Banksia Baxteri: A bloom with a Tropical Twist 🌿🍈

In the sun-drenched landscapes of southwestern Australia, nature has crafted some of its most dazzling Banksia. Among them is baxteri, commonly known as Bird’s-Nest Banksia, Baxter’s Banksia, and in Hawaii, it has the nickname “Summer Lime”.

This banksia turns heads with its bright lime-green cylindrical spikes that bloom in summer. Each inflorescence is composed of thousands of tiny flowers arranged in a compact cluster. Baxteri’s leaves are leathery, deeply serrated, and arranged in whorls around the branches, adding to its full, rounded shape.

Another wonderful attribute is baxteri's incredible longevity as both a cut flower and as part of dried arrangements. Whether you’re arranging a centerpiece or creating a large floral display, the lime-green hue and textured shape of the bloom lends an artistic touch to any design. When used as the focal point, baxteri draws the eye and adds dramatic flair to arrangements.

In addition, you can pair this "Summer Lime" with soft, flowing florals like roses, dahlias, or eucalyptus to balance out the rougher edges of the Banksia. Plus, it’s also a favorite in dried floral arrangements, offering long-lasting color and texture.

For couples looking to include something unique in their wedding florals, baxteri is an inspired choice. It’s often used in wedding bouquets for its ability to create a distinct, natural look with earthy tones as it works particularly well at outdoor weddings, adding a tropical twist to the day. 🌞🍈

To ensure that your baxteri lasts as long as possible in floral arrangements, consider these simple tips: 

• Change the water regularly to prevent bacterial growth. 
• Trim the stems at an angle before placing them in water, allowing better absorption. 
• Remove any excess foliage below the waterline. 
• For dried arrangements, hang the flowers upside down in a dry, cool area to maintain their shape and color. 

If you're inspired to create a stunning arrangement, baxteri is a beautiful choice.

In the Field: Banksia Speciosa

Like clockwork… just before the summer solstice, Banksia speciosas are once again in full bloom. Many of the soft, wooly buds have fully opened to form long, Cylindrical spikes. Leathery, saw-tooth leaves fan out in a circular pattern from each flower’s base, creating amazing natural designs. Also referred to as Showy banksia, Ricrac banksia or Mint Julep, the name speciosa comes from the Latin speciosus, meaning ‘showy’… referring to the stunning appearance of the plant, particularly its flowers.

With a refreshing and revitalizing mint-green to yellowish hue, these awesome blooms deliver a wealth of texture and height to arrangements and designs.

Gum Tree Flowers & Nuts

The gum tree or ‘eucalyptus’ is one of the most recognized Australian plants. It is no surprise that its lush green foliage has become an extremely popular addition to garlands, wreaths, bouquets and even large scale floral displays. However, did you know that many varieties of gum produce attractive flowers as well? Eucalyptus flowers are not typical flowers though, as these showy blooms are made up mostly of anthers and styles, rather than petals. This makes gum flowers much more delicate than many other cut flowers. Usually, these flowers are found in white, pink, yellow, and reddish shades. And, in most species, the buds appear in clusters on a single stem that develops on the axil of the leaves.

The cone-shaped fruits that develop are called gum nuts, which have valves that allow the seeds to be shed. These wonderful nuts come in several shapes and sizes and add unique color and texture to designs.

What to look for:

• Flowers that are 1/2 open and fluffy looking.

• Avoid wilted flowers.

Flower Care:

1. Keep cool and out of direct sun light.
2. Strip leaves from the bottom half of each stem. 
3. Re-cut at least 1/2” off each stem and place in cold water.
4. Use a preservative as this will keep flowers looking fresh.
5. Replace vase water with fresh preservative.

Fun Facts:

• Also known as gum trees, for the sticky sap that oozes out of the bark.

• The name “Eucalyptus” came from the Greek words, “eu” meaning well and “kalyptos,” meaning covered, referring to the bud cap that initially covers the flower.

• Eucalyptus is valued for its fast-growing wood.

• Eucalyptus trees are among the tallest trees in the world.

• The wood is commonly used to make digeridoos, a traditional instrument from Australia.

• All parts of the plant can be used to make fabric dyes; colours range from yellow and orange through to green, tan, chocolate and red.