Crushing on Banksia Ashbyii

Looking to add a bold, textural twist to your floral designs? Say hello to Banksia ashbyii! With its blazing orange flower spikes and rugged, sculptural leaves, this Australian native is your secret weapon for unforgettable arrangements.

🔥 Why We’re Crushing on Ashbyii:  

🔸 That burnt-orange color? Instant warmth.
🔸 Those spiky, cone-like blooms? Hello, texture.
🔸 Silvery foliage? A dusty, desert-chic dream.
🔸 Bonus: it dries beautifully, so your designs last long after the fresh phase.

🌿 Design Tips: 

• Pair it with soft natives like eucalyptus, leucospermum, or leucadendron for an earthy boho vibe. 
• Want more contrast? Tuck in some soft fennel or grevillea flowers for a wild-meets-refined touch. 
• Feeling bold? Mingle a few ashbyii with a king and pink duke, pincushions, conebush, blue lepto and some sea holly for a bright avant-garde aura.

Ashbyii photographs like a dream. Perfect for weddings, events, or that one stunning centerpiece.

So next time you're building a bouquet or styling a display, throw in an ashbyii or two… it’s like an Australian road trip in flower form.

Rotundifolia

Looking for alternatives to Chamelaucium or commonly called waxflower? We've got you covered! Consider Lepto Rotundifolia, a member of the Myrtle family and related to clove, eucalyptus, and guava. This Australian native filler flower is often referred to as Blue Lepto or Lavender Queen, and blooms in late spring when it’s waxflower relative is finishing up for the season.

With long woody stems that produce clusters of lavender blooms, Rotundifolia complements the beauty of proteas as well as other seasonal flowers. It’s versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. The long stems are excellent for adding line to an arrangement and are especially chic in oriental and contemporary designs. Rotundifolia stems can also be shaped into decorative handles for baskets, added to dish gardens or simply placed in a bud vase as a charming accent flower.

What to look for

• Buy stems in the bud stage to ensure the longest vase life. 
• Avoid bunches that are shedding or flowers that are turning brown. 
  

Flower Care 

1. Stems should be re-cut with pruning shears. The stems are very woody and may be tough to re-cut, but worth the effort as it will increase longevity. 
2. Place stems loosely in a bucket of flower food solution and place in a cool place where they will get good air circulation. 
3. Rotundifolia has a vase life of 7-14 days.

Lepto Rotundifolia

Lepto Rotundifolia, a member of the Myrtle family and related to clove, eucalyptus and guava, can be easily confused with its relative the waxflower.  Often called “Blue Lepto” or “Lavender Queen”, this Australian native is a favorite around Easter and Mother’s Day.

The long woody stems produce clusters of white, pale mauve or lavender flowers that complement the beauty of proteas as well as an array other spring flowers and foliage.

Rotundifolia is versatile and can be used in a variety of other ways.  Its long stems are excellent for adding line to an arrangement and are especially chic in oriental and contemporary designs. The stems can also be shaped into decorative handles for baskets, added to dish gardens or make a charming accent in bud vases.  Once the flowering season ends, wonderful seed pods form on the branches creating a fun and textural foliage for autumn bouquets and arrangements.

What to look for 

• Buy stems in the bud stage to ensure the longest vase life.
• Avoid bunches that are shedding or flowers that are turning brown. 

Flower Care 

1. Stems should be re-cut with pruning shears. The stems are very woody and may be tough to re-cut, but worth the effort as it will increase longevity.
2. Place stems loosely in a bucket of flower food solution and place in a cool place where they will get good air circulation.
3. Rotundifolia has a vase life of 7-14 days