The Essential Guide To The Christmas Bells
Botanical Name: Blandfordia
Common Name: Christmas Bells
General Knowledge: Christmas Bells, known for their vibrant, bell-shaped flowers, are indigenous to the coastal heathlands of eastern Australia. These unique flowers are often used as a festive decoration during the Christmas season, hence their name, adding a touch of natural Australian charm to holiday displays. A fun fact about Christmas Bells is that they belong to the genus Blandfordia, which comprises four species, all of which are fondly associated with the Australian Christmas tradition due to their bright red and yellow colours, resembling jolly holiday bells.
Colour Range: Christmas Bells primarily showcase a vibrant orange-red colour with a yellow edge. Some varieties present in yellow, red, and forms where up to half of the bell can be yellow.
Australian Seasonal Availability: This flower is available from October to January, making it a popular choice for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Given their bright, festive colours and seasonal availability, Christmas Bells are a sought-after choice for events and weddings taking place during the Australian summer, particularly around Christmas time.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Christmas Bells are grown in Australia, but there are relatively few commercial growers due to the plant's challenging cultivation requirements.
Buying Tips: Look for bunches where at least one bell is fully open, ensuring the flowers are at the right stage of maturity. Ensure that the plant has the required license tag attached at purchase, as Blandfordia is a protected plant. Avoid blooms that are damaged or malformed.
Design Tips and Advice: Christmas Bells work well as focal flowers in arrangements due to their unique and eye-catching appearance. Their vibrant colours and bell-shaped flowers make them a perfect choice for festive arrangements and celebrations.
Flower Maturity: Purchase Christmas Bells when at least one bell per bunch is fully open.
Expected Vase Life: With proper care, Christmas Bells can last up to 12 days in a vase.
Typical Stem Length: The stems of Christmas Bells typically range from 30 to 70 cm.
Typical Bunch Size: A standard bunch of Christmas Bells usually consists of 5 stems.
Australian Native - Protections Applying: Blandfordia is a protected plant in Australia, and a license is required for its sale. Ensure that any purchase of this flower comes with the necessary documentation and license tag.
Floral Preservatives: It is not recommended to use floral preservatives with Christmas Bells.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Christmas Bells are not sensitive to ethylene.
Temperature Requirements: Store Christmas Bells at cool temperatures, between 2–4 °C.
Avoiding Potential Problems: Ensure the flowers are protected from mechanical damage and avoid letting the bells dry out. Handle fully open bells with extra care to prevent damage.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Ensure the flowers are stored at cool temperatures, between 2–4 °C.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Keep the stems well-hydrated but avoid using floral preservatives.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Not necessary, as Christmas Bells are not sensitive to ethylene.