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.

Star-Spangled 4th of July Flowers

Beautiful centerpieces are a lot like wonderful guests. They add a festive ambiance, entice the eye, and spark interesting and inspiring conversations. With the summer’s abundance of fabulous florals, anyone can easily assemble an arrangement that's dynamic, alluring and intriguing.

Consider hosting a 4th of July gathering and set the scene with a colorful arrangement fashioned with proteas and an array of other flowers and foliage. The good old red, white and blue is a classic color combination that will never go out of style, especially if your gathering is on Independence Day. Take this arrangement for instance, the patriotic color scheme is vibrant and cheerful, and the textures convey a real “Star-Spangled Banner” theme.

The Leucospermum Scarlet Ribbon are the fireworks in this design and the white King Protea along with the Leucadendron Safari Sunset add color and contrast. Stems of Grevillea Ivanhoe and eucalyptus provide a lush green foundation. And, for a spirited touch, I’ve mingled in some spiky blue Eryngium or Sea Holly and sprigs of white Lepto Roundifolia and Jasmine Vine.

Why not compliment this year’s firework celebration with your favorite red, white and blue flowers? They'll add an extra special spark to the day and help create lasting and memorable moments for your friends and families. Happy 4th of July!

Designing with King Protea

King Protea are awe-inspiring flowers, bursting with texture and perfect for designing. From stunning hand-tied bouquets to elaborate centerpieces and displays, these amazing blooms add a regal twist to designs. California King season peaks from April through June, during which time these blooms are at their showiest and most spectacular.

It makes sense, then, that few things say spring like Kings, and I thoroughly enjoy designing with them when the occasion arises. The key is to create an arrangement that highlights the character of the King you are using. This particular design features an array of seasonal proteas that complement the beauty and majestic form of the King. The Flame Giants + Brandi dela Cruz along with some Ashbyi, Pink Duke, Linifolia and Ivanhoe add vibrant color and texture, while the Rotundifolia and eucalyptus provide a welcome contrast. And, for a spirited touch, I added a little spiky Eryngium or Sea Holly. The main thing is to pay attention to the King’s shape, color, and natural tendencies—and work from there to create an arrangement that fully complements the character and beauty of the flower.

Materials 

• Leucospermum ‘pincushion’ Flame Giant and Brandi dela Cruz 
• Banksia Ashbyi
  
• Protea Pink Duke 
• Leucadendron Linifolia 
• Grevillea Ivanhoe 
• Lepto Rotunifolia or Blue Lepto 
• Eucalyptus Parvifolia 
• Eryngium or Sea Holly Big Blue
• Round ceramic container 
• Floral Foam or poultry netting 
• Clippers
  

Steps 

1. Place the floral form or poultry netting in your container and secure with floral tape.
2. Begin designing your arrangement by creating a base of Grevillea Ivanhoe and eucalyptus Parvifolia.
   
3. Place the King Protea off center in the container. 
4. Continue to build around the King with the Leucospermum, Leucadendron, Protea and Banksia. 
5. Once you have a nice base and shape, insert the Blue Lepto. Make sure to cut the stems at an angle to allow maximum water absorption. 
6. For the final touch, use a stem of Sea Holly to bridge the color palette of the arrangement.