Protea Pink Ice: A Go-To Fall Focal

As summer fades and palettes shift to velvety pinks, deep burgundies, and soft neutrals, Pink Ice starts stealing the spotlight in the fields… and it's no surprise that designers and wholesalers alike will soon be reaching for it as a go-to fall focal.

Long admired for its durability, texture, and seasonally on-trend coloring, Pink Ice is more than just another protea, it's a reliable staple that delivers impact, value, and flexibility during the late summer and autumn months.

What makes Pink Ice such a reliable staple?

 -  With  deep rose‑pink tones edged in frost‑white bracts, Pink Ice is adored for its dramatic shape and texture... it's striking & artistically versatile. The velvety bloom contrasts with soft petals and adds visual interest without overwhelming a design.

-  With a shelf life of over two weeks, Pink Ice is ideal for event work, installations, and retail… it's a bloom with remarkable longevity and resilience that earns its cost per stem tenfold. Plus, after the event, you can reuse the bloom in dried arrangements.

-  Proteas are among the Earth’s oldest flowering families. Their unique cultural & symbolic appeal gives them a sense of mystique… symbolizing transformation, courage, and resilience. In South African folklore, they hold deep cultural significance, embodying both beauty and strength.

-  Pink Ice, is seeing a surge in popularity thanks to its architectural form, sustainability, and versatility across styles. From rustic weddings to modern interiors, this flowrs fits seamlessly into evolving aesthetics that favor individuality, texture, and sustainability.

Whether you’re a florist seeking a statement centerpiece, or a trend-savvy decorator, Pink Ice delivers... combining beauty, resilience, and soulful symbolism into one unforgettable bloom.

7 Protea Wreaths That Showcase Fall’s Bounty

While pumpkins, wheat stalks, and colorful leaves tend to be favorites when it comes to autumn decor, few things say ‘fall’ better than a beautiful wreath. They are incredibly versatile and don't just need to be for doors, they are wonderful displayed on walls and mantles, and even used on the dining table.

Wreaths add to the cozy, welcoming ambiance of the fall. So, be sure to take advantage of the season’s warm hues and interesting textures as they can be an easy way to update your décor and mark the seasonal celebration of autumn.

For a wreath with longevity, proteas are perfect as they look stunning ‘fresh’ but ‘in the spirit of the harvest’, they also dry beautifully and will last for months… maybe even years to come.

Hopefully, this roundup of protea wreaths will inspire you to turn natural elements from your yard or garden, including leaves, sticks, cones, pods, and fabulous florals (like proteas) into unique arrangements. The design possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Current Obsession: Banksia

Banksia-obsessed? Maybe a little... 😊 (Hard not to be with so many wonderful species to choose from right now!)

When it comes to true icons of the amazing Land Down Under, Banksia is one of them. They’ve earned a place on this list as they can be found all over the country. Awe-inspiring blooms that illustrate the signature qualities of this protea genus, bold, unique forms (bottlebrush or spike-like inflorescence) in rich, earthy colors that allow their natural beauty to shine through.

Their effervescence and textures are unrivaled and… they make wonderful cut flowers, both fresh and dried.

Unlike many other Australian wildflowers, the main flush of Banksia come not in spring but in summer and fall. To help you distinguish between the species we’re harvesting now, I’m highlighting a few of our favorites.

Burdettii or also called Burdett’s Banksia and Golden Banksia. This bloom has long serrated leaves and large, bright flower spikes that initially start out white before opening to a brilliant orange.

Victoriae or also called Woolly Orange. This lovely bloom starts out as an intriguing greyish-white bud and becomes a brilliant orange as the styles open out from the base, giving it a fluffy or woolly (hence the name) appearance.

Prionotes or also called Acorn Banksia, Orange Banksia or Orange Frost. It’s hard not to see how this banksia earned its name… the sight of an open flower-spike is enough to make any squirrel go nuts. The acorn-shaped bloom in cream and orange hues, evolves from a small silvery-white bud. The long stem and long, slender foliage contribute to its stunning texture.

Banksia baxteri or also called Bird’s-Nest Banksia, Baxter’s Banksia and in Hawaii, fittingly known as ‘Summer Lime’. This awesome bloom that starts out as a squat, lime-green bud opens to form a stunning globe-shaped flower surrounded by unique, deeply serrated foliage.

Speciosa or showy banksia. And… as the name “Showy” suggests, this species puts on quite a display with its long, green cylindrical spike and leathery, saw-tooth leaves that fan out in a circular pattern from the flower’s base. Also referred to as Green Banksia and Mint Julep due to its refreshing and revitalizing hue and Ricrac Banksia for its ridged foliage.

Want to grow your own banksia? It’s easy if you provide well-drained soil, full sunlight, and good air circulation. Plant on a low mound of soil to promote drainage, then surround the plant with mulch. Perfect drainage is critical, as banksia flowers are susceptible to root rot. Water banksia twice a week for the first year or two, then cut back to a weekly deep watering during hot, dry weather. Pruning isn’t necessary, but you can shape the plant or trim it to maintain the desired size.

Christmas in July - Protea Angels

It's no secret that I love protea. And I'm a firm believer that it's never too early to start preparing for Christmas! I’ve been watching the Hallmark’s Christmas in July movies and getting into the spirit. If you want to start doing a little Christmas in July crafting read on for a fun project, you can start making today!

DIY Protea Angels - Is there anything better than Christmas decor that is hand-made and natural?

Protea angels are not only pretty ornaments on a tree though… Imagine how sweet they could be sitting on a shelf, or adorning a holiday table? Best of all, they only take a few minutes to make.

First, you need to gather your supplies. Here's what I used:

• Dried protea blooms and pods 
• Protea leaves 
• Everlastings and other decorative flowers 
• Small wooden doll head 
• Sharpie markers 
• Hot glue gun 
• Twine

To make these you need to drill a small whole in the bottom of the wooden doll head and then design the face (eyes, nose, mouth and hair) with the colored markers. Repeat this step for as many angels as you'd like to make.

Then select the dried protea blooms you prefer to use for the body of the angels. Next you need to affix the wood doll head to the stem of the protea flower using the hot glue to secure it in place.

Cut a small piece of twine, twist it in half and attach it to the head with a dab of the hot glue. Finally, use the everlastings and other decorative blooms to fashion the angels with a floral crown and dress garnishing.

Just like a snowflake, no two protea angels you create will be exactly alike. That’s the beauty of nature and handmaking your own Christmas ornaments. Each is unique and different and beautiful.

Quick Tips to Improve Protea Life

The demand for Protea has reached fever pitch as their sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make them the perfect cut flowers. The family tree originates in South Africa and these blooms love sun and sugar, especially Eximia, Latifolia, and Dutchess varieties.

Contrary to popular belief, Protea are not tropical flowers… they are actually Mediterranean flowers, and they can be stored in a floral cooler, especially during warm summer days. Here are some quick tips to improve protea life: 

• Unpack the flowers immediately. 
• Cut up to 1/2 inch off the stems and remove leaves that will end up in the water. 
• Store flowers in a well-lit floral (protea prefer to rest with the light on) cooler or refrigerator between 43-50 Fn. 
• Removing a few leaves around the flower head will enhance the flower display. Note, some Protea are prone to leaf blackening and even with the best post-harvest care, it can still happen. So, if the flower looks fresh and healthy to you, just remove those leaves as well.
• Use a flower preservative or a teaspoon of sugar for added longevity. 
• Check water levels frequently as protea get very thirsty. 
• Keep then out of direct sunlight whenever possible. 
• With proper care, blooms can last weeks in a vase. Then, they don’t die… they dry beautifully! Many Proteas retain their structural design and to some extent their color. When used in dried flower arrangements or wreaths, they are as permanent as almost anything the botanical world provides.

Fashioning Protea Angels

Why not skip this year’s after Christmas clearance sales and make hand-crafted decorations for the next holiday season?

Dried flowers have made a big comeback over the last two years. Trendy dried blooms and pods are in high demand and many stores can't keep them in stock. So, while you might not be able to purchase them from your favorite store, you can dry your own flowers (protea preferred) at home and use them in all kinds of fun crafts.

Can you say angels? We’re turning the protea from our Christmas centerpieces into ornaments for the next holiday season. Did you know proteas are ever-flowers? Designing and fashioning your own ornaments can be a great way to utilize dried protea.

With proper post-harvest care, blooms can last weeks in a vase. Then, they don’t die… they dry beautifully! Many Proteas retain their structural design and to some extent their color. When used in crafts, like ornaments, they are as permanent as almost anything the botanical world provides.

So, if you're tired of the typical store-bought decorations, we suggest you take a look at these holiday angels.

Here’s what you’ll needed to make your own angels:

• Dried proteas
• Dried pods for hats 
• Dried leaves (for wings) 
• Dried wildflowers for accessories
• Round wooden doll heads 
• Ribbon, twine, and floral wire 
• Embellishments 
• Sharpe markers 
• Paint 
• Hot glue

When protea blooms find their ultimate place in a dried decor, they finish a story that began in Gondwanaland and triumphed over a thousand adversities. They represent a special kind of bond, a link to the past and a reminder of the present and how new life springs eternal.

How to Care for Your Protea Wreath

It feels only right that we look for fresh, exciting ways to celebrate the season after another year that has been anything but ordinary. As holiday wreaths go up, we love the idea of replacing the faux with fresh protea and greens. A bountiful protea wreath enhances festive décor and adds a sense of luxury and organic authenticity to a home. Our wreaths are crafted using fresh-cut proteas and seasonal foliage to ensure longevity. But what can you do to help ensure the longevity of your wreath once you’ve placed it in that special place? Follow these simple steps:

Soak to Hydrate

Whether you decide to hang the wreath in the heat of your house or the chilly air outside, these winter environments are dry, and the flowers have no source of moisture. If you have a large enough container or tub place the wreath in a couple inches of water to allow it to 'drink' from the back where the stems are. Let it soak for a few of hours, or if you want optimal results, your wreath should stay in the water for a full day.

Moisturized Often

You will need to adjust the amount of water your wreath requires based on where you put it. A wreath displayed outside in a cool climate will require misting once a day. A wreath kept outside in a warm climate or displayed indoors will need frequent watering or misting. This helps the wreath retain moisture by sealing the pores on the proteas and foliage.

Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat

It can be tempting to place the wreath in a spot where it gets direct sunlight. But direct light can dry out the flowers and foliage, whether you place them indoors or outdoors! If you decide to hang your wreath indoors in a heated room, keep in mind that it probably won’t last as long because they favor a colder climate to thrive.

Dry and Enjoy

After the flowers begin to fade, cease spraying and let the wreath dry naturally. Protea don’t die, they dry Beautifully and will continue to spruce up your home for months.

Fashioning Protea Ornaments

When it's time to decorate for the holidays this year, you may be devoted to your favorite store-bought decorations that have been tucked away in your garage all year long. While they’re a nice way to jolly up your home, we think designing and fashioning your own ornaments can be a more creative way to decorate. Whether you're already in the ‘elf mode’ or want to hold off on making anything until you've picked out your tree, there's never a wrong time to start thinking about creating some unique, homemade ornaments.

That brings us to our favorite holiday décor. Yep... you’ve guessed it once again, proteas! Did you know proteas are ever-flowers? With proper post-harvest care, blooms can last weeks in a vase. Then, they don’t die… they dry beautifully! Many Proteas retain their structural design and to some extent their color. When used in crafts, like ornaments, they are as permanent as almost anything the botanical world provides. The best part? Our favorite ornaments can be enjoy during the holidays and long after the season ends. So, if you're tired of those old store-bought decorations, we suggest you take a peek at these sweet angels.

When protea blooms find their ultimate place in a dried decor, they finish a story that began in Gondwanaland and triumphed over a thousand adversities. They represent a special kind of bond, a link to the past and a reminder of the present and how new life springs eternal.

November Articles of Interest

The one sure way to kill these beautiful,

hardy plants is with too much water and fertilizer

Some of the most glamorous plants for Southern California gardens come from a region whose soil is so poor in nutrients that fires are essential in providing fertilizer in the form of ashes for the existing flora. I am speaking about South Africa’s Cape floristic region. This area is more packed with endemic species than any other place on earth.

“Endemic” describes plants that are native to a specific place. Our own Channel Islands, for example, are famous for the seventy endemic species that grow there, and California has more endemic species than any other state. Yet the number of endemic species in the Cape floristic region — an area the size of Colorado — approximates the number of endemic species in all of North America.

Read more here.
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The florist behind Melourne’s Urban Blooms project

What better way to celebrate a reawakening than with flowers. Capturing the spirit of Melbourne after months of lockdown is the huge floral display that Cherrie Miriklis-Pavlou of Flowers Vasette installed over the grand archway at the entrance of the iconic Flinders Street Station last Saturday.

The Flinders Street installation falls under the Urban Blooms project that is part of the $100 million Melbourne City Recovery Fund delivered by the City of Melbourne and the Victorian State.

Read more here.
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Dried flowers are an Instagram obsession.
Here’s how to preserve, arrange and photograph them.

At first glance, Euclid Farm’s storefront might catch your eye as just another stylish Queen Street boutique, but look a little closer and you may be surprised at what you see. The shop window is filled with a display of dried flowers - and containers of dried blooms and grasses wrapped in bouquets of brown craft paper are the first thing you see when you step into the shop located directly across from Trinity Bellwoods Park.

Read more here.
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Handcrafting Beautiful Bloom Arrangements

I have always loved the sight of a fresh, unique bouquet inside my home. Not only do flowers incite mood-enhancing qualities, but they also add just the right pop of color to a room. And while I enjoy my weekly routine of picking up premade bunches from a store, I thought it would be fun to learn how to create an arrangement using dried/preserved flowers, which are gaining popularity in home decor and at events. They’re also low maintenance since they don’t require changing of water and can be swapped throughout the seasons.

Read more here.