The Essential Guide To The Daphne
Botanical Name: The genus Daphne consists of between 70 and 95 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs in the family Thymelaeaceae. The most common species in cultivation is Daphne odora, known as winter daphne.
Common Name: Daphne
General Knowledge: The Daphne flower, known for its intoxicating fragrance and pretty blossoms, is native to Asia, Europe, and North Africa. In Australia, Daphne is cherished in gardens and used as a cut flower for its delightful scent that fills the air, especially during late winter and early spring. A fun fact about Daphne is that while its flowers are a treat for the senses, the plant is toxic if ingested, and its sap can cause skin irritation, which is a stark contrast to its enchanting aroma and appearance.
Colour Range: Daphne flowers exhibit a unique colour transformation as they bloom. The buds start off as a deep red, gradually opening to reveal delicate pinkish-white flowers. This colour range adds a touch of elegance and softness to any floral arrangement.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Daphne flowers make their appearance in winter, providing a fragrant and beautiful option during a season where fewer flowers are in bloom.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Winter weddings and events in Australia can benefit from the sweet fragrance and subtle beauty of Daphne flowers. They are especially suitable for intimate gatherings, romantic themes, and elegant settings.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Daphnes are grown in Australia.
Buying Tips: To ensure the freshest flowers and a longer display life, choose Daphne flowers that are just starting to open. Look for vibrant, healthy buds and avoid flowers that are already fully open or showing signs of wilting.
Design Tips and Advice: Daphne flowers are ideal for fragrant posies, boutonnieres, and low glass vase arrangements. Their distinct fragrance can add an extra layer of sensory appeal to any design, while their compact size and delicate blooms provide a touch of romance and softness. They can be used as a focal flower or combined with other blooms for a fuller arrangement.
Flower Maturity: Choose flowers that are in the early stages of opening.
Expected Vase Life: Daphne flowers have a notably short vase life, lasting between 3 to 5 days. It is crucial for customers to be aware of this to set proper expectations for the longevity of their arrangements.
Typical Stem Length: The stems are relatively short, averaging around 15 cm, which makes Daphne flowers more suited to smaller, more compact arrangements or posies.
Typical Bunch Size: The number of stems per bunch can vary, offering flexibility in how the flowers can be purchased and arranged.
Floral Preservatives: Use floral preservatives in the water to help extend the vase life of Daphne flowers, even though their lifespan is naturally short.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Daphne flowers are not sensitive to ethylene, which means they won’t be adversely affected by exposure to this plant hormone often found in ripening fruits and emitted by some flowers.
Temperature Requirements: Avoid cool storage for Daphne flowers. They prefer to be kept at room temperature to maintain their freshness and fragrance.
Potential Problems to Avoid: Be cautious of older stock where the flowers have lost their fragrance or the blooms are partly closed, as these are indicators that the flowers are past their prime. Handle the flowers gently to avoid bruising.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Daphne flowers should not be placed in cool storage due to their short vase life. They fare better when kept at room temperature.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Ensure Daphne flowers are well-hydrated and use a vase solution with floral preservatives to slightly extend their vase life.