The Essential Guide To The Blushing Bride
Botanical Name: Serruria florida
Common Name: Blushing Bride
General Knowledge: The Blushing Bride flower, botanically known as Serruria florida, originates from South Africa and is commonly used in bridal bouquets and elegant floral arrangements. A fun fact about this delicate flower is that its name purportedly comes from the tradition of Cape Town grooms wearing the bloom in their lapels when they were about to be married, thus ‘blushing’ at the prospect of seeing their bride.
Colour Range: This dainty flower comes in white, pale pink, and a unique pale pink with a candy-pink stripe.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Blushing Bride is available from May to October, making it a prime choice for late autumn, winter, and early spring occasions.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Ideal for winter and spring weddings, especially when a wildflower theme is desired. It blends beautifully with spring blooms for a delicate and natural look.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Yes, Blushing Bride is cultivated commercially, particularly for its high demand in wedding and event floristry.
Imported into Australia: While it is grown domestically, there may be imports to supplement local demand during the peak season.
Buying Tips: Choose stems where the bracts are loosening with the central flower mass just becoming visible. Avoid any with signs of Botrytis, such as pink spots on the bracts, or stems with yellow leaves and overmature flowers.
Design Tips and Advice: Blushing Bride is a versatile flower that works well as a single stem or as a grouped focal point in floral designs. It is a coveted choice for modern, contemporary, and traditional arrangements. Ideal for hand-tied bouquets and can be used in wired arrangements for weddings.
Flower Maturity: Select stems with just-visible central flowers for the longest enjoyment.
Expected Vase Life: Approximately 14 days when cared for properly.
Typical Stem Length: The stems range from 30–60 cm, suitable for a variety of arrangements.
Typical Bunch Size: Sold in bunches of 5–10 stems.
Floral Preservatives: Should be used to extend vase life.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Unknown, but standard precautions should be taken.
Temperature Requirements: Keep in cool storage between 2–4 °C.
Potential Problems: Vulnerable to Botrytis infection on the pedicels, which can cause collapse. Avoid submerging leaves in water as this can lead to blackening, a common issue with the Protea family, although less so with Serruria.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Maintain consistent cool temperatures to prevent premature decay.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Use floral preservatives and keep the stems hydrated without submerging leaves.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: While sensitivity is unknown, it's advisable to handle as if sensitive to ethylene, avoiding exposure to fruit and exhaust fumes.