The Essential Guide To The Candytuft
Botanical Name: Iberis sempervirens
Common Name: Candytuft
General Knowledge: Candytuft, originally from the Mediterranean, has adapted to various climates, including Australia's. It is commonly used to create a whimsical, frothy effect in garden beds and floral arrangements due to its clusters of small, delicate blooms. A fun fact about Candytuft is that despite its sweet name, which might suggest otherwise, the flower isn't actually edible and doesn't have a notable fragrance; its appeal lies in its enduring beauty and ease of cultivation.
Colour Range: Most commonly found in white for cut flower arrangements. Purple and pink varieties are typically reserved for garden bed displays.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Candytuft is available during the spring and summer months in Australia, aligning with its natural blooming season.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: This flower is perfect for spring and early summer weddings or events, adding a touch of old-world charm to floral designs.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Yes, Candytuft is grown in Australia, predominantly for its popularity in garden beds and occasionally for cut flower use.
Imported into Australia: Typically, Candytuft is not imported due to its availability from local growers during its growing season.
Buying Tips: Look for Candytuft with more than half of the flowers on each stem open, as this indicates freshness and ensures a longer display time.
Design Tips and Advice: Candytuft's clusters of tiny flowers add a frothy, light texture to floral arrangements. They work exceptionally well in creating a vintage or cottage-style aesthetic in posies, nosegays, and small vase arrangements. Its transitional look also means it can blend beautifully with a variety of other blooms.
Flower Maturity: Select stems where the blooms are just over half open, as they will not open much more after cutting.
Expected Vase Life: Candytuft has a relatively short vase life of about 5 to 6 days after cutting.
Typical Stem Length: The stems can grow up to 40 centimetres in length, providing a good height for mixed bouquets.
Typical Bunch Size: The number of stems per bunch can vary, but bunches are often generous to allow for full-looking arrangements.
Floral Preservatives: Use a commercial floral preservative to support the flower's health and extend its vase life.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Candytuft is highly sensitive to ethylene, which can cause premature wilting and flower loss.
Temperature Requirements: Avoid cool storage; Candytuft does best at room temperature, away from drafts and heat sources.
Avoiding Problems: Ensure the flowers are not packed too tightly to prevent ethylene buildup and provide good air circulation.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Do not store Candytuft in cool rooms, as the cold may reduce vase life and damage the delicate blooms.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Regularly change the water and cut the stems diagonally to allow for better water uptake.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Keep Candytuft away from fruit, vegetables, and decaying organic matter, which emit ethylene gas.