From weird shapes, unusual markings like spots and stripes, we always have something oddly wonderful in our flower cooler.
1. Banksia
Banksia has huge cone-like flowers measuring the size of a man's hand from the wrist up to the tips of the fingers.
With
more than 170 species of the Protea family, Banksia is a very diverse plant. These
Australian wild flowers are easily recognized by their characteristic
flower spikes and
fruiting "cones" and heads.
When it comes to size, banksias
range from
prostrate woody shrubs to trees up to 30 meters tall. They are generally
found in a wide variety of landscapes, (occasionally) rainforest,
shrub land, and some more arid landscapes, though not in Australia's
deserts.The narrow leaves are up to 10" long. Colors are mainly orange, red, yellow. The cone flower shape and size ranges dramatically according to variety and season. The name "Banksia" comes from naturalist Sir Joseph Banks. Vase life is to very good for Banksia, usually 10-18 days.
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2. Kangaroo Paw - Anigozanthos flavidus
Sometimes
called the Australian sword lily.
Kangaroo Paws are another unique flower from Australia. The stems come from an evergreen perennial native to Australia that is leafless. The colors that the flowers come in are yellow, red/green, and orange.
They have become popular in recent years in flower
arrangements and even in gardening for their very unique flowers. Why they are called Kangaroo Paws should be fairly obvious, as
the flowers mimic the shape of a kangaroo's small paw.
The vase life of Kangaroo Paws is average to good, 7-14 days usually.
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3. Sea Holly - Eryngium planum
A sea-side growing perennial flower with leathery and spiny leaves
that act like thistle. Their purple and silver tones are stunning.
Sea Holly's cone-shaped flowers heads are deep blue or purple. It was originally grown in Asia and Europe. Vase life is average to good, usually 7-14 days.
It's said in the book Myths and Legends of Flowers, Trees, Fruits, and Plants in All Ages and All Climes by Charles Montgomery Skinner, page 108, says that it used to be believed that if you concealed Sea Holly in your pocket and thought about the one you loved that it would bind that person to you like bands of steel bind things together. Which would be very challenging to continue to do for very long, because of the needle-like quality of the leaves. Which would surely be felt through the fabric of your pocket to your skin. Ouch!
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4. Hanging Amaranthus
Made popular in vases because of the way it spills over the sides
towards the ground.
It comes in green or red. It seems that we get many
requests from brides to include these in with their bouquets. We also
think it looks amazing for Christmas centerpieces and arrangements on a
mantle.
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5. Abracadabra Rose
Poof! It's beauty is sure to mesmerize.
The Abracadabra rose may be
small in size, but it's petals with their yellow striping are like
magic.
Say The Magic Word
Get some Abracadabra roses in your flower bouquet for a beautifully arrangement.
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6. Billy Balls - Craspedia globosa
Also
sometimes referred to as drumsticks or billy buttons.
These playful stems of Craspedia globosa (drumsticks) are usually grown from seed in Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. The leafless stem with it's yellow roundish head is
used in flower arrangements to add points of interest and a touch of humor. Their vase life is good, usually 8-14 days. The flower heads have no distinctive fragrance or scent.
Also, they are excellent for drying. Simply hang loose bunches upside down in a well-ventilated area and they will dry out themselves.
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7. Lady's Slipper Orchid - Paphoipedilum cultivars
Lady's Slipper Orchid - Paphoipedilum cultivars
Slipper Orchids are perrenials with strap-shaped leaves arranged in two ranks. The distinctive flowers are often solitary. The petals of the flowers have beautiful stripes and spots.
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8. Black Beauty Rose
Our Black Beauty rose looks like black cherry velvet.
People can't help but touch it's luxurious rich dark petals. They are so sensual. One of our most popular rose varieties for it's color and look.
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9. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)
This majestic flower gets it name from it's unusual colorful petals resembling that of a vivid tropical bird of paradise alighting to the sky from the branch of a tree.
It is even grown as a garden plant in warmer climates, like Hawaii.
In South Africa it is known as the Crane Flower.
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10. Pincushion Protea
A very unusual looking flower that hails from the coastal mountain regions of South Africa & Australia.
The Pincushion Protea flower has a rounded head of springy, firm non-sharp hooks curling upright. Giving it the appearance and name Pincushion. It comes in colors of red, peach/coral, and yellow.
The flowers are prized not only for their unique look, but also because they last for a very long tome in a vase.
Fun Fact: Pincushion Protea requires the smoke from a fire in order to germinate their seed.
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11. Heliconia
Another plant that is an exotic as they come.
The heliconia plant. With vivid colors that scream of the tropical islands.
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12. Protea
It's unique shape and color lend an Avant Garde flavor to floral arrangements, mixing well with many other tropical flowers too.
The Protea hails from South Africa where it grows in the blazing heat. It's been brought to the States and is grown in warm places like Hawaii and Santa Barbara.
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13. Ginger
Ginger is a gorgeous flower.
More info coming soon
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14. Lucedendron Protea
A junior member of the Protea family.
Coming in redish, yellowed, or orangish tips.
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