Reeves Pink Bottlebrush

When it comes to summer accent flowers, we have happily entered into an era of the Callistemon - it seems like every other month or so there’s a new batch of Reeves Pink blooms opening up that we just have to harvest. This abundance of delicate, petite flowers got us thinking how fun would it be to mix them with some of our favorite protea - so we can show our friends how wonderful they are when mixed in bouquets.

Callistemon are the true Bottlebrushes, though the name is often confused with Banksia, Melaleuca, Calothamnus and even Grevillea. This Australian genus of about 38 species is a member of the myrtle family. The soft flower spikes are made up of a large number of individual flowers and the foliage when crushed has a citrus scent. Bottlebrush is also easily recognized by the textural seed clusters that are produced after each flowering period.

What to look for:

• Buy when at least half the flowers in a spike are open and brightly colored. 
• Avoid bunches with drooping tips, yellow leaves or where all flowers are in a tight bud stage.

Flower Care:

1. Keep in a cool location. 
2. Strip leaves from the bottom half of each stem and wash stems thoroughly. 
3. Re-cut at least 1/2" off each stem and place in cold water. 
4. Always use a preservative as this will help keep open flowers looking fresh. 
5. Replace vase water every day.

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.