The Essential Guide To The Riceflower
Botanical Name: Ozothamnus diosmifolius
Common Name: Riceflower
General Knowledge: The Riceflower, aptly named for its tiny, rice-like blossoms, is endemic to Australia, particularly thriving in the wild bushland of eastern Australia. It is commonly used in dry floral arrangements and as a filler in fresh bouquets due to its long-lasting and durable qualities. A fun fact about the riceflower is that it is a member of the Ozothamnus family and is highly valued in the cut flower industry for its versatility and the way its clusters add texture and depth to floral designs.
Colour Range: Riceflower comes primarily in shades of white and pink.
Australian Seasonal Availability: In Australia, Riceflower is typically available from mid-July to mid-December.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Due to its availability period, Riceflower is popular for spring and early summer weddings and events in Australia.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Yes, Riceflower is commercially grown in Australia.
Buying Tips: Look for stems with at least 50% of the flowers already open, ensuring good colour throughout the flowers, stems, and leaves, and checking for any signs of blackening that could indicate damage or poor handling.
Design Tips and Advice: Riceflower works beautifully in a variety of floral designs, from bunching to wildflower themes, and both small and large bouquets and arrangements. Its transitional style makes it a versatile choice for various settings.
Flower Maturity: For the longest vase life, Riceflower should be harvested at a precise stage of maturity. The most developed flower cluster (corymb) on the stem should be fully expanded, and half of the small buds (capitula) at its centre should have reached full size (about the size of a match head) and appear plump. Harvesting at this stage ensures the flowers are mature enough to last, but not so mature that they are prone to shattering or falling apart.
Expected Vase Life: Riceflower has a good vase life, ranging from 7–14 days.
Typical Stem Length: The stems of Riceflower are relatively long, ranging from 60–70 cm.
Typical Bunch Size: A standard bunch typically contains around 10 stems.
Floral Preservatives: Yes, use floral preservatives and floral food to maximise vase life.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Riceflower is sensitive to ethylene, which can reduce its vase life and overall quality.
Temperature Requirements: Keep Riceflower in cool storage at 2–4 °C.
How to Avoid Potential Problems: Ensure Riceflower is harvested at the correct stage for maximum vase life. Handle the flowers gently and “loosely” to prevent bruising, which can lead to leaf and stem blackening.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Maintain a cool environment (2–4 °C) during storage.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: The flowers should be recut and placed in clean water with a floral preservative added. The floral preservative provides necessary nutrients, helps to keep the water clean, and works to fight off bacteria that could shorten the vase life of the flowers. Ensure that the flowers are always kept well-hydrated, as this directly impacts their longevity and appearance.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Keep Riceflower away from sources of ethylene, such as ripening fruit, to prevent premature wilting.