The Essential Guide To The Berzelia
Botanical Name: Berzelia lanuginosa
Common Name: Berzelia
General Knowledge: The Berzelia flower, distinguished by its small, button-like blooms clustered into dense spheres, is native to South Africa, particularly thriving in the fynbos region. In Australia, Berzelia is utilised as a unique and textured addition to floral arrangements and bouquets, often celebrated for its ability to add depth and interest to designs. A fun fact about Berzelia is that it belongs to the same family as Proteas and Leucadendrons, known for their resilience and adaptability, which allows them to flourish in Australia's similarly diverse climates.
Colour Range: The Berzelia flower is predominantly green. As the flower heads mature, the tiny florets open and turn creamy-white. Some cultivars have a red blush or red waxy highlights on the stems underneath the flower balls.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Available from June to November, though this can vary depending on the cultivar and climate conditions.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: With its availability extending from late autumn through to spring, Berzelia can be a good choice for weddings and events held in these seasons in Australia.
Buying Tips: For the best quality, purchase Berzelia when each individual flower head is the size of a pea and is a fresh green without any browning.
Design Tips and Advice: Berzelia is most commonly sold at the green stage, when the pea-like spherical flower heads are still tightly closed. The lime-green colour complements flowers of any colour, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of arrangements. The soft, conifer-like foliage can be used grouped or wired to enhance and physically support other products in arrangements, including wedding bouquets and accessories.
Flower Maturity: Purchase Berzelia when the flower heads are the size of a pea and a fresh green colour for the longest vase life.
Commercial Growth: Berzelia is grown in Australia.
Expected Vase Life: Berzelia has a long vase life, ranging from 14 to 21 days when in the green stage. However, it is important to note that when the flower heads mature to the fluffy, creamy-white stage, the vase life is shorter.
Typical Stem Length: The stems of Berzelia flowers can range from 40 to 100 cm in length.
Typical Bunch Size: A standard bunch of Berzelia flowers typically includes 5 to 10 stems.
Floral Preservatives: It is not recommended to use floral preservatives with Berzelia flowers.
Ethylene Sensitivity: The sensitivity of Berzelia flowers to ethylene is unknown.
Temperature Requirements: Berzelia flowers should be stored at cool temperatures, between 2–4 °C.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Store Berzelia flowers at cool temperatures, between 2–4 °C, to maintain their freshness.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Ensure the fine foliage is kept above the water level in the vase.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: The sensitivity of Berzelia to ethylene is unknown, so it is advisable to keep them away from products known to produce ethylene.