride and beauty
Vase life is average to good (7-10 days)
Some people are allergic to the sap so wearing gloves when handling them is recommended
Common name:
Banksia
Ashby' s banksia
Botanical name: Banksia ashbyi
Recommended uses: Focal, they are usually used in a vast variety of floral designs
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: The main flowering season is March to November
Cost: $2.50 each
Buying tips:
They are sold singly, by 3 or 5 stems
Buy when the flower is firm to touch and before 20% of the florets have opened
Make sure the foliage is free of marks, disease and general damage
Avoid wet flowers as when they are picked and packed wet, they develop black streaks
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stems with sharp secateurs and place them in a preservative solution that contains germicide and sugar
Never bash or split the stems
Remove the leaves below the water line
Do not mist them
They can be stored for 7 to 10 days at 2-4.C (36-39.F). Longer storage will reduce the vase life by about 30%
The water needs to be change al least every second day
Banksias drink a lot of water
Other information:
They come in cream to yellow, peach to pink, orange, red, rusty brown, metallic silver, green etc. depending on the species
They dry well
Banksia
Ashby' s banksia
Botanical name: Banksia ashbyi
Recommended uses: Focal, they are usually used in a vast variety of floral designs
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: The main flowering season is March to November
Cost: $2.50 each
Buying tips:
They are sold singly, by 3 or 5 stems
Buy when the flower is firm to touch and before 20% of the florets have opened
Make sure the foliage is free of marks, disease and general damage
Avoid wet flowers as when they are picked and packed wet, they develop black streaks
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stems with sharp secateurs and place them in a preservative solution that contains germicide and sugar
Never bash or split the stems
Remove the leaves below the water line
Do not mist them
They can be stored for 7 to 10 days at 2-4.C (36-39.F). Longer storage will reduce the vase life by about 30%
The water needs to be change al least every second day
Banksias drink a lot of water
Other information:
They come in cream to yellow, peach to pink, orange, red, rusty brown, metallic silver, green etc. depending on the species
They dry well
Common name:
Molucca balm
Irish green bells
Bells-of-Ireland
Shellflower (United States)
Botanical name: Moluccella laevis
Recommended uses: Line and form. The long green stems are ideal when they are use to create line, space and form.
Origin / Environment: Western Asia (Cyprus, Syria, Iraq and the Caucasian region)
Availability / Natural season: January, February, July - November / summer, autumn
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when the majority of the bells are open
The stems and flowers (calyces) are soft so check for marks and general damage due to handling
Make sure the green colour of the bells is uniform and not yellowish or blotchy
Care and conditioning:
Cut the stems and place them in clean water with floral preservative added
Remove the leaves below the water line, they are usually done before the marketing
Recut the stems frequently to prevent the spike tip to drop
Vase life can vary from 5 to 10 days
Other information:
The small white or pale lilac flower have a slight scent
When crushed, the leaves have a strong scent
They are often use on St Patrick' s Day celebrations
The stems have very small spines that can cause skin irritations
They may aggravate asthmatic symptoms
The stems are phototropic and will bend towards the light so it is recommended to warp them in paper to keep the stems straight
The flowering stems can be used as fresh or dried (by hanging them upside down in small, loose bunches in a cool, dark place with good air circulation
Molucca balm
Irish green bells
Bells-of-Ireland
Shellflower (United States)
Botanical name: Moluccella laevis
Recommended uses: Line and form. The long green stems are ideal when they are use to create line, space and form.
Origin / Environment: Western Asia (Cyprus, Syria, Iraq and the Caucasian region)
Availability / Natural season: January, February, July - November / summer, autumn
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when the majority of the bells are open
The stems and flowers (calyces) are soft so check for marks and general damage due to handling
Make sure the green colour of the bells is uniform and not yellowish or blotchy
Care and conditioning:
Cut the stems and place them in clean water with floral preservative added
Remove the leaves below the water line, they are usually done before the marketing
Recut the stems frequently to prevent the spike tip to drop
Vase life can vary from 5 to 10 days
Other information:
The small white or pale lilac flower have a slight scent
When crushed, the leaves have a strong scent
They are often use on St Patrick' s Day celebrations
The stems have very small spines that can cause skin irritations
They may aggravate asthmatic symptoms
The stems are phototropic and will bend towards the light so it is recommended to warp them in paper to keep the stems straight
The flowering stems can be used as fresh or dried (by hanging them upside down in small, loose bunches in a cool, dark place with good air circulation
Common name:
Billy buttons
Billy Balls
Bachelor' s buttons
Drumsticks
Woolyheads
Botanical name: Craspedia globosa
Recommended uses: cluster of flower heads can be used as focal but they are usually used as a filler
Origin / Environment: Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand
Availability / Natural season: Summer to Autumn
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for straight, sturdy stems with proportionally large, well-formed flower clusters
Ensure that they are not damaged, have no black marks and that the colour is vivid.
Check stems and leaves for any signs of disease
Care and conditioning:
Rinse the stems in clean water to remove any dirt
Cut the stems and place them in clean water. Add some floral preservative with bactericide
Handle with care as the stems can buckle and break
Allow first the flower heads to stand in preservative at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours before storing
They have a good vase life from 8 to 14 days
Other information:
They are excellent for drying (hang small, loose bunches upside down in well ventilated area)
Billy buttons
Billy Balls
Bachelor' s buttons
Drumsticks
Woolyheads
Botanical name: Craspedia globosa
Recommended uses: cluster of flower heads can be used as focal but they are usually used as a filler
Origin / Environment: Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand
Availability / Natural season: Summer to Autumn
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for straight, sturdy stems with proportionally large, well-formed flower clusters
Ensure that they are not damaged, have no black marks and that the colour is vivid.
Check stems and leaves for any signs of disease
Care and conditioning:
Rinse the stems in clean water to remove any dirt
Cut the stems and place them in clean water. Add some floral preservative with bactericide
Handle with care as the stems can buckle and break
Allow first the flower heads to stand in preservative at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours before storing
They have a good vase life from 8 to 14 days
Other information:
They are excellent for drying (hang small, loose bunches upside down in well ventilated area)
Common name: Strelitzia, Birds-of-paradise, crane flower
Botanical name: Strelitzia reginae
Recommended uses:
Focal and line
They look stunning simply arranged in a glass vase and also in more elaborate usually corporate arrangements
Tight sheaths can be forced to open by soaking them in warm water to 15-20mins. The bracts can be then released by gently sliding a finger inside the sheath and lifting them up and out
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season: Winter to spring
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when the first flower is fully open
Look for straight, sturdy stems with large undamaged sheaths
Make sure the flower heads are dry when purchase, or post harvest diseases may develop
Care and conditioning:
Cut the stems by 50-100mm
Use tall buckets or support rings as flowers are top heavy
Use preservative with a carbohydrate to help the flower to open
Store flowers at 2-4.C (36-39.F), not above 10.C (50.F)
Vase life is good (7 to 14 days), with new flowers continually emerging one after the other
Other information:
Colour are limited to blue and orange or blue and yellow
Strelitzia is not a tropical flower
Botanical name: Strelitzia reginae
Recommended uses:
Focal and line
They look stunning simply arranged in a glass vase and also in more elaborate usually corporate arrangements
Tight sheaths can be forced to open by soaking them in warm water to 15-20mins. The bracts can be then released by gently sliding a finger inside the sheath and lifting them up and out
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season: Winter to spring
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when the first flower is fully open
Look for straight, sturdy stems with large undamaged sheaths
Make sure the flower heads are dry when purchase, or post harvest diseases may develop
Care and conditioning:
Cut the stems by 50-100mm
Use tall buckets or support rings as flowers are top heavy
Use preservative with a carbohydrate to help the flower to open
Store flowers at 2-4.C (36-39.F), not above 10.C (50.F)
Vase life is good (7 to 14 days), with new flowers continually emerging one after the other
Other information:
Colour are limited to blue and orange or blue and yellow
Strelitzia is not a tropical flower
Common name: Blushing bride, Sugar ’n’ Spice, Pretty in Pink, Super Blush, Carmen
Botanical name: Serruria florida
Recommended uses:
Single stem or as grouped focal flowers
Highly sought-after blooms while in season, and usually used in a wide range of design styles
Gorgeous in simple vase arrangements to grouped focal, in modern, contemporary and traditional arrangements
Ideal for hand-tied bouquets as well as wired wedding bouquets and accessories
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season: May to October
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose cut stems with 50%of the flower heads half to fully open
Avoid stems that show signs of Botrytis (small pink spots on the bracts) as this will cause the stems to break.
Avoid stems with yellow leaves, with few flowers
Leaf blackening may indicate that stems have been submerged or have been stored for too long
Care and conditioning:
Cut and put them in fresh water with floral preservative
The pedicels (the little stem that holds each floret) are vulnerable to Botrytis infection, which causes them to collapse so they need to be handled gently
The vase life is from 7 to 10 days
Other information:
Colour range from white, pale pink, pale pink with candy-pink stripe
They are ideal for winter and spring weddings and functions where the clients has requested wildflowers
They dry out quickly
The flower heads are excellent for drying
Botanical name: Serruria florida
Recommended uses:
Single stem or as grouped focal flowers
Highly sought-after blooms while in season, and usually used in a wide range of design styles
Gorgeous in simple vase arrangements to grouped focal, in modern, contemporary and traditional arrangements
Ideal for hand-tied bouquets as well as wired wedding bouquets and accessories
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season: May to October
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose cut stems with 50%of the flower heads half to fully open
Avoid stems that show signs of Botrytis (small pink spots on the bracts) as this will cause the stems to break.
Avoid stems with yellow leaves, with few flowers
Leaf blackening may indicate that stems have been submerged or have been stored for too long
Care and conditioning:
Cut and put them in fresh water with floral preservative
The pedicels (the little stem that holds each floret) are vulnerable to Botrytis infection, which causes them to collapse so they need to be handled gently
The vase life is from 7 to 10 days
Other information:
Colour range from white, pale pink, pale pink with candy-pink stripe
They are ideal for winter and spring weddings and functions where the clients has requested wildflowers
They dry out quickly
The flower heads are excellent for drying
Common name: Calla lily, arum lily, green goddess lily
Botanical name: Zantedeschia aethiopica
Recommended uses:
Focal
Look stunning in simple vase arrangements and a variety of modern and contemporary designs, hand-tied and wired bouquets
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season:
Calla flowers in summer.
They are available all year round with greenhouse grown and imported flowers.
Arum is available winter and spring
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Handle carefully as open flowers bruise very easily
Select long, straight and sturdy stems
Buy when the spathe (the large flat “petal”) is half opened (bud stage) and the spadix (the centre spike) is cream and fresh, not yellow.
Avoid any stems that feel slimy as this is likely due to the bacterial disease Erwinia, which causes the stem to collapse.
Care and conditioning:
Cut the stems and put them in clean water
Add a preservative with disinfectant in order to reduce split stems
These flowers use a lot of water so the water will need to be checked often
Vase life depends on the cultivar and environment (3-14 days)
Other information:
Arum lily means ardour
Botanical name: Zantedeschia aethiopica
Recommended uses:
Focal
Look stunning in simple vase arrangements and a variety of modern and contemporary designs, hand-tied and wired bouquets
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season:
Calla flowers in summer.
They are available all year round with greenhouse grown and imported flowers.
Arum is available winter and spring
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Handle carefully as open flowers bruise very easily
Select long, straight and sturdy stems
Buy when the spathe (the large flat “petal”) is half opened (bud stage) and the spadix (the centre spike) is cream and fresh, not yellow.
Avoid any stems that feel slimy as this is likely due to the bacterial disease Erwinia, which causes the stem to collapse.
Care and conditioning:
Cut the stems and put them in clean water
Add a preservative with disinfectant in order to reduce split stems
These flowers use a lot of water so the water will need to be checked often
Vase life depends on the cultivar and environment (3-14 days)
Other information:
Arum lily means ardour
Common name: Carnation, sim, standard, spray
Botanical name: Dianthus Caryophyllus
Recommended uses: Focal and transitional. Very versatile flowers that can be used in a vast range of designs such as bunching, posies, wedding and sympathy designs
Origin / Environment: Europe
Availability / Natural season: all year round from greenhouse, importation and field production
Cost: $7 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when more than half to fully open
Look for bunches with no brown tips or markings, as this show signs of fungal disease
Bunches with tight buds with less than half open will rarely open within the period of vase life so they are to be avoided
Avoid bunches with leaf spots, rust or mildew on leaves or stems
Only buy carnations that have been treated with anti-ethylene agents
Care and conditioning:
Handle with care to avoid snapping the brittle stems
If bunches have been stored dry (they are often packed and shipped dry), recut stems, removing the lower 2–3 cm, and place in a hydrating solution for several hours at room temperature
Cut stems at an angle, remove leaves below the water line and add flower preservative.
Other information:
Carnations are long-lasting traditional blooms so they are good value
Some carnations have a pleasing clove-like scent
Flowering plants may be displayed indoors for 2–3 weeks
Their vase life range from 7 to 18 days depending on the cultivar
Each colour has its own special meaning:
-pink: mother' s love
-red: admiration
-white good luck
They also exist in "picotee" which is when the flower has one main colour with a margin of another colour
There are three main types of carnations: spray, large or dwarf:
-spray varieties consist of a group of small flower clusters on different stems
-large types are the ones used to accent flower arrangements
-dwarf carnations usually have several small flowers on a single stem
Botanical name: Dianthus Caryophyllus
Recommended uses: Focal and transitional. Very versatile flowers that can be used in a vast range of designs such as bunching, posies, wedding and sympathy designs
Origin / Environment: Europe
Availability / Natural season: all year round from greenhouse, importation and field production
Cost: $7 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when more than half to fully open
Look for bunches with no brown tips or markings, as this show signs of fungal disease
Bunches with tight buds with less than half open will rarely open within the period of vase life so they are to be avoided
Avoid bunches with leaf spots, rust or mildew on leaves or stems
Only buy carnations that have been treated with anti-ethylene agents
Care and conditioning:
Handle with care to avoid snapping the brittle stems
If bunches have been stored dry (they are often packed and shipped dry), recut stems, removing the lower 2–3 cm, and place in a hydrating solution for several hours at room temperature
Cut stems at an angle, remove leaves below the water line and add flower preservative.
Other information:
Carnations are long-lasting traditional blooms so they are good value
Some carnations have a pleasing clove-like scent
Flowering plants may be displayed indoors for 2–3 weeks
Their vase life range from 7 to 18 days depending on the cultivar
Each colour has its own special meaning:
-pink: mother' s love
-red: admiration
-white good luck
They also exist in "picotee" which is when the flower has one main colour with a margin of another colour
There are three main types of carnations: spray, large or dwarf:
-spray varieties consist of a group of small flower clusters on different stems
-large types are the ones used to accent flower arrangements
-dwarf carnations usually have several small flowers on a single stem
Common name: chincherinchee, star-of- Bethlehem
Botanical name: Ornithogalum thyrsoides
Recommended uses: Transitional, line and focal. Ideal for hand-tied bunches and bouquets
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season: It flowers in spring and summer
It is toxic to stock, especially in the autumn
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when one-third or more of the lower florets are open
Look for strong straight stems with a good flower spike lenght
Check that the foliage is free of spots and not pale or mottled in colour (because of viruses)
Care and conditioning:
Place in clean water with flower food
Flowers are geotropic, so store upright; it will bend towards light, so keep them in uniform lighting
In darkness, wrap them in heavy paper to store upright
Other information:
They grow from a bulb
Excellent vase life 14-21 days
All parts of the flower are poisonous
Botanical name: Ornithogalum thyrsoides
Recommended uses: Transitional, line and focal. Ideal for hand-tied bunches and bouquets
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season: It flowers in spring and summer
It is toxic to stock, especially in the autumn
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when one-third or more of the lower florets are open
Look for strong straight stems with a good flower spike lenght
Check that the foliage is free of spots and not pale or mottled in colour (because of viruses)
Care and conditioning:
Place in clean water with flower food
Flowers are geotropic, so store upright; it will bend towards light, so keep them in uniform lighting
In darkness, wrap them in heavy paper to store upright
Other information:
They grow from a bulb
Excellent vase life 14-21 days
All parts of the flower are poisonous
Common name: florist chrysanthemum, dendranthema, "cut mums"
Botanical name: chrysanthemum morifolium
Recommended uses: Transitional and focal. Chrysanthemums are versatile flowers and are suitable for a variety of designs, from small posies to large formal arrangements, and can be wired for corsages and bouquets. They are popularly used in sympathy designs.
Origin / Environment: China
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Ensure the foliage colour is lively and uniform
Check that the stems are thick and strong
For spray chrysanthemums, check that at least five flowers per stem are fully open
For disbuds, the central petals should form a tuft
Stem weight is an important criteria when buying: the heavier the stem, the more flowers
Petals should be free of brown blemishes
Avoid bunches with yellow leaves, as the leaves age before the flowers
Care and conditioning:
They can be stored dry for up to 2 weeks by the grower
Chrysanthemums needs high humidity, low temperature and good air circulation
Discard foliage below water level
Stems are prone to blockage, so recut frequently and place in fresh water with flower food
Other information:
Vase life of 2 to 3 weeks depending on the cultivar
Field-grown chrysanthemums are traditionally available during their natural flowering season for Mother’s Day in Australia
Chrysanthemums are photoperiodic and require a consolidated period of darkness before floral development can begin
Chrysanthemums symbolise wealth, fidelity, truth, optimism and joy
They are the November birth flower, the 13th wedding anniversary flower and the official flower of the city of Chicago
In Japan, there is a “Festival of Happiness” to celebrate this flower each year
Botanical name: chrysanthemum morifolium
Recommended uses: Transitional and focal. Chrysanthemums are versatile flowers and are suitable for a variety of designs, from small posies to large formal arrangements, and can be wired for corsages and bouquets. They are popularly used in sympathy designs.
Origin / Environment: China
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Ensure the foliage colour is lively and uniform
Check that the stems are thick and strong
For spray chrysanthemums, check that at least five flowers per stem are fully open
For disbuds, the central petals should form a tuft
Stem weight is an important criteria when buying: the heavier the stem, the more flowers
Petals should be free of brown blemishes
Avoid bunches with yellow leaves, as the leaves age before the flowers
Care and conditioning:
They can be stored dry for up to 2 weeks by the grower
Chrysanthemums needs high humidity, low temperature and good air circulation
Discard foliage below water level
Stems are prone to blockage, so recut frequently and place in fresh water with flower food
Other information:
Vase life of 2 to 3 weeks depending on the cultivar
Field-grown chrysanthemums are traditionally available during their natural flowering season for Mother’s Day in Australia
Chrysanthemums are photoperiodic and require a consolidated period of darkness before floral development can begin
Chrysanthemums symbolise wealth, fidelity, truth, optimism and joy
They are the November birth flower, the 13th wedding anniversary flower and the official flower of the city of Chicago
In Japan, there is a “Festival of Happiness” to celebrate this flower each year
Common name: cornflower, bachelor' s button, blue button
Botanical name: centaurea cyanus
Recommended uses: Transitional. Cornflowers may be mixed with other spring and summer flowers for wedding posies and cottage-garden-style bouquets
Origin / Environment: Europe and Asia
Availability / Natural season: Late spring to mid summer (August to December)
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when flowers are half to fully open but before the pollen is fully formed
Care and conditioning:
Keep flowers well hydrated with flower food
Short vase life, so sell as soon as possible
Other information:
Cornflower are one of the few true blue flowers available to florists
They mean delicacy, refinement
Botanical name: centaurea cyanus
Recommended uses: Transitional. Cornflowers may be mixed with other spring and summer flowers for wedding posies and cottage-garden-style bouquets
Origin / Environment: Europe and Asia
Availability / Natural season: Late spring to mid summer (August to December)
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when flowers are half to fully open but before the pollen is fully formed
Care and conditioning:
Keep flowers well hydrated with flower food
Short vase life, so sell as soon as possible
Other information:
Cornflower are one of the few true blue flowers available to florists
They mean delicacy, refinement
Common name: daffodil
Botanical name: narcissus cultivars
Recommended uses: Focal, transitional. Daffodils and jonquils are suitable for cottage-style posies, bunches and simple vase arrangements
Origin / Environment: Southern Europe, the Mediterranean region, Asia
Availability / Natural season: Winter and spring
Cost: $2.50 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when buds are tight but with when some colour and form are showing
Ensure that the stems are straight and have a uniform dark green colour
Care and conditioning:
To facilitate flower opening, recut stems and place them in clean water with flower food
Do not hydrate or store them with other flower in the same water, if so, place them in their own water for 24h before using them in arrangement
Other information:
Vase life is 4 to 8 days
Most cultivars have a delicate scent
Cut stems exude a slimy sap that is toxic to many flowers such as roses, carnations, freesias and tulips
Available in potted plants which are suitable for short term indoor or outdoor
They are geotropic so they need to be stored upright in uniform light
They mean regard, hope, unrequited love
Botanical name: narcissus cultivars
Recommended uses: Focal, transitional. Daffodils and jonquils are suitable for cottage-style posies, bunches and simple vase arrangements
Origin / Environment: Southern Europe, the Mediterranean region, Asia
Availability / Natural season: Winter and spring
Cost: $2.50 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when buds are tight but with when some colour and form are showing
Ensure that the stems are straight and have a uniform dark green colour
Care and conditioning:
To facilitate flower opening, recut stems and place them in clean water with flower food
Do not hydrate or store them with other flower in the same water, if so, place them in their own water for 24h before using them in arrangement
Other information:
Vase life is 4 to 8 days
Most cultivars have a delicate scent
Cut stems exude a slimy sap that is toxic to many flowers such as roses, carnations, freesias and tulips
Available in potted plants which are suitable for short term indoor or outdoor
They are geotropic so they need to be stored upright in uniform light
They mean regard, hope, unrequited love
Common name: dahlia
Botanical name: dahlia hortensis
Recommended uses: Focal. Very large dahlia blooms are best displayed in a large, low float bowl. Look gorgeous in bouquets as well.
Origin / Environment: Central America (Mexico to Colombia)
Availability / Natural season: Summer to autumn
Cost: $7 a bunch
Buying tips:
The flowers do not ship well so locally grown product is highly recommended when buying
Best bought when the blooms are more than half open and show a good colour
Do not buy if the lower petals are brown, wilted or dropping
Check leaves for powdery mildew
When buying potted plants, chose the ones with flowers still in bud that show a good colour
Care and conditioning:
Be careful when handling the large, heavy heads of dahlias, as they broke easily from the stem
Must be kept well hydrated
Short vase life, a prolonged cool storage is not recommended
Do no scald them
Other information:
Vase life range from 5 to 10 days
Flowers on pot plants last about 9 days
Its meaning is: changeable
Botanical name: dahlia hortensis
Recommended uses: Focal. Very large dahlia blooms are best displayed in a large, low float bowl. Look gorgeous in bouquets as well.
Origin / Environment: Central America (Mexico to Colombia)
Availability / Natural season: Summer to autumn
Cost: $7 a bunch
Buying tips:
The flowers do not ship well so locally grown product is highly recommended when buying
Best bought when the blooms are more than half open and show a good colour
Do not buy if the lower petals are brown, wilted or dropping
Check leaves for powdery mildew
When buying potted plants, chose the ones with flowers still in bud that show a good colour
Care and conditioning:
Be careful when handling the large, heavy heads of dahlias, as they broke easily from the stem
Must be kept well hydrated
Short vase life, a prolonged cool storage is not recommended
Do no scald them
Other information:
Vase life range from 5 to 10 days
Flowers on pot plants last about 9 days
Its meaning is: changeable
Common name: Delphinium
Botanical name: Delphinium elatum
Recommended uses: Line. The individual florets are perfect for wiring in wedding bouquets, especially if blue to purple colour have been requested
Origin / Environment: Europe and Asia
Availability / Natural season: they are available all year
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Only buy the flowers that has been treated with an anti-ethylene treatment as they are sensitive to it
Select bunches with at least a third of the lower flowers on the spike open
Look for strong stems without damage and with straight tips
Avoid stems with petals that drop as this indicates ethylene damage
Care and conditioning:
Place in water, recut the stems and add flower food that contains a bactericide to the water to prevent stems going slimy
Store them upright to avoid the tips bending towards the light
Botanical name: Delphinium elatum
Recommended uses: Line. The individual florets are perfect for wiring in wedding bouquets, especially if blue to purple colour have been requested
Origin / Environment: Europe and Asia
Availability / Natural season: they are available all year
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Only buy the flowers that has been treated with an anti-ethylene treatment as they are sensitive to it
Select bunches with at least a third of the lower flowers on the spike open
Look for strong stems without damage and with straight tips
Avoid stems with petals that drop as this indicates ethylene damage
Care and conditioning:
Place in water, recut the stems and add flower food that contains a bactericide to the water to prevent stems going slimy
Store them upright to avoid the tips bending towards the light
Common name: Freesia
Botanical name: Freesia Hybrida
Recommended uses: Transitional. They can be used in a diverse range of floral designs such as sympathy tributes, bunches, bouquets and posies. They can be wired for wedding bouquets and accessories. Double and single blooms are available
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season: The natural flowering season is winter to early spring but they are available all year long with their production in greenhouse
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when at least one bud on the spike has opened or is about to open
Choose long, straight stem
Avoid tight green buds, as they are unlikely to open
A premium freesia stem should have at least five good buds
Care and conditioning:
Cold storage for more than 2–3 days may decrease vase life and fragrance
Recut the stems
Strip any leaves below the water line, as they will rot quickly
Clean rainwater or filtered water is recommended, as freesias are sensitive to the fluoride in tap water, which causes the leaves to burn, smaller flowers and the smaller buds being unable to open
To help the opening of the tightest of buds, add an extra tablespoon of sugar per litre of made up floral preservative and store at room temperature
Other information:
When in season, field-grown blooms have a strong sweet perfume, but the fragrance of freesias grown out of season is often very light
The highly scented single freesia is a roadside weed in some regions of NSW, Victoria, WA and SA
They mean innocence
Botanical name: Freesia Hybrida
Recommended uses: Transitional. They can be used in a diverse range of floral designs such as sympathy tributes, bunches, bouquets and posies. They can be wired for wedding bouquets and accessories. Double and single blooms are available
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season: The natural flowering season is winter to early spring but they are available all year long with their production in greenhouse
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when at least one bud on the spike has opened or is about to open
Choose long, straight stem
Avoid tight green buds, as they are unlikely to open
A premium freesia stem should have at least five good buds
Care and conditioning:
Cold storage for more than 2–3 days may decrease vase life and fragrance
Recut the stems
Strip any leaves below the water line, as they will rot quickly
Clean rainwater or filtered water is recommended, as freesias are sensitive to the fluoride in tap water, which causes the leaves to burn, smaller flowers and the smaller buds being unable to open
To help the opening of the tightest of buds, add an extra tablespoon of sugar per litre of made up floral preservative and store at room temperature
Other information:
When in season, field-grown blooms have a strong sweet perfume, but the fragrance of freesias grown out of season is often very light
The highly scented single freesia is a roadside weed in some regions of NSW, Victoria, WA and SA
They mean innocence
Common name: Torch ginger
Botanical name: Etlingera elatior
Recommended uses:
Focal flowers for tropical, contemporary, modern-style and corporate arrangements and hand tied bouquets
If floral foam is used in an arrangement, cut the stem ends into a V shape to secure the stems without breaking the foam
Origin / Environment: Malaysia
Availability / Natural season: all year round depend on the hybrid
Cost: $12 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose long stems with well formed flower heads with closed buds (candlesticks)
Avoid any discoloured, blemished flower heads
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stems and place them in water with flower food added
Gingers are tropical flowers so do no refrigerate them
To rehydrate wilted blooms, soak the whole stem and flower in room temperature water
Other information:
Beehive gingers have a very pungent but pleasant ginger fragrance
Display them out of direct sunlight in a warm position and away from draughts
Botanical name: Etlingera elatior
Recommended uses:
Focal flowers for tropical, contemporary, modern-style and corporate arrangements and hand tied bouquets
If floral foam is used in an arrangement, cut the stem ends into a V shape to secure the stems without breaking the foam
Origin / Environment: Malaysia
Availability / Natural season: all year round depend on the hybrid
Cost: $12 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose long stems with well formed flower heads with closed buds (candlesticks)
Avoid any discoloured, blemished flower heads
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stems and place them in water with flower food added
Gingers are tropical flowers so do no refrigerate them
To rehydrate wilted blooms, soak the whole stem and flower in room temperature water
Other information:
Beehive gingers have a very pungent but pleasant ginger fragrance
Display them out of direct sunlight in a warm position and away from draughts
Common name: Sword lily, glad
Botanical name: Gladiolus cultivars
Recommended uses:
Line and focal flowers
They are especially used by florists when height or length is required in an arrangement
They are usually used in large pedestal or vase arrangements and casket sprays for sympathy designs
Single flowers can be wired into wedding bouquets and accessories
Origin / Environment: South Africa and some species are from the rest of Africa, southern of Europe, the Middle East and western Asia.
Availability / Natural season: The white glads are available all year round, though the full colour range may not be available at all times
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy in bud stage with one to five of the lower buds showing colour
Look for straight, sturdy stems with healthy leaves and avoid stems showing yellowish or blotchy spots on the leaves
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stem and place them in a preservative that contains a bactericide and sugar. The sugar will help all the flowers on the spike to open.
Gladioli are sensitive to fluoride in tap water—tank or filtered water are recommended
Lower temperatures may cause cold damage
Store them upright with a good exposure to light as the tips will bend towards the light (phototropic)
Other information:
Vase life is 7 to 10 days
Flowers of some hybrids are slightly fragrant
Flower forms vary, including orchid-like, tulip-like, ruffled and fringed
They mean "readily armed"
Botanical name: Gladiolus cultivars
Recommended uses:
Line and focal flowers
They are especially used by florists when height or length is required in an arrangement
They are usually used in large pedestal or vase arrangements and casket sprays for sympathy designs
Single flowers can be wired into wedding bouquets and accessories
Origin / Environment: South Africa and some species are from the rest of Africa, southern of Europe, the Middle East and western Asia.
Availability / Natural season: The white glads are available all year round, though the full colour range may not be available at all times
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy in bud stage with one to five of the lower buds showing colour
Look for straight, sturdy stems with healthy leaves and avoid stems showing yellowish or blotchy spots on the leaves
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stem and place them in a preservative that contains a bactericide and sugar. The sugar will help all the flowers on the spike to open.
Gladioli are sensitive to fluoride in tap water—tank or filtered water are recommended
Lower temperatures may cause cold damage
Store them upright with a good exposure to light as the tips will bend towards the light (phototropic)
Other information:
Vase life is 7 to 10 days
Flowers of some hybrids are slightly fragrant
Flower forms vary, including orchid-like, tulip-like, ruffled and fringed
They mean "readily armed"
Common name: Flame lily, glory lily
Botanical name: Gloriosa superba
Recommended uses: Focal. The petals are recurved like the true tiger lily
Origin / Environment: Africa and Asia
Availability / Natural season: Summer and autumn
Cost: $20 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when at least one flower on the stem is fully opened
Select leaves that are deep, dark green and undamaged
Avoid stems with brown markings, as this may indicate cold damage
Care and conditioning:
Place them in a preservative solution that contains sugar to ensure the opening of most of the buds
Do not hold below 12oC
Mist them frequently
If stems are limp, place them in room-temperature or tepid water for a few minutes
The pollen will stain clothing so pull the anthers off or seal them with a spray
Other information:
Vase life is poor 4 to 5 days
The flower is ethylene sensitive
The ‘Rothschildiana’ is selected for its superior cut flower features
The Gloriosa superba has escaped into bushland and has become a serious weed in some coastal regions of Australia,
especially in the Noosa National Park. Do not discard of these flowers into green waste, put them in the rubbish bin instead
All parts of the plant are poisonous
The corms of the flower have been used to harm oneself in India
Botanical name: Gloriosa superba
Recommended uses: Focal. The petals are recurved like the true tiger lily
Origin / Environment: Africa and Asia
Availability / Natural season: Summer and autumn
Cost: $20 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when at least one flower on the stem is fully opened
Select leaves that are deep, dark green and undamaged
Avoid stems with brown markings, as this may indicate cold damage
Care and conditioning:
Place them in a preservative solution that contains sugar to ensure the opening of most of the buds
Do not hold below 12oC
Mist them frequently
If stems are limp, place them in room-temperature or tepid water for a few minutes
The pollen will stain clothing so pull the anthers off or seal them with a spray
Other information:
Vase life is poor 4 to 5 days
The flower is ethylene sensitive
The ‘Rothschildiana’ is selected for its superior cut flower features
The Gloriosa superba has escaped into bushland and has become a serious weed in some coastal regions of Australia,
especially in the Noosa National Park. Do not discard of these flowers into green waste, put them in the rubbish bin instead
All parts of the plant are poisonous
The corms of the flower have been used to harm oneself in India
Common name: spider flower, honeycomb, moonlight, majestic, honey gem
Botanical name: Grevillea whiteana
Recommended uses:
Transitional or line flower
Suitable for short-term displays and often mixed with other wildflowers for sympathy designs
Vase life is improved when arranged into fresh water instead of floral foam
Origin / Environment: Eastern Australia
Availability / Natural season:
Various variety are available almost all year, but the season is primarily November to May
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for long, straight, well branched stems full of flowers
Select stems that are young, not too woody
Buy when 10% to 50% of the styles of the florets are flowering
Avoid damaged and wilted flowers
Check that flowers are free of insect and disease damage
Care and conditioning:
Recut stems and place them in clean water in clean containers and add biocide
Without appropriate handling, and if bought too open, Grevillea flowers generally have a short vase life, so long cool storage is not recommended
Other information:
Vase life is 7 to 14 days depending of the stage of the harvest
Flowers are sensitive to ethylene
Botanical name: Grevillea whiteana
Recommended uses:
Transitional or line flower
Suitable for short-term displays and often mixed with other wildflowers for sympathy designs
Vase life is improved when arranged into fresh water instead of floral foam
Origin / Environment: Eastern Australia
Availability / Natural season:
Various variety are available almost all year, but the season is primarily November to May
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for long, straight, well branched stems full of flowers
Select stems that are young, not too woody
Buy when 10% to 50% of the styles of the florets are flowering
Avoid damaged and wilted flowers
Check that flowers are free of insect and disease damage
Care and conditioning:
Recut stems and place them in clean water in clean containers and add biocide
Without appropriate handling, and if bought too open, Grevillea flowers generally have a short vase life, so long cool storage is not recommended
Other information:
Vase life is 7 to 14 days depending of the stage of the harvest
Flowers are sensitive to ethylene
Common name: Gymea lily, Doryanthes, Giant lily
Botanical name: Doryanthes excelsa
Recommended uses:
Line and form
Suitable for large arrangements, especially in hotel foyers
The individual florets can be wired into wedding bouquets or separated out and used as low placements in various arrangements
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: Winter to spring for flowers
Cost: $18
Buying tips:
Select the red flowers that are well formed but not yet split open (easier to transport without damaging them)
They will continue to open after harvest
Avoid deformed or damaged blooms and choose flowers with minimal bract browning
Care and conditioning:
Because of their size, the flower heads are best transported lying down, with their heads cushioned and supported to prevent damage
The large flower head bruises easily so handle them carefully
The open flowers produce abundant nectar and pollen
Recut the stem and place into a bucket of clean water with a biocide added
Other information:
The large (40–50 cm) red flower heads (inflorescence) have strong stems of up to 3 m long
Doryanthes is a protected plant in NSW and a license is required for growing and wild-harvesting the flowers
The green pollen should be removed as it stained fabric
Botanical name: Doryanthes excelsa
Recommended uses:
Line and form
Suitable for large arrangements, especially in hotel foyers
The individual florets can be wired into wedding bouquets or separated out and used as low placements in various arrangements
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: Winter to spring for flowers
Cost: $18
Buying tips:
Select the red flowers that are well formed but not yet split open (easier to transport without damaging them)
They will continue to open after harvest
Avoid deformed or damaged blooms and choose flowers with minimal bract browning
Care and conditioning:
Because of their size, the flower heads are best transported lying down, with their heads cushioned and supported to prevent damage
The large flower head bruises easily so handle them carefully
The open flowers produce abundant nectar and pollen
Recut the stem and place into a bucket of clean water with a biocide added
Other information:
The large (40–50 cm) red flower heads (inflorescence) have strong stems of up to 3 m long
Doryanthes is a protected plant in NSW and a license is required for growing and wild-harvesting the flowers
The green pollen should be removed as it stained fabric
Common name: Heliconia, Crab or Lobster claw, Parrot flowers
Botanical name: Heliconia, H. bihai, H. caribbea, H. collinsiana, H. chartacea, H. psittacorum, H. rostrata
Recommended uses:
Suitable for varied modern designs such as bouquets, bunches and large tropical-style arrangements
Origin / Environment: South America
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select long, straight stems with fully developed bracts with clean and bright colour; the brats must still be close with minimum flowers emerging
Blooms can be easily be damaged in transit
Avoid blooms with brown-black marks, as this may indicate chilling injury
Care and conditioning:
Handle carefully to avoid bruising flowers
Best stored at 12–15oC as lower temperatures will damage them
Recut stems and place in clean water
Use a preservative that has a bactericide to reduce microbial growth
Mist frequently to hydrate them
Place them in a warm indoors position away from draughts and full sun
Other information:
Bracts do not open further once the stem has been cut
Their leaves do not last well in floral form
Botanical name: Heliconia, H. bihai, H. caribbea, H. collinsiana, H. chartacea, H. psittacorum, H. rostrata
Recommended uses:
Suitable for varied modern designs such as bouquets, bunches and large tropical-style arrangements
Origin / Environment: South America
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select long, straight stems with fully developed bracts with clean and bright colour; the brats must still be close with minimum flowers emerging
Blooms can be easily be damaged in transit
Avoid blooms with brown-black marks, as this may indicate chilling injury
Care and conditioning:
Handle carefully to avoid bruising flowers
Best stored at 12–15oC as lower temperatures will damage them
Recut stems and place in clean water
Use a preservative that has a bactericide to reduce microbial growth
Mist frequently to hydrate them
Place them in a warm indoors position away from draughts and full sun
Other information:
Bracts do not open further once the stem has been cut
Their leaves do not last well in floral form
Common name: lenten rose
Botanical name: Helleborus orientalis
Recommended uses:
Transitional flowers
Suitable for posies but they might need support
Not suited to use in floral foam unless it is for a sympathy tribute for short-term use
Origin / Environment: Greece and Turkey
Availability / Natural season: Winter to early spring
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select when the green seed pods have started to form in the centre of the blooms
Avoid soft, wilted blooms
Make sure the leaves are free of diseases and damages
Care and conditioning:
Recut stems, place in clean water in clean containers with added flower food and a biocide
Short vase life, so sell or use immediately
Do not store in cool storage
When rehydratation seems needed, immerse them in room-temperature water for up to 2 hours
Other information:
This flower is a well known in gardening but they are not commonly used by florists
The flowers can be dried, hang them upside down in small bundles in a cool ventilated area or use silica gel
Botanical name: Helleborus orientalis
Recommended uses:
Transitional flowers
Suitable for posies but they might need support
Not suited to use in floral foam unless it is for a sympathy tribute for short-term use
Origin / Environment: Greece and Turkey
Availability / Natural season: Winter to early spring
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select when the green seed pods have started to form in the centre of the blooms
Avoid soft, wilted blooms
Make sure the leaves are free of diseases and damages
Care and conditioning:
Recut stems, place in clean water in clean containers with added flower food and a biocide
Short vase life, so sell or use immediately
Do not store in cool storage
When rehydratation seems needed, immerse them in room-temperature water for up to 2 hours
Other information:
This flower is a well known in gardening but they are not commonly used by florists
The flowers can be dried, hang them upside down in small bundles in a cool ventilated area or use silica gel
Common name: Hyacinth
Botanical name: Hyacinthus orientalis and hybrids
Recommended uses:
Focal
Hyacinths are usually used in traditional and contemporary designs
The individual flowers can be wired for wedding bouquets, accessories
Origin / Environment: Turkey, Syria, Lebanon
Availability / Natural season:
Winter to spring is their natural season
In climate-controlled greenhouse, hyacinth flower into autumn
Cost: $7 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select straight flower spikes
Buy when the lower petals have coloured and are opening
Select stems and leaves that are strong and deep green; yellowing indicate poor nutrition or long-term storage.
Care and conditioning:
Do not cut the ends of the bulb as it is needed for its vase life
Place them upright in shallow water with flower food
Change the water every 2 days
Long term storage result in cold damage them and will reduce their fragrance
Do not mist them
Display he potted flowers in a cool, well-lit area
They do not like warm environment
Other information:
Their vase life is 4 to 7 days
The flower symbolises peace and power or simplicity
Botanical name: Hyacinthus orientalis and hybrids
Recommended uses:
Focal
Hyacinths are usually used in traditional and contemporary designs
The individual flowers can be wired for wedding bouquets, accessories
Origin / Environment: Turkey, Syria, Lebanon
Availability / Natural season:
Winter to spring is their natural season
In climate-controlled greenhouse, hyacinth flower into autumn
Cost: $7 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select straight flower spikes
Buy when the lower petals have coloured and are opening
Select stems and leaves that are strong and deep green; yellowing indicate poor nutrition or long-term storage.
Care and conditioning:
Do not cut the ends of the bulb as it is needed for its vase life
Place them upright in shallow water with flower food
Change the water every 2 days
Long term storage result in cold damage them and will reduce their fragrance
Do not mist them
Display he potted flowers in a cool, well-lit area
They do not like warm environment
Other information:
Their vase life is 4 to 7 days
The flower symbolises peace and power or simplicity
Common name: Hydrangea
Botanical name: Hydrangea macrophylla, H. paniculata, H. arborescens
Recommended uses:
Focal and supporting focal
Arranged simply in a large vase, alone or with other summer blooms
They are used in large and small arrangements, bunches
Mature heads offer a beautiful support for mixed flowers in hand-held bouquets
Origin / Environment: Japan and Korea
Availability / Natural season: Summer to early autumn
Cost: $15 a bunch
Buying tips:
The colourful part of the flower is actually a bract; the flowers are the little tiny florets in the centre of the bract
For optimal vase life, 75% or more of the florets must be open before picking and the overall flower head must feel firm to touch
Care and conditioning:
They should be picked in the coolest part of the day
If left out of water for even a few minutes, the stems must be recut and placed into buckets of water with flower food
The heads and stems can be rehydrated by soaking them in water for at least 6 hours, or even overnight. However, oedema will occur if left in water for too long
Hydrangeas are moderately sensitive to ethylene
Ensure with your supplier that the flowers have been treated after harvest
Do not bash, scald or damage the stems, as bacteria will proliferate, resulting in internal ethylene damage and a reduced vase life
Other information:
Their vas life is average to good (7 to 10 days)
They represent a boaster or a heartless person
Avoid using them in floral foam
Mature hydrangea heads can be dried, left standing in a vase or hung upside down and allowed to dry naturally
Botanical name: Hydrangea macrophylla, H. paniculata, H. arborescens
Recommended uses:
Focal and supporting focal
Arranged simply in a large vase, alone or with other summer blooms
They are used in large and small arrangements, bunches
Mature heads offer a beautiful support for mixed flowers in hand-held bouquets
Origin / Environment: Japan and Korea
Availability / Natural season: Summer to early autumn
Cost: $15 a bunch
Buying tips:
The colourful part of the flower is actually a bract; the flowers are the little tiny florets in the centre of the bract
For optimal vase life, 75% or more of the florets must be open before picking and the overall flower head must feel firm to touch
Care and conditioning:
They should be picked in the coolest part of the day
If left out of water for even a few minutes, the stems must be recut and placed into buckets of water with flower food
The heads and stems can be rehydrated by soaking them in water for at least 6 hours, or even overnight. However, oedema will occur if left in water for too long
Hydrangeas are moderately sensitive to ethylene
Ensure with your supplier that the flowers have been treated after harvest
Do not bash, scald or damage the stems, as bacteria will proliferate, resulting in internal ethylene damage and a reduced vase life
Other information:
Their vas life is average to good (7 to 10 days)
They represent a boaster or a heartless person
Avoid using them in floral foam
Mature hydrangea heads can be dried, left standing in a vase or hung upside down and allowed to dry naturally
Common name: Iris, Dutch Iris
Botanical name: Iris hollandica
Recommended uses:
Line and focal
Iris are used in bowl arrangements, bunches and presentation bouquets
Origin / Environment: Europe
Availability / Natural season:
Iris natural season is spring, but they are also available from autumn to late spring. Summer production may come from Tasmania, but its vase life in hot weather is poor
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when 1–2 cm of the colour is visible on the buds
Do not buy if the outer sheath of the flower bud is dry, or spots re found on the foliage
Care and conditioning:
To open buds, recut 2–3 cm off the white section of the stem and place in clean room-temperature water with flower preservative
They need to be frequently recut
To keep stems straight, store bunches wrapped upright in brown paper
Other information:
The blue Dutch iris is one of the few true blue flowers available to florists
They do not last long when arranged in floral foam
Botanical name: Iris hollandica
Recommended uses:
Line and focal
Iris are used in bowl arrangements, bunches and presentation bouquets
Origin / Environment: Europe
Availability / Natural season:
Iris natural season is spring, but they are also available from autumn to late spring. Summer production may come from Tasmania, but its vase life in hot weather is poor
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when 1–2 cm of the colour is visible on the buds
Do not buy if the outer sheath of the flower bud is dry, or spots re found on the foliage
Care and conditioning:
To open buds, recut 2–3 cm off the white section of the stem and place in clean room-temperature water with flower preservative
They need to be frequently recut
To keep stems straight, store bunches wrapped upright in brown paper
Other information:
The blue Dutch iris is one of the few true blue flowers available to florists
They do not last long when arranged in floral foam
Common name: Daffodil (e.g. ‘Erlicheer’), Jonquil (e.g. ‘Paper White’)
Botanical name: Narcissus spp., hybrids and cvv.
Recommended uses:
Focal–transitional
Daffodils and jonquils are usually used for cottage-style posies, bunches
Origin / Environment: Europe, Asia including China and Japan
Availability / Natural season: Winter and spring
Cost: $2.50 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when buds are tight with some colour and form showing
Care and conditioning:
To help the flowers to open, recut stems and place them in clean water with flower preservative
Other information:
Their vase life are 4 to 6 days
Cut stems exude sap that are harmful to other flowers; therefore, place them separately in water for about 6 hours before arranging them with other flowers
Botanical name: Narcissus spp., hybrids and cvv.
Recommended uses:
Focal–transitional
Daffodils and jonquils are usually used for cottage-style posies, bunches
Origin / Environment: Europe, Asia including China and Japan
Availability / Natural season: Winter and spring
Cost: $2.50 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when buds are tight with some colour and form showing
Care and conditioning:
To help the flowers to open, recut stems and place them in clean water with flower preservative
Other information:
Their vase life are 4 to 6 days
Cut stems exude sap that are harmful to other flowers; therefore, place them separately in water for about 6 hours before arranging them with other flowers
Common name: Kangaroo paw
Botanical name: Anigozanthos hybrids, Macropidia spp. and hybrids
Recommended uses:
Line and transition
Used in practically any design style
To use when an Australian native flower is requested
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: all year round as they come in a lot of different variety
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when the first one or two florets are opened and check that flowers are not faded
Select when the top buds are plump, not dried
Avoid stems with tight buds and soft tips, as stems will droop if they are too immature when picked
Care and conditioning:
Ling cool storage will reduce vase life
Keep them hydrated all the time
They require frequent recutting
Other information:
Their vase life range from 10 to 15 days
They don' t last well out of water
Prolonged exposure can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people due to the fine hairs on the flowers and leaves
Botanical name: Anigozanthos hybrids, Macropidia spp. and hybrids
Recommended uses:
Line and transition
Used in practically any design style
To use when an Australian native flower is requested
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: all year round as they come in a lot of different variety
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when the first one or two florets are opened and check that flowers are not faded
Select when the top buds are plump, not dried
Avoid stems with tight buds and soft tips, as stems will droop if they are too immature when picked
Care and conditioning:
Ling cool storage will reduce vase life
Keep them hydrated all the time
They require frequent recutting
Other information:
Their vase life range from 10 to 15 days
They don' t last well out of water
Prolonged exposure can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people due to the fine hairs on the flowers and leaves
Common name: Leucadendron, Safari Red, Safari Sunset, Inca Gold, Pisa
Botanical name: Leucadendron spp., hybrids and cvv., incl. L. comosum, L. coniferum, L. discolor, L. floridum, L. laureolum, L. macowanii,
Recommended uses:
Line and transitional
They are usually used in bunches, bowls and hand-tied bouquets
They can be wired
Long-stemmed variety are ideal for use as line material in tall arrangements and sympathy
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season: all year round (depends on the cultivar)
Cost: $7 a bunch
Buying tips:
Do not buy leucadendrons with dull or dried-out bracts or leaves or with brown tips
Care and conditioning:
They can be left up to 4 days dry, or 1 week in water
Stems need to be neatly cut, not crushed
Flower preservative will prolong their life
Other information:
Their vase life range from 10 to 20 days
Get rid of other flower types in the same vase when they wilt, as the Leucadendron will generally last considerably longer
Botanical name: Leucadendron spp., hybrids and cvv., incl. L. comosum, L. coniferum, L. discolor, L. floridum, L. laureolum, L. macowanii,
Recommended uses:
Line and transitional
They are usually used in bunches, bowls and hand-tied bouquets
They can be wired
Long-stemmed variety are ideal for use as line material in tall arrangements and sympathy
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season: all year round (depends on the cultivar)
Cost: $7 a bunch
Buying tips:
Do not buy leucadendrons with dull or dried-out bracts or leaves or with brown tips
Care and conditioning:
They can be left up to 4 days dry, or 1 week in water
Stems need to be neatly cut, not crushed
Flower preservative will prolong their life
Other information:
Their vase life range from 10 to 20 days
Get rid of other flower types in the same vase when they wilt, as the Leucadendron will generally last considerably longer
Common name: Leucospermum, Pincushions, Fire wheels
Botanical name: Leucospermum spp. and cvv., incl. L. glabrum Å~ L. lineare, L. patersonii Å~ L. cordifolium
Recommended uses:
Focal
Usually used for a wide range of wildflower designs
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season: July–August to December
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select the flower head when 30% to 75% of the pins are curved out (but not pointing straight up)
Avoid stems with more than 1 flower head
Care and conditioning:
To be handle carefully to avoid breaking the pins
Other information:
The heads break off easily from the stem so they need to be handle with care
Botanical name: Leucospermum spp. and cvv., incl. L. glabrum Å~ L. lineare, L. patersonii Å~ L. cordifolium
Recommended uses:
Focal
Usually used for a wide range of wildflower designs
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season: July–August to December
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select the flower head when 30% to 75% of the pins are curved out (but not pointing straight up)
Avoid stems with more than 1 flower head
Care and conditioning:
To be handle carefully to avoid breaking the pins
Other information:
The heads break off easily from the stem so they need to be handle with care
Common name: Lilium, Lily, Orientals, Regals, Novembers, Asiatics
Botanical name: Lilium hybrids and cultivars, incl. L. longiflorum Å~ Asiatic (LA) hybrids, L. longiflorum Å~ Oriental (LO) hybrids
Recommended uses:
Focal
Suited to bunching, bouquet arrangements, sympathy work
Origin / Environment: China, Japan, Asia
Availability / Natural season: all year round (produced in greenhouses)
Cost: $5.50 a bunch
Buying tips:
select them when they are in bud stage, with the majority of buds showing some colour
Bright green, undamaged leaves indicate freshness
Buy them early and allow them time to bloom
Avoid bunches with broken buds and crushed leaves as they indicate rough handling
Avoid flowers with yellow leaves are they indicate long storage
Care and conditioning:
Flowers and buds bruise easily so they need to be handle carefully
Liliums tend to use a lot of water, so make sure to recut the stems and top up every day with fresh flower (with flower preservative)
Other information:
Oriental lillies have a fragrance
All parts of Lilium plants are toxic to cats so they are to be avoided in their presence
When the flowers open, remove the anthers to avoid staining
Pollen on clothing can be removed with sticky tape; never rub with water
Botanical name: Lilium hybrids and cultivars, incl. L. longiflorum Å~ Asiatic (LA) hybrids, L. longiflorum Å~ Oriental (LO) hybrids
Recommended uses:
Focal
Suited to bunching, bouquet arrangements, sympathy work
Origin / Environment: China, Japan, Asia
Availability / Natural season: all year round (produced in greenhouses)
Cost: $5.50 a bunch
Buying tips:
select them when they are in bud stage, with the majority of buds showing some colour
Bright green, undamaged leaves indicate freshness
Buy them early and allow them time to bloom
Avoid bunches with broken buds and crushed leaves as they indicate rough handling
Avoid flowers with yellow leaves are they indicate long storage
Care and conditioning:
Flowers and buds bruise easily so they need to be handle carefully
Liliums tend to use a lot of water, so make sure to recut the stems and top up every day with fresh flower (with flower preservative)
Other information:
Oriental lillies have a fragrance
All parts of Lilium plants are toxic to cats so they are to be avoided in their presence
When the flowers open, remove the anthers to avoid staining
Pollen on clothing can be removed with sticky tape; never rub with water
Common name: Lily of the valley
Botanical name: Convallaria majalis
Recommended uses:
Transitional
This is a popular and special traditional flower, especially for wedding bouquets and accessories
Origin / Environment: Europe and Asia
Availability / Natural season: Spring briefly (late September to mid October)
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select when the first bell has lost its deep green colour and is white
If the end of the flower is deep green, the flowers have been harvested too early and it might not open
Care and conditioning:
They have a short vase life, so cold storage is not suitable for more than a day or two
Buy flowers that have been treated with an anti-ethylene agent
Other information:
Flowers have a light fragrance
Will wilt quickly if exposed to heat or poor air circulation
Botanical name: Convallaria majalis
Recommended uses:
Transitional
This is a popular and special traditional flower, especially for wedding bouquets and accessories
Origin / Environment: Europe and Asia
Availability / Natural season: Spring briefly (late September to mid October)
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select when the first bell has lost its deep green colour and is white
If the end of the flower is deep green, the flowers have been harvested too early and it might not open
Care and conditioning:
They have a short vase life, so cold storage is not suitable for more than a day or two
Buy flowers that have been treated with an anti-ethylene agent
Other information:
Flowers have a light fragrance
Will wilt quickly if exposed to heat or poor air circulation
Common name: Lisianthus
Botanical name: Eustoma grandiflorum, E. russellianum hybrids and cvv.
Recommended uses:
Transitional and focal
They exists in single, semi-double or double blooms
Origin / Environment: United States, Mexico
Availability / Natural season:
All year but they may be limted in winter and early spring
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select the stem with few flowers open, with some buds showing colour
Avoid tight buds as they will fail to open
The leaves should be plump and fresh
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stems frequently and place them in fresh water with flower preservative
The flowers, leaves and stems are all susceptible to Botrytis, so allow a good air circulation between the stems
Protect them from high humidity and from water dripping on the blooms as it will damage them
Lisianthus is ethylene sensitive
Other information:
Their vase life is 7–14 days
They are available as flowering pot plants for both indoor and outdoor display
Botanical name: Eustoma grandiflorum, E. russellianum hybrids and cvv.
Recommended uses:
Transitional and focal
They exists in single, semi-double or double blooms
Origin / Environment: United States, Mexico
Availability / Natural season:
All year but they may be limted in winter and early spring
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select the stem with few flowers open, with some buds showing colour
Avoid tight buds as they will fail to open
The leaves should be plump and fresh
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stems frequently and place them in fresh water with flower preservative
The flowers, leaves and stems are all susceptible to Botrytis, so allow a good air circulation between the stems
Protect them from high humidity and from water dripping on the blooms as it will damage them
Lisianthus is ethylene sensitive
Other information:
Their vase life is 7–14 days
They are available as flowering pot plants for both indoor and outdoor display
Common name: love-in-the-mist
Botanical name: nigella damascena
Recommended uses:
focal
their fruit capsule are used as filler or potpourri
Origin / Environment: Southern Europe, the Mediterranean region including North Africa
Availability / Natural season: July to september
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select the stems that have fruit that are vibrant green or purple colour (dried stems)
Choose stems with flowers that are fully coloured that are starting to open
Make sure they are free of pets, disease and damage
Care and conditioning:
Cut the stems and place them in fresh water with flower food
They can be stored for 2 days maximum but it is not recommended
Handle the fruits with care to avoid damaging them
Other information:
Vase life is 5 to 8 days
The pods have last for years when dried
Botanical name: nigella damascena
Recommended uses:
focal
their fruit capsule are used as filler or potpourri
Origin / Environment: Southern Europe, the Mediterranean region including North Africa
Availability / Natural season: July to september
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select the stems that have fruit that are vibrant green or purple colour (dried stems)
Choose stems with flowers that are fully coloured that are starting to open
Make sure they are free of pets, disease and damage
Care and conditioning:
Cut the stems and place them in fresh water with flower food
They can be stored for 2 days maximum but it is not recommended
Handle the fruits with care to avoid damaging them
Other information:
Vase life is 5 to 8 days
The pods have last for years when dried
Common name: Nerine, Guernsey lily
Botanical name: Nerine bowdenii, N. sarniensis
Recommended uses:
Focal or transitional
They are used in hand-tied bunches, bowls, wedding bouquets and accessories, they are very versatile
They look beautiful grouped or single, arranged on their own or mixed with other traditional flowers
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season: Late summer to autumn
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when the oldest flower is partially to fully open
Tight buds will fail to open
Care and conditioning:
Low temperatures will slower the flower development
Keep stems well hydrated in fresh water with floral preservative
Other information:
Their vase life is 10 to 14 days
They exist in white, red-orange, pink and crimson
Botanical name: Nerine bowdenii, N. sarniensis
Recommended uses:
Focal or transitional
They are used in hand-tied bunches, bowls, wedding bouquets and accessories, they are very versatile
They look beautiful grouped or single, arranged on their own or mixed with other traditional flowers
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season: Late summer to autumn
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when the oldest flower is partially to fully open
Tight buds will fail to open
Care and conditioning:
Low temperatures will slower the flower development
Keep stems well hydrated in fresh water with floral preservative
Other information:
Their vase life is 10 to 14 days
They exist in white, red-orange, pink and crimson
Common name: Peony, Peony rose
Botanical name: Paeonia lactiflora hybrids and cvv.
Recommended uses:
Focal
Usually used in bunching, bowls, hand-tied bouquets
Peonies are not a rose but they do resemble to the heritage roses and are popular for natural-stem, handtied wedding bouquets
Origin / Environment: China, Siberia, Tibet
Availability / Natural season:
Imports from the Northern Hemisphere extend the season to April and May
Australian grown peonies are usually available from the first week in November to mid December
Cost: $25 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy plump buds with the petals unfurling and showing colour
Flowers that are more than 50% opened are more prone to handling damage
Peonies are very delicate but will last about 5 days with minimal handling
Check that the stems and leaves are clean and have no marks
Imported blooms are shipped dry and will open quickly when recut and placed in water
Care and conditioning:
Place in clean water with flower preservative added
Susceptible to Botrytis
Short vase life, so sell quickly
Handle them with extra care especially when they are opened
Other information:
Beautifully scented
Highly sought after when in season for their great beauty
Their vase life varies from 5 to 7 days
Botanical name: Paeonia lactiflora hybrids and cvv.
Recommended uses:
Focal
Usually used in bunching, bowls, hand-tied bouquets
Peonies are not a rose but they do resemble to the heritage roses and are popular for natural-stem, handtied wedding bouquets
Origin / Environment: China, Siberia, Tibet
Availability / Natural season:
Imports from the Northern Hemisphere extend the season to April and May
Australian grown peonies are usually available from the first week in November to mid December
Cost: $25 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy plump buds with the petals unfurling and showing colour
Flowers that are more than 50% opened are more prone to handling damage
Peonies are very delicate but will last about 5 days with minimal handling
Check that the stems and leaves are clean and have no marks
Imported blooms are shipped dry and will open quickly when recut and placed in water
Care and conditioning:
Place in clean water with flower preservative added
Susceptible to Botrytis
Short vase life, so sell quickly
Handle them with extra care especially when they are opened
Other information:
Beautifully scented
Highly sought after when in season for their great beauty
Their vase life varies from 5 to 7 days
Common name: Poppy, Iceland poppy
Botanical name: Papaver nudicaule
Recommended uses:
Focal
They look great on their own in a simple vase arrangement or mixed in posies
They are not suited for arranging in floral foam or bridal bouquets
Origin / Environment: Subarctic regions
Availability / Natural season: Late winter to spring
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when the hooded calyx has just split to reveal the colour of the petals inside
Handle them with care
Care and conditioning:
Short vase life and thin stems, so sell quickly
Cool storage is not recommended
They are geotropic so keep upright or ship flat to avoid the stems bending
Other information:
Their vase life is 3 to 5 days
They exist in white, yellows, orange, reds, salmon, pinks
Botanical name: Papaver nudicaule
Recommended uses:
Focal
They look great on their own in a simple vase arrangement or mixed in posies
They are not suited for arranging in floral foam or bridal bouquets
Origin / Environment: Subarctic regions
Availability / Natural season: Late winter to spring
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when the hooded calyx has just split to reveal the colour of the petals inside
Handle them with care
Care and conditioning:
Short vase life and thin stems, so sell quickly
Cool storage is not recommended
They are geotropic so keep upright or ship flat to avoid the stems bending
Other information:
Their vase life is 3 to 5 days
They exist in white, yellows, orange, reds, salmon, pinks
Common name: Protea, King Protea, Queen Protea, Mini king Protea, Pink Ice,
Botanical name: Protea spp., hybrids and cvv.
Recommended uses:
Focal
Proteas have large dominant heads and heavy woody stems, so bear that in mind when arranging them in any arrangement or bunch
Often used in presentation and hand-tied bunches; in modern, contemporary and traditional-style arrangements; and in diverse design style, they are versatile
The individual leaves of king proteas are beautiful for backing posies and when layered in arrangements
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season: Most of the year
Cost: $7 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for straight, strong stems
The flower head must be fully formed and at mature size with undamaged bracts opening evenly to show the central dome
Avoid stems with leaf blackening or yellowing
Care and conditioning:
Special care is needed to avoid leaf blackening
Frequent recutting of stems, frequent changes of water and the addition of flower food are recommended
Other information:
They last up to 2 weeks, then can be dried
Botanical name: Protea spp., hybrids and cvv.
Recommended uses:
Focal
Proteas have large dominant heads and heavy woody stems, so bear that in mind when arranging them in any arrangement or bunch
Often used in presentation and hand-tied bunches; in modern, contemporary and traditional-style arrangements; and in diverse design style, they are versatile
The individual leaves of king proteas are beautiful for backing posies and when layered in arrangements
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season: Most of the year
Cost: $7 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for straight, strong stems
The flower head must be fully formed and at mature size with undamaged bracts opening evenly to show the central dome
Avoid stems with leaf blackening or yellowing
Care and conditioning:
Special care is needed to avoid leaf blackening
Frequent recutting of stems, frequent changes of water and the addition of flower food are recommended
Other information:
They last up to 2 weeks, then can be dried
Common name: Ranunculus
Botanical name: Ranunculus asiaticus
Recommended uses:
Transitional, focal
Suitable for vase arrangements and hand-tied natural-stem bouquets
Origin / Environment: south-eastern Europe to south-western Asia
Cost: $10 a bunch
Availability / Natural season: Late winter to early spring
Buying tips:
Buy when the flowers have started to open
Care and conditioning:
Place in water immediately with some flower food, cut their stems
Place in a cool spot
Other information:
They can last up to 7 days
Botanical name: Ranunculus asiaticus
Recommended uses:
Transitional, focal
Suitable for vase arrangements and hand-tied natural-stem bouquets
Origin / Environment: south-eastern Europe to south-western Asia
Cost: $10 a bunch
Availability / Natural season: Late winter to early spring
Buying tips:
Buy when the flowers have started to open
Care and conditioning:
Place in water immediately with some flower food, cut their stems
Place in a cool spot
Other information:
They can last up to 7 days
Common name: Rose
Botanical name: Rosa spp. and cvv.
Recommended uses:
Roses are a universal flower and are used in any floral design
Origin / Environment:
Availability / Natural season:
Year round for greenhouse cultivars
October to April for field roses, including heritage and David Austin cultivars
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Check the flower quality and ensure that the buds are turgid and undamaged (damage is usually caused by rough handling)
Soft petals indicate that the flowers have been held too long, which reduces the expected vase life
Check that there are no brown spots on the base of the buds, which are signs of Botrytis
Care and conditioning:
Keep flowers and foliage dry to reduce risk of Botrytis
Place in clean containers in clean water with added flower food for a maximum vase life
Recut stems frequently to ensure a continuous supply of water to the flower head
Rough handling can result in damage and browning of the petals
Peeling back petals to remove the damage ones is not ideal as it will change the shape and size of the rose bud
Other information:
Their vase life range from 5 to 20 days depending on the cultivars
Roses absorb a lot of water, so ensure that the water level in the vase is at least 75%
Botanical name: Rosa spp. and cvv.
Recommended uses:
Roses are a universal flower and are used in any floral design
Origin / Environment:
Availability / Natural season:
Year round for greenhouse cultivars
October to April for field roses, including heritage and David Austin cultivars
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Check the flower quality and ensure that the buds are turgid and undamaged (damage is usually caused by rough handling)
Soft petals indicate that the flowers have been held too long, which reduces the expected vase life
Check that there are no brown spots on the base of the buds, which are signs of Botrytis
Care and conditioning:
Keep flowers and foliage dry to reduce risk of Botrytis
Place in clean containers in clean water with added flower food for a maximum vase life
Recut stems frequently to ensure a continuous supply of water to the flower head
Rough handling can result in damage and browning of the petals
Peeling back petals to remove the damage ones is not ideal as it will change the shape and size of the rose bud
Other information:
Their vase life range from 5 to 20 days depending on the cultivars
Roses absorb a lot of water, so ensure that the water level in the vase is at least 75%
Common name: Ice plant
Botanical name: Sedum Spectabile
Recommended uses: Focal
Origin / Environment: Northern Asia, mainly China and Korea
Availability / Natural season: late summer, autumn
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select cut stems with florets that are beginning to open
Make sure leaves and stems are free of damage and spot
Care and conditioning:
Recut stems and place them in clean water with flower food
Remove leaves below the water line
Storage in not recommended
Other information:
Their vase life range from 6 to 8 days
They are sensitive to ethylene
Botanical name: Sedum Spectabile
Recommended uses: Focal
Origin / Environment: Northern Asia, mainly China and Korea
Availability / Natural season: late summer, autumn
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select cut stems with florets that are beginning to open
Make sure leaves and stems are free of damage and spot
Care and conditioning:
Recut stems and place them in clean water with flower food
Remove leaves below the water line
Storage in not recommended
Other information:
Their vase life range from 6 to 8 days
They are sensitive to ethylene
Common name: Siam or Thai tulip
Botanical name: Curcuma cordata, C. alismatifolia and hybrids
Recommended uses: Focal or transitional
Origin / Environment: Native to Thailand, Laos, Myanmar (Burma) and Cambodia
Availability / Natural season: Summer to early autumn
Cost: $15 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for strong stems with well coloured bracts without any spots or discolouration on the flower spikes
The florets hidden among the bracts should have begun to open
Some cultivars have a natural brown coloration on the tips of the petal which is normal and does not affect their vase life
Care and conditioning:
Tropical care
Mist them often
Cut their stems and place them in fresh water frequently
Other information:
Their vase life is 6 to 10 days
Botanical name: Curcuma cordata, C. alismatifolia and hybrids
Recommended uses: Focal or transitional
Origin / Environment: Native to Thailand, Laos, Myanmar (Burma) and Cambodia
Availability / Natural season: Summer to early autumn
Cost: $15 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for strong stems with well coloured bracts without any spots or discolouration on the flower spikes
The florets hidden among the bracts should have begun to open
Some cultivars have a natural brown coloration on the tips of the petal which is normal and does not affect their vase life
Care and conditioning:
Tropical care
Mist them often
Cut their stems and place them in fresh water frequently
Other information:
Their vase life is 6 to 10 days
Common name: Vanda or Aranda orchid, Mokara orchid, Singapore orchid
Botanical name: Aranda hybrids (Vanda, Mokara, Aranthera, Arachnis hybrids)
Recommended uses:
Focal or transitional
They are very versatile
They are usually arranged in upright group placements in modern, tropical and contemporary designs
Recommended for wiring into wedding bouquets and accessories
Origin / Environment: Native to China, the Himalayas, Indonesia and northern Australia
Availability / Natural season: Year round
Cost: $4 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when the flowers are already open; flowers will continue to open but will not reach full size
Avoid bunches with lower flowers damaged, dropping or looking opaque and wilted (it indicates exposure to ethylene or low storage temperatures)
Care and conditioning:
Remove vials or cotton wool sachets, recut stems and place into fresh water with flower food
Other information:
They last from5 to 14 days
Botanical name: Aranda hybrids (Vanda, Mokara, Aranthera, Arachnis hybrids)
Recommended uses:
Focal or transitional
They are very versatile
They are usually arranged in upright group placements in modern, tropical and contemporary designs
Recommended for wiring into wedding bouquets and accessories
Origin / Environment: Native to China, the Himalayas, Indonesia and northern Australia
Availability / Natural season: Year round
Cost: $4 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when the flowers are already open; flowers will continue to open but will not reach full size
Avoid bunches with lower flowers damaged, dropping or looking opaque and wilted (it indicates exposure to ethylene or low storage temperatures)
Care and conditioning:
Remove vials or cotton wool sachets, recut stems and place into fresh water with flower food
Other information:
They last from5 to 14 days
Common name: Snapdragon
Botanical name: Antirrhinum majus hybrids and cvv.
Recommended uses: Line
Origin / Environment: Mediterranean region
Availability / Natural season:
The natural season is winter to spring, but greenhouse product are available almost all year round
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select strong, straight stems with strong flower spikes and at least one-third of the flowers open
Shake bunches to check that there are no flowers dropping as it is a sign of ethylene damage
Snapdragons produce ethylene, which will lead to flower drop, so ensure with your supplier that bunches have received anti-ethylene treatment
Care and conditioning:
Remove sleeve from flowers, recut and place in fresh water with flower food
Keep stems upright to prevent stem bending as it is irreversible
Frequent recutting of stems is needed
Remove 3–5 cm of the tip of the stem to help flower opening
Avoid removing too many leaves, as this will result in premature flower drop
Other information:
Vase life varies from 7 to 10 days
Botanical name: Antirrhinum majus hybrids and cvv.
Recommended uses: Line
Origin / Environment: Mediterranean region
Availability / Natural season:
The natural season is winter to spring, but greenhouse product are available almost all year round
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select strong, straight stems with strong flower spikes and at least one-third of the flowers open
Shake bunches to check that there are no flowers dropping as it is a sign of ethylene damage
Snapdragons produce ethylene, which will lead to flower drop, so ensure with your supplier that bunches have received anti-ethylene treatment
Care and conditioning:
Remove sleeve from flowers, recut and place in fresh water with flower food
Keep stems upright to prevent stem bending as it is irreversible
Frequent recutting of stems is needed
Remove 3–5 cm of the tip of the stem to help flower opening
Avoid removing too many leaves, as this will result in premature flower drop
Other information:
Vase life varies from 7 to 10 days
Common name: Statice, Limonium, Misty or Fairy statice, ‘Emile’
Botanical name: Limonium spp., incl. L. sinuatum, L. latifolium hybrids
Recommended uses:
Transitional
Suitable for bunches and bouquets
Suitable for small to large arrangements in either fresh water vases or floral foam
Origin / Environment: Mediterranean region
Availability / Natural season: Year round
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose bunches with more than half of the florets open
Avoid bunches with a bad odour
Check that the stems that are under water are green and fresh and free of Botrytis
Care and conditioning:
Do not leave bunches out of water
Avoid Leaves and stems that are yellowing
Check if they have been infected with botrytis. To minimise it, remove them from the sleeves and let the air circulate between the sleeves
Other information:
Their vase life is varied from 7 to 14 days
This flower can be dried by hanging the bunches upside down in a well ventilated area
Botanical name: Limonium spp., incl. L. sinuatum, L. latifolium hybrids
Recommended uses:
Transitional
Suitable for bunches and bouquets
Suitable for small to large arrangements in either fresh water vases or floral foam
Origin / Environment: Mediterranean region
Availability / Natural season: Year round
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose bunches with more than half of the florets open
Avoid bunches with a bad odour
Check that the stems that are under water are green and fresh and free of Botrytis
Care and conditioning:
Do not leave bunches out of water
Avoid Leaves and stems that are yellowing
Check if they have been infected with botrytis. To minimise it, remove them from the sleeves and let the air circulate between the sleeves
Other information:
Their vase life is varied from 7 to 14 days
This flower can be dried by hanging the bunches upside down in a well ventilated area
Common name: Stock
Botanical name: Matthiola incana and hybrids
Recommended uses:
Line and focal
The colour, strength and length of the stems and the beautiful fragrance of the stocks are used in presentation bunches and in large church and foyer arrangements
The individual florets can be wired for bridal bouquets and accessories
Origin / Environment: Mediterranean Europe
Availability / Natural season: Autumn, winter, spring
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select bunches with at least two-thirds of the lower flowers open
A good-quality stem should have 15–20 cm of florets along the spike
A sweet fragrance is a good sign of freshness
Buy only the freshest product and sell them quickly
Do not buy bunches with broken tips
Care and conditioning:
Cut the stems above the woody base with sharp secateur or a knife
To avoid smelly water in buckets and vases, add bleach to the water for at least the first hour, and then transfer stems to solution containing flower food
Recut and change the water every 2 days
Other information:
Loved for their spicy clove-like scent
Vase life: 5 to 7 days
The stems are strongly geotropic, so wrap them in paper and stand them upright to avoid the stems to curve
Botanical name: Matthiola incana and hybrids
Recommended uses:
Line and focal
The colour, strength and length of the stems and the beautiful fragrance of the stocks are used in presentation bunches and in large church and foyer arrangements
The individual florets can be wired for bridal bouquets and accessories
Origin / Environment: Mediterranean Europe
Availability / Natural season: Autumn, winter, spring
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select bunches with at least two-thirds of the lower flowers open
A good-quality stem should have 15–20 cm of florets along the spike
A sweet fragrance is a good sign of freshness
Buy only the freshest product and sell them quickly
Do not buy bunches with broken tips
Care and conditioning:
Cut the stems above the woody base with sharp secateur or a knife
To avoid smelly water in buckets and vases, add bleach to the water for at least the first hour, and then transfer stems to solution containing flower food
Recut and change the water every 2 days
Other information:
Loved for their spicy clove-like scent
Vase life: 5 to 7 days
The stems are strongly geotropic, so wrap them in paper and stand them upright to avoid the stems to curve
Common name: Sunflowers
Botanical name: Helianthus annuus
Recommended uses:
Focal
Can be wrapped as a single flower or used in large floral display
They are also used in rustic and contemporary style bunches and arrangements
Origin / Environment: Western parts of the United States
Availability / Natural season:
The natural season is summer to autumn, but greenhouse production extends the flowering season to almost all year
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when the flowers are half to fully open
Look for strong, straight, undamaged stems
Care and conditioning:
Strip the lower leaves as they wilt and dry first
Do not store or ship dry at any stage during transportation
Stems are prone to air embolisms, so recutting the stems frequently is very important
Place into fresh water with the correct amount of flower preservative
Other information:
The new cultivars are pollen-free
Their vase life varied from 7 to 10 days
Botanical name: Helianthus annuus
Recommended uses:
Focal
Can be wrapped as a single flower or used in large floral display
They are also used in rustic and contemporary style bunches and arrangements
Origin / Environment: Western parts of the United States
Availability / Natural season:
The natural season is summer to autumn, but greenhouse production extends the flowering season to almost all year
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when the flowers are half to fully open
Look for strong, straight, undamaged stems
Care and conditioning:
Strip the lower leaves as they wilt and dry first
Do not store or ship dry at any stage during transportation
Stems are prone to air embolisms, so recutting the stems frequently is very important
Place into fresh water with the correct amount of flower preservative
Other information:
The new cultivars are pollen-free
Their vase life varied from 7 to 10 days
Common name: Sweet pea
Botanical name: Lathyrus odoratus
Recommended uses:
Supporting focal and transitional
Beautiful in posies, or in a simple vase arrangement
Origin / Environment: Southern Italy including Sicily and Crete
Availability / Natural season:
Winter to spring
Greenhouse grown product extends the season
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when the top two or three buds are fully coloured and starting to open
A strong fragrance is a good sign of freshness but sweet peas grown out of season have a lesser fragrance
Gently shake bunches and avoid those with flower drop as it is a sign of ethylene damage
Purchase only from suppliers who can guarantee that flowers have been treated with an anti-ethylene agent
Care and conditioning:
Handle with great care to avoid breakage
Do not wet the flowers
Take care when separating them, as the tendrils become entangled
Short vase life, so sell quickly
Others information:
5–7 days vase life
Most sweet pea are edible but their seeds are poisonous
They have a sweet fragrance
Botanical name: Lathyrus odoratus
Recommended uses:
Supporting focal and transitional
Beautiful in posies, or in a simple vase arrangement
Origin / Environment: Southern Italy including Sicily and Crete
Availability / Natural season:
Winter to spring
Greenhouse grown product extends the season
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when the top two or three buds are fully coloured and starting to open
A strong fragrance is a good sign of freshness but sweet peas grown out of season have a lesser fragrance
Gently shake bunches and avoid those with flower drop as it is a sign of ethylene damage
Purchase only from suppliers who can guarantee that flowers have been treated with an anti-ethylene agent
Care and conditioning:
Handle with great care to avoid breakage
Do not wet the flowers
Take care when separating them, as the tendrils become entangled
Short vase life, so sell quickly
Others information:
5–7 days vase life
Most sweet pea are edible but their seeds are poisonous
They have a sweet fragrance
Common name: Thryptomene, Thryp
Botanical name: Thryptomene calycina
Recommended uses:
Transition
The flowering stems are commonly used for bunching or low placements in arrangements
Origin / Environment: south-west Victoria, Australia
Availability / Natural season: May to September
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when 50% to 80% of the flowers are open
Avoid bunches showing signs of leaf or petal drop as it is a sign of ethylene damage, overheating during transport, or insect or disease damage
Look for long stems densely covered with flowers
Sleeved bunches offer better protection against damage and drying out
Care and conditioning:
Similar postharvesthandling requirements to waxflower
Sensitive to drying out, so must be kept well hydrated throughout the marketing chain
Preservative is essential in order to open buds and maintain flowering
They should be misted
Other information:
Vase life: 7–14 days
Botanical name: Thryptomene calycina
Recommended uses:
Transition
The flowering stems are commonly used for bunching or low placements in arrangements
Origin / Environment: south-west Victoria, Australia
Availability / Natural season: May to September
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when 50% to 80% of the flowers are open
Avoid bunches showing signs of leaf or petal drop as it is a sign of ethylene damage, overheating during transport, or insect or disease damage
Look for long stems densely covered with flowers
Sleeved bunches offer better protection against damage and drying out
Care and conditioning:
Similar postharvesthandling requirements to waxflower
Sensitive to drying out, so must be kept well hydrated throughout the marketing chain
Preservative is essential in order to open buds and maintain flowering
They should be misted
Other information:
Vase life: 7–14 days
Common name: blue throatwort
Botanical name: Trachelium caeruleum
Recommended uses: transitional, perfect for solid bunches or bouquet
Origin / Environment: Western and Central Mediterranean region (Europe and North Africa)
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select stems with 30% to 50% of flowers open
Look for straight, sturdy stems
Make sure that the leaves are damage and disease free
Look for a uniformity in color
Care and conditioning:
Cut the stems and place them in water with flower food
They can be stored for few days
They can be air-dried but they usually lose their colour
Other information:
Their vase life range from 7 to 10 days
Botanical name: Trachelium caeruleum
Recommended uses: transitional, perfect for solid bunches or bouquet
Origin / Environment: Western and Central Mediterranean region (Europe and North Africa)
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select stems with 30% to 50% of flowers open
Look for straight, sturdy stems
Make sure that the leaves are damage and disease free
Look for a uniformity in color
Care and conditioning:
Cut the stems and place them in water with flower food
They can be stored for few days
They can be air-dried but they usually lose their colour
Other information:
Their vase life range from 7 to 10 days
Common name: Tulips
Botanical name: Tulipa spp., hybrids and cvv.
Recommended uses:
Focal
Tulips looks stunning when placed in a glass vase and allowed to follow their natural form
Origin / Environment: Middle East, Holland
Availability / Natural season:
The natural season is late winter to spring, but tulips grown out of season are available during autumn, winter and spring
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when buds are showing colour, as a rule, the upper half should be coloured and the rest green
Tulips not showing colour may not open
The stems must be strong enough to hold the flower head upright, and leaves must be glossy green
Do not buy tulips with yellow leaves—this is a sign of poor post harvest treatment, long-term storage or lack of nutrition
Care and conditioning:
Keep flowers cool at all times
Keep flowers upright and leave sleeves on during conditioning to avoid the stems to bend
Remove as much of the white section of the stem as possible to ensure water uptake
After conditioning, wrap bunches in paper to hold them upright and place them in water in a cool dark spot
Sometimes tulip stems collapse and turn mushy. This is called “stem topple” and is caused by a calcium deficiency because of
the cloudy growing conditions
Other information:
Their vase life range from 3–8 days depending on time of year, stage of harvest and cultivar
Tulips will bend towards light, so place them so they receive even lighting
Botanical name: Tulipa spp., hybrids and cvv.
Recommended uses:
Focal
Tulips looks stunning when placed in a glass vase and allowed to follow their natural form
Origin / Environment: Middle East, Holland
Availability / Natural season:
The natural season is late winter to spring, but tulips grown out of season are available during autumn, winter and spring
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when buds are showing colour, as a rule, the upper half should be coloured and the rest green
Tulips not showing colour may not open
The stems must be strong enough to hold the flower head upright, and leaves must be glossy green
Do not buy tulips with yellow leaves—this is a sign of poor post harvest treatment, long-term storage or lack of nutrition
Care and conditioning:
Keep flowers cool at all times
Keep flowers upright and leave sleeves on during conditioning to avoid the stems to bend
Remove as much of the white section of the stem as possible to ensure water uptake
After conditioning, wrap bunches in paper to hold them upright and place them in water in a cool dark spot
Sometimes tulip stems collapse and turn mushy. This is called “stem topple” and is caused by a calcium deficiency because of
the cloudy growing conditions
Other information:
Their vase life range from 3–8 days depending on time of year, stage of harvest and cultivar
Tulips will bend towards light, so place them so they receive even lighting
Common name: Water lily
Botanical name: Nymphaea
Recommended uses: Focal
Origin / Environment: Garden origin in all continents
Availability / Natural season: May to september
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select flower with petals free of black marks or blemishes and that are starting to open
Their stalks must be straight, sturdy and of good lenght
The flowers must be well formed and compact
Care and conditioning:
Keep the majority of the flower stalk in the water
Do not use any flower food
Change their water daily
Do not store them
Other information:
Their vase life range from 5 to 8 days
They are sensitive to ethylene
They have are scented
Botanical name: Nymphaea
Recommended uses: Focal
Origin / Environment: Garden origin in all continents
Availability / Natural season: May to september
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select flower with petals free of black marks or blemishes and that are starting to open
Their stalks must be straight, sturdy and of good lenght
The flowers must be well formed and compact
Care and conditioning:
Keep the majority of the flower stalk in the water
Do not use any flower food
Change their water daily
Do not store them
Other information:
Their vase life range from 5 to 8 days
They are sensitive to ethylene
They have are scented
Common name: Waxflower, Geraldton wax, Bud wax, Pearl flower (waxflower hybrids)
Botanical name: Chamelaucium uncinatum, C. megalopetalum Å~ C. uncinatum hybrids
Recommended uses:
Transitional and in grouped placements
Beautiful for hand-tied bunches and arrangements of any size
They can be used in any design where small, delicate flowers are needed
They can also be wired for wedding bouquets and accessories
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: Autumn to late spring
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose bunches with most of the flowers open
Avoid bunches which leaves and flowers drop when gently shaken
Avoid stems with few flower masses or with flowers that have closed up because vase life are short
Care and conditioning:
Recut stems and check water level frequently, as waxflowers absorb a lot of water
Keep flowers hydrated at all times to avoid the flowers and leaves to drop
Waxflowers are sensitive to ethylene so only buy them when they have received an anti-ethylene treatment
Other information:
Vase life: 7–12 days
Botanical name: Chamelaucium uncinatum, C. megalopetalum Å~ C. uncinatum hybrids
Recommended uses:
Transitional and in grouped placements
Beautiful for hand-tied bunches and arrangements of any size
They can be used in any design where small, delicate flowers are needed
They can also be wired for wedding bouquets and accessories
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: Autumn to late spring
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose bunches with most of the flowers open
Avoid bunches which leaves and flowers drop when gently shaken
Avoid stems with few flower masses or with flowers that have closed up because vase life are short
Care and conditioning:
Recut stems and check water level frequently, as waxflowers absorb a lot of water
Keep flowers hydrated at all times to avoid the flowers and leaves to drop
Waxflowers are sensitive to ethylene so only buy them when they have received an anti-ethylene treatment
Other information:
Vase life: 7–12 days
Common name: Zinnia
Botanical name: Zinnia elegans, Z. angustifolia
Recommended uses:
Focal–transitional
Use in bunches
Origin / Environment: Mexico
Availability / Natural season: Summer to autumn
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when the flowers have fully opened
Look for clean, well hydrated, disease-free leaves.
Care and conditioning:
Using flower foods can extend their vase life
Cut the stems and place them in clean water
Remove all the leaves below the water line
Other information:
Not suitable for floral foam
Vase life: 5–8 days
PLANTS
Botanical name: Zinnia elegans, Z. angustifolia
Recommended uses:
Focal–transitional
Use in bunches
Origin / Environment: Mexico
Availability / Natural season: Summer to autumn
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Buy when the flowers have fully opened
Look for clean, well hydrated, disease-free leaves.
Care and conditioning:
Using flower foods can extend their vase life
Cut the stems and place them in clean water
Remove all the leaves below the water line
Other information:
Not suitable for floral foam
Vase life: 5–8 days
PLANTS
Common name: Anthurium, Flamingo
Botanical name: Anthurium andreanum, A. scherzerianum and hybrids
Origin / Environment: The Netherlands and the United States
Availability / Natural season: Year round from locally grown and imported production
Cost: $13 a plant
Buying tips:
The spadix should have more than one-third of the tip smooth
The spathe should be smooth and undamaged
Avoid flowers with brown to black areas, as this indicates chilling injury
Care and conditioning:
Protect from cold draughts and direct heat
While Anthuriums are able to handle dryness around the root ball, they need to be watered thoroughly and allowed to dry slightly before watering again
Flowers bruise very easily
Mist regularly as they need high humidity but avoid spraying the flowers
Display them in bright light but not direct sunlight
Other information:
The leaves make excellent foliage, and flowering potted plants are available for indoor display
Botanical name: Anthurium andreanum, A. scherzerianum and hybrids
Origin / Environment: The Netherlands and the United States
Availability / Natural season: Year round from locally grown and imported production
Cost: $13 a plant
Buying tips:
The spadix should have more than one-third of the tip smooth
The spathe should be smooth and undamaged
Avoid flowers with brown to black areas, as this indicates chilling injury
Care and conditioning:
Protect from cold draughts and direct heat
While Anthuriums are able to handle dryness around the root ball, they need to be watered thoroughly and allowed to dry slightly before watering again
Flowers bruise very easily
Mist regularly as they need high humidity but avoid spraying the flowers
Display them in bright light but not direct sunlight
Other information:
The leaves make excellent foliage, and flowering potted plants are available for indoor display
Common name: African Violet
Botanical name: Saintpaulia ionantha
Origin / Environment: Tanzania (east Africa)
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $7 a plant
Buying tips:
Look for well-formed crown of flowers with five or more open
Only buy the plants with protective sleeves
Ensure the flowers and leaves are free of marks and damage
Care and conditioning:
The plants respond well to fluorescent lighting as it encourages flowering
Draughts will result in leaf drop as they are very delicate
Avoid water on the leaves as it blemishes and rot them
Avoid direct sunlight as it results in large brown mark on the leaves
Keep the soil moist at all time and maintain humidity by placing them on pebbles over a saucer of water
Regularly take away the old flowers and flower stalks
They do not store well
Other information:
Flowers are sensitive to ethylene
Great indoor plant
Botanical name: Saintpaulia ionantha
Origin / Environment: Tanzania (east Africa)
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $7 a plant
Buying tips:
Look for well-formed crown of flowers with five or more open
Only buy the plants with protective sleeves
Ensure the flowers and leaves are free of marks and damage
Care and conditioning:
The plants respond well to fluorescent lighting as it encourages flowering
Draughts will result in leaf drop as they are very delicate
Avoid water on the leaves as it blemishes and rot them
Avoid direct sunlight as it results in large brown mark on the leaves
Keep the soil moist at all time and maintain humidity by placing them on pebbles over a saucer of water
Regularly take away the old flowers and flower stalks
They do not store well
Other information:
Flowers are sensitive to ethylene
Great indoor plant
Common name: begonia, elatior begonia, winter-flowering begonia
Botanical name: begonia cultivars
Origin / Environment: garden hybrid
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $8.50 a plant
Buying tips:
Avoid mildew, reddening or darkening of leaves, yellow spots, stem that collapse as they are signs of poor cultivation
Care and conditioning:
Provide bright and natural light with ventilation
Remove regularly dead flowers and check for signs of mildew
Keep moist but do not over water
Other information:
They are sensitive to ethylene which causes the flower to drop
Botanical name: begonia cultivars
Origin / Environment: garden hybrid
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $8.50 a plant
Buying tips:
Avoid mildew, reddening or darkening of leaves, yellow spots, stem that collapse as they are signs of poor cultivation
Care and conditioning:
Provide bright and natural light with ventilation
Remove regularly dead flowers and check for signs of mildew
Keep moist but do not over water
Other information:
They are sensitive to ethylene which causes the flower to drop
Common name: Bonsai
Botanical name: Bonsai
Origin / Environment: Japan
Cost: $38 each
Buying tips:
Check for green leaves or needles (depending upon the time of year), stability in the pot and lack of pests
Leaves, fruit and flowers must be in scale with the final height
Care and conditioning:
Check your Bonsai carefully and water it once the soil gets slightly (but never completely) dry; it should always be damp
When watering, make sure the entire root mass is watered
Indoor trees should be placed in a warm environment, with lots of light (a window facing the south will provide a tree with enough light)
Outdoor trees (depending on species of trees) require lower temperatures and should be placed outside
Botanical name: Bonsai
Origin / Environment: Japan
Cost: $38 each
Buying tips:
Check for green leaves or needles (depending upon the time of year), stability in the pot and lack of pests
Leaves, fruit and flowers must be in scale with the final height
Care and conditioning:
Check your Bonsai carefully and water it once the soil gets slightly (but never completely) dry; it should always be damp
When watering, make sure the entire root mass is watered
Indoor trees should be placed in a warm environment, with lots of light (a window facing the south will provide a tree with enough light)
Outdoor trees (depending on species of trees) require lower temperatures and should be placed outside
Common name: Ornamental cabbage, ornamental kale
Botanical name: Brassica Oleracea
Origin / Environment: Garden origin. Western Europe
Availability / Natural season: Winter
Cost: $10 a plant
Buying tips:
Look for sturdy, straight stems
Look for heads that are compact and bright in colour
Check that the leaves have no pest damage or yellowing
Care and conditioning:
Display the pot in cool and bright area
Keep them moist but do not overwater them
Other information:
Most heads have a distinct "cabbage" scent
Botanical name: Brassica Oleracea
Origin / Environment: Garden origin. Western Europe
Availability / Natural season: Winter
Cost: $10 a plant
Buying tips:
Look for sturdy, straight stems
Look for heads that are compact and bright in colour
Check that the leaves have no pest damage or yellowing
Care and conditioning:
Display the pot in cool and bright area
Keep them moist but do not overwater them
Other information:
Most heads have a distinct "cabbage" scent
Common name: Bromeliads
Botanical name: Bromeliads
Origin / Environment: South America, Western Africa
Availability / Natural season: all year
Cost: $18 a plant
Buying tips:
Check the soil in the container, it should be moist at all times
Choose stiff and bright green
Plant pests can increase rapidly in greenhouse and nursery settings, make sure that your bromeliad is free of bugs or there is a risk of spreading an infestation to other plants
Care and conditioning:
Provide bright light without direct sun exposure
Maintain optimal humidity
Keep air flowing around the plants
Make sure the plants stay moist but not soggy
Provide adequate drainage
Fertilize sparingly
Botanical name: Bromeliads
Origin / Environment: South America, Western Africa
Availability / Natural season: all year
Cost: $18 a plant
Buying tips:
Check the soil in the container, it should be moist at all times
Choose stiff and bright green
Plant pests can increase rapidly in greenhouse and nursery settings, make sure that your bromeliad is free of bugs or there is a risk of spreading an infestation to other plants
Care and conditioning:
Provide bright light without direct sun exposure
Maintain optimal humidity
Keep air flowing around the plants
Make sure the plants stay moist but not soggy
Provide adequate drainage
Fertilize sparingly
Common name: Cacti
Botanical name: Cacti
Origin / Environment: Mexico, Chile, Brazil, northern Africa, Sicily
Cost: $10 each
Buying tips:
Check that the plant is healthy and hasn't suffered damage
The spines of the cactus should not be broken
Its flesh shouldn't be soft or bruised, which are signs of rot or other damage. Rot occurs when the plant is over-watered
Care and conditioning:
Light: These plants like bright, but not direct, sunlight. Place them outside during summer
Temperature: During their growing season, they have a wide range, from 55ºF to 70ºF. During the rest period, a colder spell of 50ºF is essential
Water: Water as a normal houseplant during summer and when the buds begin to show. During the resting period, only water when the soil is dry
Fertiliser: Fertilse during the growing season with a standard fertiliser but reduce fertiliser during the growing season
Botanical name: Cacti
Origin / Environment: Mexico, Chile, Brazil, northern Africa, Sicily
Cost: $10 each
Buying tips:
Check that the plant is healthy and hasn't suffered damage
The spines of the cactus should not be broken
Its flesh shouldn't be soft or bruised, which are signs of rot or other damage. Rot occurs when the plant is over-watered
Care and conditioning:
Light: These plants like bright, but not direct, sunlight. Place them outside during summer
Temperature: During their growing season, they have a wide range, from 55ºF to 70ºF. During the rest period, a colder spell of 50ºF is essential
Water: Water as a normal houseplant during summer and when the buds begin to show. During the resting period, only water when the soil is dry
Fertiliser: Fertilse during the growing season with a standard fertiliser but reduce fertiliser during the growing season
Common name: Christmas tree
Botanical name: Christmas tree
Availability / Natural season: November - December
Cost: $50 each
Buying tips:
Perform the "drop test" by raising the Christmas tree a few inches and drop on its butt end; green needles should not drop off
The needles should be resilient
Look for lush, green leaves
Care and conditioning:
Keep the ball moist throughout and wrap in plastic or place in a tub
Don't remove any soil while in the house
Limit inside stay from 3 to 10 days
Gradually remove the tree outside
Botanical name: Christmas tree
Availability / Natural season: November - December
Cost: $50 each
Buying tips:
Perform the "drop test" by raising the Christmas tree a few inches and drop on its butt end; green needles should not drop off
The needles should be resilient
Look for lush, green leaves
Keep the ball moist throughout and wrap in plastic or place in a tub
Don't remove any soil while in the house
Limit inside stay from 3 to 10 days
Gradually remove the tree outside
Common name: Cymbidium, cymbidium orchid
Botanical name: Cymbidium cultivars
Origin / Environment: tropical Asia to Australia
Cost: $38 each
Buying tips:
Select spikes with 1 to 4 open flowers
Make sure that the pollinia have not been damaged otherwise the flowers will damage quickly
Ensure the petals do not have marks or bruises
Care and conditioning:
Display potted flowers in a bright, cool area, away from draughts
Keep them moist and do not overwater them
Have your orchid in shade for the spring/summer period and move it into a bit more light for late summer and autumn
Other information:
Vase life of a potted flowers varies from 2 to 5 weeks
Botanical name: Cymbidium cultivars
Origin / Environment: tropical Asia to Australia
Cost: $38 each
Buying tips:
Select spikes with 1 to 4 open flowers
Make sure that the pollinia have not been damaged otherwise the flowers will damage quickly
Ensure the petals do not have marks or bruises
Care and conditioning:
Display potted flowers in a bright, cool area, away from draughts
Keep them moist and do not overwater them
Have your orchid in shade for the spring/summer period and move it into a bit more light for late summer and autumn
Other information:
Vase life of a potted flowers varies from 2 to 5 weeks
Common name: slipper flower, florist' s calceolaria, pocketbook plant, dutch purse
Botanical name: Calceolaria herbeohybrida
Origin / Environment: tropical America
Cost: $10 a plant
Buying tips:
Select compact, well formed plants with even growth with 4 to 8 flowers open
Ensure the leaves have an even green colour and are not deformed
Care and conditioning:
Handle the flowers with care as they are easily damaged
Display them in bright light but avoid direct sunlight
Good air circulation is needed as they are prone to fungal disease
Keep the plant moist but not wet
Do not get water on the leaves and flowers as it damages them
Remove dead flowers and leaves regularly
Other information:
Plants are sensitive to several fungal diseases
Plants flower up 2 to 3 months
They are sensitive to ethylene
Botanical name: Calceolaria herbeohybrida
Origin / Environment: tropical America
Cost: $10 a plant
Buying tips:
Select compact, well formed plants with even growth with 4 to 8 flowers open
Ensure the leaves have an even green colour and are not deformed
Care and conditioning:
Handle the flowers with care as they are easily damaged
Display them in bright light but avoid direct sunlight
Good air circulation is needed as they are prone to fungal disease
Keep the plant moist but not wet
Do not get water on the leaves and flowers as it damages them
Remove dead flowers and leaves regularly
Other information:
Plants are sensitive to several fungal diseases
Plants flower up 2 to 3 months
They are sensitive to ethylene
Common name: Fragrant dracaena
Botanical name: Dracaena fragrans
Origin / Environment: Africa
Cost: $15 each
Buying tips:
Select fully mature leaves and well developed pot plants
Look for a foliage that has a lively green colour, free of blemishes, brown or dead tips
Care and conditioning:
Make sure to mist the foliage
Water them but not heavily
Botanical name: Dracaena fragrans
Origin / Environment: Africa
Cost: $15 each
Buying tips:
Select fully mature leaves and well developed pot plants
Look for a foliage that has a lively green colour, free of blemishes, brown or dead tips
Care and conditioning:
Make sure to mist the foliage
Water them but not heavily
Common name: Flaming katy, tom thumb
Botanical name: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Origin / Environment: Madagascar
Availability / Natural season: all year
Cost: $4
Buying tips:
Select compact plants with a good mass of flowers, 30% to 50% should be open
Look for dark leaves and uniformly green
Avoid red leaves as it is a sign of stress
Care and conditioning:
Unsleeve them and put them in a bright, well ventilated area
Keep them away from ethylene source
Wait for the plant to dry out slightly before watering
Removes dead flowers and leaves constantly
Botanical name: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Origin / Environment: Madagascar
Availability / Natural season: all year
Cost: $4
Buying tips:
Select compact plants with a good mass of flowers, 30% to 50% should be open
Look for dark leaves and uniformly green
Avoid red leaves as it is a sign of stress
Care and conditioning:
Unsleeve them and put them in a bright, well ventilated area
Keep them away from ethylene source
Wait for the plant to dry out slightly before watering
Removes dead flowers and leaves constantly
Common name: Lucky bamboo
Botanical name: Lucky bamboo
Origin / Environment: Southeast Asia
Cost: $25
Buying tips:
Look for strong, sturdy stems
The leaves should be uniformly green
Avoid plants that are yellowing, have marks on them
Care and conditioning:
Avoid too much sunlight as it needs very little sunlight to thrive
Lucky Bamboo must be kept moist all the time in few inches of fresh, or filtered water
Botanical name: Lucky bamboo
Origin / Environment: Southeast Asia
Cost: $25
Buying tips:
Look for strong, sturdy stems
The leaves should be uniformly green
Avoid plants that are yellowing, have marks on them
Care and conditioning:
Avoid too much sunlight as it needs very little sunlight to thrive
Lucky Bamboo must be kept moist all the time in few inches of fresh, or filtered water
Common name: Sentry Palm
Botanical name: Howea Belmoreana
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: all year
Cost: $20 each
Buying tips:
Look for an uniform green leaves color
The stems should be strong and sturdy
Avoid any plants that are yellowing or with marks or pests on them
Care and conditioning:
Keep them at room temperature
Indirect light is advisable
Water when the soil begins to lose its moisture and use a good drainage pot for the plant to grow in
Fertilise them every month from spring to summer with a general or palm fertiliser
Botanical name: Howea Belmoreana
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: all year
Cost: $20 each
Buying tips:
Look for an uniform green leaves color
The stems should be strong and sturdy
Avoid any plants that are yellowing or with marks or pests on them
Care and conditioning:
Keep them at room temperature
Indirect light is advisable
Water when the soil begins to lose its moisture and use a good drainage pot for the plant to grow in
Fertilise them every month from spring to summer with a general or palm fertiliser
Common name: moth orchid, dove orchid
Botanical name: Phalaenopsis cultivars
Origin / Environment: Asia to northern Australia
Availability / Natural season: nearly all year
Cost: $22 a plant
Buying tips:
Look for well-formed flowers with no bruising or brown edges
The leaves should be dark green with sturdy, plenty of blooms spikes
Care and conditioning:
Display in medium light away from fruit and draught
Feed them weekly
Keep them regularly moist and mist
Botanical name: Phalaenopsis cultivars
Origin / Environment: Asia to northern Australia
Availability / Natural season: nearly all year
Cost: $22 a plant
Buying tips:
Look for well-formed flowers with no bruising or brown edges
The leaves should be dark green with sturdy, plenty of blooms spikes
Care and conditioning:
Display in medium light away from fruit and draught
Feed them weekly
Keep them regularly moist and mist
Common name: Poinsettia, Christmas rose
Botanical name: Euphorbia pulcherrima
Origin / Environment: Mexico
Availability / Natural season: November - december
Cost: $15 each
Buying tips:
Select compact plant with well-formed and bright flowers that are free of bruises or disease
Make sure the leaves are uniformly green and bright
Buy only plants with pollen appearing on the flowers
Care and conditioning:
Unsleeve the plant
Display in maximum natural light but out of direct sunlight and draught
Water them when slightly dry out
Do not let the plant sit in water
Botanical name: Euphorbia pulcherrima
Origin / Environment: Mexico
Availability / Natural season: November - december
Cost: $15 each
Buying tips:
Select compact plant with well-formed and bright flowers that are free of bruises or disease
Make sure the leaves are uniformly green and bright
Buy only plants with pollen appearing on the flowers
Care and conditioning:
Unsleeve the plant
Display in maximum natural light but out of direct sunlight and draught
Water them when slightly dry out
Do not let the plant sit in water
Common name: Peace lily
Botanical name: Spathiphyllum wallisii
Origin / Environment: Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia
Cost: $15 each
Buying tips:
Check that the leaves are well-formed and uniformly glossy green
Choose compact plants with straight and sturdy stems with a good number of flowers
Care and conditioning:
Unpack and water the plants on arrival
Display in bright light but not direct sunlight
Place the pot on pebbles in a water filled tray
Protect from draught
Botanical name: Spathiphyllum wallisii
Origin / Environment: Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia
Cost: $15 each
Buying tips:
Check that the leaves are well-formed and uniformly glossy green
Choose compact plants with straight and sturdy stems with a good number of flowers
Care and conditioning:
Unpack and water the plants on arrival
Display in bright light but not direct sunlight
Place the pot on pebbles in a water filled tray
Protect from draught
Common name: Succulent
Botanical name: Succulent
Availability / Natural season: all year depend on the species
Cost: $10
Buying tips:
Look for strong, sturdy, uniform colour for the leaves
Avoid plants with spots, bruises or broken leaves
Care and conditioning:
Succulents like sunny location, but partial shade is fine
The plants require sandy soil which drains well and limited amounts of water
Re-pot succulents every 3 to 4 years into a pot which is a bit bigger
During the summer, adding fertiliser once a month
The ideal temperature during the winter is between 10 and 15°C
Botanical name: Succulent
Availability / Natural season: all year depend on the species
Cost: $10
Buying tips:
Look for strong, sturdy, uniform colour for the leaves
Avoid plants with spots, bruises or broken leaves
Care and conditioning:
Succulents like sunny location, but partial shade is fine
The plants require sandy soil which drains well and limited amounts of water
Re-pot succulents every 3 to 4 years into a pot which is a bit bigger
During the summer, adding fertiliser once a month
The ideal temperature during the winter is between 10 and 15°C
Common name: Spanish bayonet, dagger plant
Botanical name: Yucca aloifolia
Origin / Environment: South-eastern United States and the West Indies
Availability / Natural season:
Cost: $20 each
Buying tips:
Leaves should be uniformly green and vivid
Choose mature leaves that are free of marks, yellowing, pests, diseases or bruises
Care and conditioning:
Leaves are sharp so handle them with care
Display in cool area
Water regularly
FOLIAGES
Botanical name: Yucca aloifolia
Origin / Environment: South-eastern United States and the West Indies
Availability / Natural season:
Cost: $20 each
Buying tips:
Leaves should be uniformly green and vivid
Choose mature leaves that are free of marks, yellowing, pests, diseases or bruises
Care and conditioning:
Leaves are sharp so handle them with care
Display in cool area
Water regularly
FOLIAGES
Common name: boxwood, common box
Botanical name: Buxus sempervirens
Recommended uses: filler
Origin / Environment: Southern Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Cost: $3 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose stems with clean, spotless and disease free leaves
Ensure that the leaves are uniformly green, lush not yellow
Choose stems that are well branched and not too thick and woody
Care and conditioning:
Recut stems by 25-50mm
Remove foliage below the water lines
Be careful of the sap when handling
Preserve in a solution that contains bactericide
Other information:
They are also popularly used as a hedge plant
Botanical name: Buxus sempervirens
Recommended uses: filler
Origin / Environment: Southern Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Cost: $3 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose stems with clean, spotless and disease free leaves
Ensure that the leaves are uniformly green, lush not yellow
Choose stems that are well branched and not too thick and woody
Care and conditioning:
Recut stems by 25-50mm
Remove foliage below the water lines
Be careful of the sap when handling
Preserve in a solution that contains bactericide
Other information:
They are also popularly used as a hedge plant
Common name: Camellia
Botanical name: Camellia japonica, C. sasanqua
Recommended uses:
It is used for structure and focal support, especially for wedding bouquets, accessories and arrangements
The smaller leaves and are usually used for corsages, bunching and bowl arrangements
Origin / Environment: Japan, Korea, China
Availability / Natural season: all year round, except in spring
Cost: $7 a bunch
Buying tips:
Check for clean, undamaged, uniform dark green leaves
Look for stems that are not too thick or woody
Care and conditioning:
Avoid crushing the leaves when placing in buckets, as every undamaged leaf is useful
Cut the stems and place in fresh clean water with a preservative containing an anti-ethylene agent
Mist them frequently
Botanical name: Camellia japonica, C. sasanqua
Recommended uses:
It is used for structure and focal support, especially for wedding bouquets, accessories and arrangements
The smaller leaves and are usually used for corsages, bunching and bowl arrangements
Origin / Environment: Japan, Korea, China
Availability / Natural season: all year round, except in spring
Cost: $7 a bunch
Buying tips:
Check for clean, undamaged, uniform dark green leaves
Look for stems that are not too thick or woody
Care and conditioning:
Avoid crushing the leaves when placing in buckets, as every undamaged leaf is useful
Cut the stems and place in fresh clean water with a preservative containing an anti-ethylene agent
Mist them frequently
Common name: Cordyline, Ti
Botanical name: Cordyline fruticosa (syn. C. terminalis) and cvv.
Recommended uses:
Grouped for contemporary designs
Folded for bouquets and arrangements
Used to decorate different vases to hide the stems of an arrangements or for decorative purpose
Origin / Environment: East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Polynesia, Hawai
Availability / Natural season: all year round from local and imported product
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for clean, undamaged leaves
Avoid leaves with brown marks, which indicate cold damage or old product
Stems held for too long will appear slimy and darkened
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stems and place them in clean water
Use the foliage as soon as possible
Wipe leaves clean before using them
They do not dry well
Botanical name: Cordyline fruticosa (syn. C. terminalis) and cvv.
Recommended uses:
Grouped for contemporary designs
Folded for bouquets and arrangements
Used to decorate different vases to hide the stems of an arrangements or for decorative purpose
Origin / Environment: East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Polynesia, Hawai
Availability / Natural season: all year round from local and imported product
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for clean, undamaged leaves
Avoid leaves with brown marks, which indicate cold damage or old product
Stems held for too long will appear slimy and darkened
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stems and place them in clean water
Use the foliage as soon as possible
Wipe leaves clean before using them
They do not dry well
Common name: dusty miller
Botanical name: Senecio cineraria
Recommended uses: Usually used for bridal bouquet, posies, wiring work
Availability / Natural season: mid-summer
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Make sure the leaves are free of handling damages, pest free an firm
Look for a uniform silver color
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stems and place them in clean water
Botanical name: Senecio cineraria
Recommended uses: Usually used for bridal bouquet, posies, wiring work
Availability / Natural season: mid-summer
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Make sure the leaves are free of handling damages, pest free an firm
Look for a uniform silver color
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stems and place them in clean water
Common name: Emu grass
Botanical name: emu grass
Recommended uses: filler, contemporary design
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $6
Buying tips:
Look for strong stem
The leaves should not fall and be of a uniform colour
Care and conditioning:
Cut stems and place them in clean water
Remove the leaves below the water line
Botanical name: emu grass
Recommended uses: filler, contemporary design
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $6
Buying tips:
Look for strong stem
The leaves should not fall and be of a uniform colour
Care and conditioning:
Cut stems and place them in clean water
Remove the leaves below the water line
Common name: Eucalyptus, Gum, Silver dollar gum, Argyle apple (E. cinerea), Gumnuts (E. globulus), Cider gum (E. gunnii), Baby blue gum (E. pulverulenta), Tetragona nuts, Tetra nuts (E. tetragona)
Botanical name: Eucalyptus spp. (Cf in the brackets up)
Recommended uses:
Filler
Used in modern and contemporary designs
Gumnuts are used for a lots of design styles, including bunches, bowl arrangements and wiring
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: Year round, with different peak seasons for different species
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose bunches with clean, undamaged, insect-free foliage
Avoid bunches with soft tips and lack of uniformity in colour and quality
Dark slimy stems indicate that the product has been stored for too long
Care and conditioning:
Cut the stems and place in fresh clean water
Botanical name: Eucalyptus spp. (Cf in the brackets up)
Recommended uses:
Filler
Used in modern and contemporary designs
Gumnuts are used for a lots of design styles, including bunches, bowl arrangements and wiring
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: Year round, with different peak seasons for different species
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose bunches with clean, undamaged, insect-free foliage
Avoid bunches with soft tips and lack of uniformity in colour and quality
Dark slimy stems indicate that the product has been stored for too long
Care and conditioning:
Cut the stems and place in fresh clean water
Common name: Fatsia, Aralia
Botanical name: Fatsia japonica (syn. Aralia japonica)
Recommended uses:
Grouping and layering in contemporary designs and large arrangments
Small and medium-sized leaves are used for surrounding handtied posies or bouquet
Origin / Environment: South Korea, Japan
Availability / Natural season: all year round, though may be scarce in winter to spring
Cost: $15 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for clean, undamaged, rich green leaves
Avoid immature leaves as they have a poor vase life and will dry and wilt in a very short time
Care and conditioning:
Place in fresh clean water and recut the stems
Botanical name: Fatsia japonica (syn. Aralia japonica)
Recommended uses:
Grouping and layering in contemporary designs and large arrangments
Small and medium-sized leaves are used for surrounding handtied posies or bouquet
Origin / Environment: South Korea, Japan
Availability / Natural season: all year round, though may be scarce in winter to spring
Cost: $15 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for clean, undamaged, rich green leaves
Avoid immature leaves as they have a poor vase life and will dry and wilt in a very short time
Care and conditioning:
Place in fresh clean water and recut the stems
Common name: Doryanthes, Gymea lily, Giant lily leaves
Botanical name: Doryanthes excelsa
Recommended uses:
Line and form
The leaves are used for height, backing and focal foliage
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose crisp, medium to dark green leaves
Avoid leaves with blemishes that curl
Avoid dull or wilted leaves
Care and conditioning:
Put in fresh clean water
Botanical name: Doryanthes excelsa
Recommended uses:
Line and form
The leaves are used for height, backing and focal foliage
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose crisp, medium to dark green leaves
Avoid leaves with blemishes that curl
Avoid dull or wilted leaves
Care and conditioning:
Put in fresh clean water
Common name: Plaintain lily
Botanical name: Hosta sieboldiana
Origin / Environment: Asia (Japan, China and Korea)
Cost: $15
Buying tips:
Select well-formed, mature leaves,
Leaves should have no marks, with no brown tips
The leaf stalks should be sturdy
Care and conditioning:
Recut the leaves and put them in water with preservative
Botanical name: Hosta sieboldiana
Origin / Environment: Asia (Japan, China and Korea)
Cost: $15
Buying tips:
Select well-formed, mature leaves,
Leaves should have no marks, with no brown tips
The leaf stalks should be sturdy
Care and conditioning:
Recut the leaves and put them in water with preservative
Common name: Ivy, English ivy, Ivy trails, Needlepoint ivy, Bush ivy, Ivy leaves
Botanical name: Hedera helix, H. canariensis
Recommended uses:
Trailing lines in wedding bouquets and arrangements
Can be formed into a ring to decorate a base for a hand-tied natural-stem posy or a table decoration
The individual leaves are used for boutonnières, corsages, bouquets, cake decorations etc
Origin / Environment: Europe, Northern Africa, Western Asia
Availability / Natural season: Almost year round, but good quality product is scarce in spring
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for clean, undamaged trails, and strong tips and leaves
Care and conditioning:
Put them in fresh, clean water
Botanical name: Hedera helix, H. canariensis
Recommended uses:
Trailing lines in wedding bouquets and arrangements
Can be formed into a ring to decorate a base for a hand-tied natural-stem posy or a table decoration
The individual leaves are used for boutonnières, corsages, bouquets, cake decorations etc
Origin / Environment: Europe, Northern Africa, Western Asia
Availability / Natural season: Almost year round, but good quality product is scarce in spring
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for clean, undamaged trails, and strong tips and leaves
Care and conditioning:
Put them in fresh, clean water
Common name: Leather fern, Leather leaf
Botanical name: Rumohra adiantiformis
Recommended uses:
Used as greening in wreath bases, large and small arrangements, recessing and wiring
Every part of the leaf can be useful
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: all year around
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose strong, green, undamaged leaves
Avoid bunches of pale, drying leaves as it indicates that they have been picked too early or kept for too long
Care and conditioning:
Keep them hydrated all the time
Use or sell as quickly as possible
Recut stems and place them in fresh clean water
Other information:
Their vase life range from 7 to 10 days
Botanical name: Rumohra adiantiformis
Recommended uses:
Used as greening in wreath bases, large and small arrangements, recessing and wiring
Every part of the leaf can be useful
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: all year around
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose strong, green, undamaged leaves
Avoid bunches of pale, drying leaves as it indicates that they have been picked too early or kept for too long
Care and conditioning:
Keep them hydrated all the time
Use or sell as quickly as possible
Recut stems and place them in fresh clean water
Other information:
Their vase life range from 7 to 10 days
Common name: Magnolia, ‘Little Gem’
Botanical name: Magnolia grandiflora, ‘Little Gem’, ‘Exmouth’, ‘Teddy Bear’
Recommended uses:
Used when large foliage materials are needed, especially mixed with proteas, liliums and any large, dominant flower in modern and contemporary bunches and arrangements
Origin / Environment: parts of Mexico, Central America, South America as well as parts of Asia
Availability / Natural season: All year round but they will be scarce in late spring to early summer
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for clean, undamaged, insect-free foliage showing good colour and hardened-off leaves
Care and conditioning: Place in fresh clean water
Other information: Their vase life range from 14–20 days
Botanical name: Magnolia grandiflora, ‘Little Gem’, ‘Exmouth’, ‘Teddy Bear’
Recommended uses:
Used when large foliage materials are needed, especially mixed with proteas, liliums and any large, dominant flower in modern and contemporary bunches and arrangements
Origin / Environment: parts of Mexico, Central America, South America as well as parts of Asia
Availability / Natural season: All year round but they will be scarce in late spring to early summer
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for clean, undamaged, insect-free foliage showing good colour and hardened-off leaves
Care and conditioning: Place in fresh clean water
Other information: Their vase life range from 14–20 days
Common name: Asparagus fern, lace fern, plumosa, ming fern
Botanical name: Asparagus setaceus
Recommended uses: filler, great for wiring work
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season:
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose sturdy stems that are long and well-branched
Look for a healthy green uniform colour
Care and conditioning:
Leave the foliage in its box or bag and open the top
Store them in high humidity
Recut stem and place them in flower food
Botanical name: Asparagus setaceus
Recommended uses: filler, great for wiring work
Origin / Environment: South Africa
Availability / Natural season:
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose sturdy stems that are long and well-branched
Look for a healthy green uniform colour
Care and conditioning:
Leave the foliage in its box or bag and open the top
Store them in high humidity
Recut stem and place them in flower food
Common name: Monstera, Swiss cheese plant
Botanical name: Monstera deliciosa
Recommended uses:
Usually used at the base of large-scale and pedestal arrangements
Smaller leaves are used as a collar for hand-tied bunches in modern design
Origin / Environment: Mexico to Panama
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for clean, undamaged leaves
Avoid leaves that are yellow or brown, as this indicates poor storage or being kept for too long
Care and conditioning:
Handle with care
Cut the stems and place them in fresh water
Other information: their vase life range from 10 to 15 days
Botanical name: Monstera deliciosa
Recommended uses:
Usually used at the base of large-scale and pedestal arrangements
Smaller leaves are used as a collar for hand-tied bunches in modern design
Origin / Environment: Mexico to Panama
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $10 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for clean, undamaged leaves
Avoid leaves that are yellow or brown, as this indicates poor storage or being kept for too long
Care and conditioning:
Handle with care
Cut the stems and place them in fresh water
Other information: their vase life range from 10 to 15 days
Common name: Myrtle
Botanical name: Myrtus communis
Origin / Environment: Mediterranean region and southern Asia
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose young stems that are well branched and not too woody
Look for healthy green foliage that are free of marks, pests damage
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stems and place them in fresh water
Remove any leaves below the water line
Add some flower preservative or bactericide to the water
Other information:
Stems have a lemon fragrance when cut
Their vase life range from 7 to 14 days
Botanical name: Myrtus communis
Origin / Environment: Mediterranean region and southern Asia
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Choose young stems that are well branched and not too woody
Look for healthy green foliage that are free of marks, pests damage
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stems and place them in fresh water
Remove any leaves below the water line
Add some flower preservative or bactericide to the water
Other information:
Stems have a lemon fragrance when cut
Their vase life range from 7 to 14 days
Common name: New Zealand flax, New Zealand hemp
Botanical name: Phormium tenax
Recommended uses:
They are used as backing for tall, large scale arrangements
Origin / Environment: New Zealand
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $10 A bunch
Buying tips:
Choose leaves that are bright and even
Ensure that the leaves are healthy with no dry or discoloured tips
Ensure that they don't have any marks
Care and conditioning:
The leaves do no need to be recut or put in a preservative, they can be store dry
Loosen the bunches to make sure they get ventilted
Other information: Their vase life range from 21 to 28 days
Botanical name: Phormium tenax
Recommended uses:
They are used as backing for tall, large scale arrangements
Origin / Environment: New Zealand
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $10 A bunch
Buying tips:
Choose leaves that are bright and even
Ensure that the leaves are healthy with no dry or discoloured tips
Ensure that they don't have any marks
Care and conditioning:
The leaves do no need to be recut or put in a preservative, they can be store dry
Loosen the bunches to make sure they get ventilted
Other information: Their vase life range from 21 to 28 days
Common name: Philodendron, spit-leaf philodendron
Botanical name: Philodendron pinnatifidum
Recommended uses: They are used as base to emphasise an arrangement
Origin / Environment: Central and South America
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select leaves with a deep, uniform , green colour
Ensure leaves are free of marks and disease
Look for sturdy stems for large leave
Care and conditioning:
Recut and place them in fresh water with a bactericide
Display in cool places
Other information:
Their vase life range from 7 to 14 days
Botanical name: Philodendron pinnatifidum
Recommended uses: They are used as base to emphasise an arrangement
Origin / Environment: Central and South America
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $8 a bunch
Buying tips:
Select leaves with a deep, uniform , green colour
Ensure leaves are free of marks and disease
Look for sturdy stems for large leave
Care and conditioning:
Recut and place them in fresh water with a bactericide
Display in cool places
Other information:
Their vase life range from 7 to 14 days
Common name: Rhapis palm, Lady palm
Botanical name: Rhapis excelsa
Recommended uses:
Used in large modern pedestal arrangements, corporate designs and hand-tied bunches
Origin / Environment: tropical
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for deep uniform, green, well hydrated leaves
Avoid dry leaves, which indicate they have been stored too long, stored at low temperatures or kept out of water
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stems and place them in water
Keep them hydrated all the time
Other information: Vase life: 7 to 10 days
Botanical name: Rhapis excelsa
Recommended uses:
Used in large modern pedestal arrangements, corporate designs and hand-tied bunches
Origin / Environment: tropical
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $6 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for deep uniform, green, well hydrated leaves
Avoid dry leaves, which indicate they have been stored too long, stored at low temperatures or kept out of water
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stems and place them in water
Keep them hydrated all the time
Other information: Vase life: 7 to 10 days
Common name: Spear grass, Steel grass, Grass tree
Botanical name: Xanthorrhoea
Recommended uses:
Line emphasis in hand-tied bunches or arrangements
Can be curved or bent to change its form, but may also break easily so handle with care
Threaded with small blooms such as hyacinths, or berries to create an interest
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: All year round
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for undamaged, marks and insect free bunches
Care and conditioning:
Recut stems and put in fresh water
Handle with care as they snap easily
Other information: They can be keep for up to 30 days
Botanical name: Xanthorrhoea
Recommended uses:
Line emphasis in hand-tied bunches or arrangements
Can be curved or bent to change its form, but may also break easily so handle with care
Threaded with small blooms such as hyacinths, or berries to create an interest
Origin / Environment: Australia
Availability / Natural season: All year round
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for undamaged, marks and insect free bunches
Care and conditioning:
Recut stems and put in fresh water
Handle with care as they snap easily
Other information: They can be keep for up to 30 days
Common name: Xanadu
Botanical name: Philodendron ‘Xanadu’
Recommended uses:
Used in modern, contemporary designs and linear and layered arrangements and bouquets
Origin / Environment: tropical
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for dark, glossy green leaves without insect or handling damage and marks
Choose leaves that have been hardened off
Care and conditioning:
Recut stems and place them in fresh water
Hydrate them at all times
Other information: They can be kept from 10 to 14 days
OTHERS
Botanical name: Philodendron ‘Xanadu’
Recommended uses:
Used in modern, contemporary designs and linear and layered arrangements and bouquets
Origin / Environment: tropical
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $5 a bunch
Buying tips:
Look for dark, glossy green leaves without insect or handling damage and marks
Choose leaves that have been hardened off
Care and conditioning:
Recut stems and place them in fresh water
Hydrate them at all times
Other information: They can be kept from 10 to 14 days
OTHERS
Common name: husks
Botanical name: husks
Recommended uses:
Used as backing or base for arrangements
Availability / Natural season: all year long
Cost: $10
Care and conditioning: wipe them with a sponge to keep them clean before usage
Botanical name: husks
Recommended uses:
Used as backing or base for arrangements
Availability / Natural season: all year long
Cost: $10
Care and conditioning: wipe them with a sponge to keep them clean before usage
Common name: moss
Botanical name: moss
Recommended uses:
They are used in arrangements to cover the base or plants such as the Phalaenopsis Orchid
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $18
Buying tips: Check for a uniform green colour
Care and conditioning: Mist them regularly so they do not dry out
Botanical name: moss
Recommended uses:
They are used in arrangements to cover the base or plants such as the Phalaenopsis Orchid
Availability / Natural season: all year round
Cost: $18
Buying tips: Check for a uniform green colour
Care and conditioning: Mist them regularly so they do not dry out
Common name: Lotus pods and leaves, Chinese lotus, Sacred lotus
Botanical name: Nelumbo nucifera
Recommended uses:
They are used to add interest in modern designs, arrangements, hand-tied bouquets etc
Origin / Environment: Asia, Australia
Availability / Natural season:
All year round for dry pods, late summer for fresh pods
Cost: $5
Buying tips:
Look for fresh product, clean green pods without brown patches
Select straight, strong stems
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stems in place them in water
Hydrate them at all times
Other information: Their vase life range from 7 to 10 days green then they can be dried out
Botanical name: Nelumbo nucifera
Recommended uses:
They are used to add interest in modern designs, arrangements, hand-tied bouquets etc
Origin / Environment: Asia, Australia
Availability / Natural season:
All year round for dry pods, late summer for fresh pods
Cost: $5
Buying tips:
Look for fresh product, clean green pods without brown patches
Select straight, strong stems
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stems in place them in water
Hydrate them at all times
Other information: Their vase life range from 7 to 10 days green then they can be dried out
Common name: Willow, pussy willow
Botanical name: Salix discolor
Recommended uses: to add height and interest to an arrangement
Origin / Environment: Canada, United States
Availability / Natural season: All year long
Cost: $15 a bunch
Buying tips:
Chooses stems with no leaves with a good uniform colour
Pussy willow should be young and fresh looking with evenly placed buds; they should be straight
Check that the stems are not damage or have any desease
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stems and place them in fresh water with a bactericide
Other information:
The pussy willow' s vase life range from 14 to 21 days
Botanical name: Salix discolor
Recommended uses: to add height and interest to an arrangement
Origin / Environment: Canada, United States
Availability / Natural season: All year long
Cost: $15 a bunch
Buying tips:
Chooses stems with no leaves with a good uniform colour
Pussy willow should be young and fresh looking with evenly placed buds; they should be straight
Check that the stems are not damage or have any desease
Care and conditioning:
Recut the stems and place them in fresh water with a bactericide
Other information:
The pussy willow' s vase life range from 14 to 21 days
References:
-Jones, R. (2001). Caring for Cut Flowers. Collingwood, Australia: Landlinks press
-Maree, J. & Van Wyk, B-E. (2010). Cut Flowers of the World. Queenswood, South Africa: Briza Publications
-Sydney markets: http://www.sydneymarkets.com.au/markets/flowers-market/seasonal-availability.html
-Teleflora: http://www.teleflora.com/
-Jones, R. (2001). Caring for Cut Flowers. Collingwood, Australia: Landlinks press
-Maree, J. & Van Wyk, B-E. (2010). Cut Flowers of the World. Queenswood, South Africa: Briza Publications
-Sydney markets: http://www.sydneymarkets.com.au/markets/flowers-market/seasonal-availability.html
-Teleflora: http://www.teleflora.com/