Thryptomene

Pronounced “thrip-to-mee-nee,” this Australian native shrub produces dense sprays of petite white or pink flowers winter through spring. The small, needlelike foliage is very similar to waxflower. It has a crisp, fresh and even citrus-like aroma when crushed. Thryptomene is a member of the Myrtaceae family and is closely related to myrtle, bottlebrush, Leptospermum and Eucalyptus. Currently, there are about 40 named Thryptomene species.

The two popular varieties grown for cut flowers are calycina and saxicola: Thryptomene calycina - Commonly known as Grampians heath myrtle or Victorian laceflower, this species of white and pink flowers grows wild in Victoria, Australia, in the mountainous area known as the Grampians.

Thryptomene saxicola - Commonly known as rock Thryptomene, is indigenous to the Stirling and Eyre districts of Southwestern Australia. It grows among granite boulders, and its pale pink or white flowers closely resemble waxflower.

Thryptomenes will last for up to three weeks with proper care and conditions. 

What to look for:   

1. Purchase flowers that have at least 1/3 of the flowers open. 
2. Watch for signs of blossom drop or dry brittle leaves when making selections.

Flower Care:

1. Remove the packaging and bindings immediately upon arrival.
2. Trim the stems with a sharp knife removing at least ½” from each stem.
3. Remove all leaves that fall below the water line.
4. Place the stems into a clean vase or bucket with a properly prepared flower food solution.
5. Place Thryptomene into a floral cooler at 34 F to 36 F, and allow them to hydrate for at least two hours before designing with or selling them. 
6. Provide good air circulation, high humidity and light to keep these flowers looking good.
7.  Recut the stems and change the water frequently.

Interesting Facts: The name Thryptomene comes from the Greek word meaning “made small,” alluding to the small size of most Thryptomene blossoms. The species name calycina refers to the prominent calyx of the flower. The species name saxicola comes from the Latin “saxum,” meaning “rock” or “boulder.”

Verticordia – Featherflowers

Did you know name Verticordia comes from the Latin ‘verto cor’, translated as 'the turner of hearts'?  It’s a reference to the ancient Roman goddess Venus, who was regarded as the goddess of beauty and love and considered to have had the power to bewitch, enslave and turn the hearts of her suitors.  Her sacred flower was the Myrtus, or Myrtle, which belongs to the family Myrtaceae, as does Verticordia.

There are nearly 50 species of verticordia found in Western Australia, and are collectively known as featherflowers, due to their deeply divided fringed calyces.  Each bloom has masses of small cup-shaded flowers forming a ‘plume’ at the top of each branch with small piney leaves often poking out the side.

Most species make excellent cut flowers, and dried flowers will retain their color for a year or more.