The Essential Guide To The Eriostemon
Botanical Name: Philotheca spp.
Common Name: Eriostemon, Philotheca
General Knowledge: The Eriostemon, more commonly known now as Philotheca myoporoides or waxflower, hails from the diverse flora of Australia, particularly found in its eastern regions. Revered for its use in perfumery and floristry, the waxflower lends a delicate charm and a pleasant fragrance to bouquets and arrangements. A fun fact about this dainty bloom is that, despite its fragile appearance, it's quite hardy and can last up to two weeks in a vase with proper care, making it a favourite in Australian homes and events.
Colour Range: This delightful flower comes in shades of white, blush pink, deeper pinks, and mauve.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Waxflower is a spring blooming plant, adding to its charm during this season of renewal.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Perfect for springtime weddings and events, Eriostemon offers a sweet, romantic appeal.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Yes, Eriostemon is commercially cultivated, which makes it readily available during its growing season.
Imported into Australia: It is generally not imported as it is native and widely available in Australia during its season.
Buying Tips: Look for healthy, glossy green foliage and choose bunches with buds beginning to show colour and open. Steer clear of bunches where flowers are already dropping, or the petals appear dry or shrivelled.
Flower Maturity: Select flowers that are in the early stages of bloom for maximum enjoyment.
Expected Vase Life: With proper care, Eriostemon can delight you for 10 to 14 days in a vase.
Typical Stem Length: These flowers boast a stem length that ranges from 50 to 60 cm, making them versatile for various floral arrangements.
Typical Bunch Size: The number of stems per bunch is variable, often tailored to the needs of the arrangement or sale.
Which Floral Preservatives to Use: It is recommended to use standard commercial floral preservatives to extend the vase life of Eriostemon.
Ethylene Sensitivity: The sensitivity to ethylene is not well documented, so it is safest to treat these flowers as if they are sensitive and keep them away from fruit and other sources of ethylene.
Temperature Requirements: They prefer cool ambient temperatures ranging from 2 to 4 °C for short-term storage.
How to Avoid Potential Problems: To avoid potential issues with freshness, Eriostemon should be sold and displayed soon after acquisition, as extended cool storage is not advised.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Short-term cooling is acceptable to keep the flowers fresh until sale, but prolonged storage in cool rooms should be avoided.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Consistent hydration with vase solutions containing floral preservatives can help maintain flower quality.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: While sensitivity is unknown, it's best to handle Eriostemon as if it is sensitive to ethylene by keeping it away from fruits and exhausts.